Car Maintenance & Repair in the Time of COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic is keeping people at home and cars in driveways. Personal travel dropped off an estimated 38 to 48% during the typical 2020 work week, which you might think is good news for your car. Unfortunately, even though your car may be off the road, it’s not out of danger. A car that remains idle for too long can start to break down and leave you with a major repair bill and even a need for extensive auto body repair.
Find out what steps you can take to protect your car from the pandemic.
Has the pandemic done a number on your vehicle?
Contact Flagstaff Collision Center for the auto body repair services you need!
What Happens if You Leave Your Car Idle?
Your car might be a machine, but it can still run into trouble if it sits still for too long. A car that isn’t bring driven enough could experience the following problems:
Flat Tires
Your car weighs a ton - literally (and maybe even more)! All of that weight is put on a small area of your tires, which wouldn’t be a big deal if your car was being driven regularly. Unfortunately, leaving a car in one spot for too long causes flat spots to form on the tires. These can make your car hard to control once you get going on the road and may lead to lower gas mileage and potentially even an accident.
A Dead Battery
Your car battery is perhaps the component that’s most vulnerable to inactivity. In modern cars with onboard computers, the battery could be drained in as little as two weeks without being driven. Your alternator charges your car battery, but the engine needs to be running to do this. In some cases, your car will actually need to be in motion to properly charge your battery.
Pests Move In
Your car is full of dark, hard-to-reach places that can be a safe hiding spot for any number of pests. Birds, lizards, insects, rodents, and even larger animals, such as cats, can move into your car if it’s left idle and cause damage to your vehicle. They can chew through wiring and hoses and leave moltings inside sensitive areas of your vehicle that can pose a chemical or fire hazard. They can also make nests out of fiber in your vehicle, such as from the seating or insulation, and can leave droppings that pose a health hazard and erode host surfaces.
Dried-Out Windshield Wipers, Hoses, and Gaskets
Your car’s windshield wipers and hoses are especially vulnerable to degradation if they’re not used regularly. If your windshield wipers dry out, they can warp and leave smears on the glass when you use them. Hoses can shrink or split if they aren’t in regular contact with fluid. They can also rot if fluid sits in them for an extended time. Gaskets too are vulnerable and can dry out, leaving them brittle and prone to blowing their seal.
Rusty Brakes
Brake rotors are made of metal and tend to develop a thin layer of rust that wears off with regular driving. However, if your car is stationary for an extended period, this layer can grow thicker than normal. Over time, the rust can build up and cause your brake calipers to seize when you try to use them. This can strike at any time, even on the open road, making it a major danger to avoid.
Ruined Paint
Constant exposure to the elements can wear away a car’s paint, especially if you leave your car outside in one spot. Sunlight, animal droppings, and water can slowly strip the paint away from your vehicle, causing it to become unsightly and exposing it to the threat of rust. Dust and water can form mineral deposits that scratch your paint. Debris can also hit your car and scratch or dent your paint, requiring an appointment for auto paint repair.
Fluids Separate
Fluid separation is a major problem that can affect cars that have sat for too long. It can damage components throughout your car or, at the least, make your vehicle difficult to restart. Water can separate from ethanol-based gasoline and prevent your car from starting, the oil around your pistons can degrade, as well as other problems. If your car has sat for a month or longer without being used, it would be wise to get it checked out by an auto body repair shop.
How to Help Your Car Outlast the Pandemic
Just like your own body, keeping your car active can help ward off problems that can damage its health. However, it doesn’t take much activity to keep your car in working order, even if you’re not driving around nearly as much as you did before.
Go for a Drive
The easiest way to keep your car in shape during the pandemic is to take it for a drive every few days. A few minutes on the road, even just around your neighborhood, could be enough to keep vital components such as your battery and air conditioning system in working order. A quick drive could also give you a chance to safely get out of the home and into new scenery. Just be sure not to let your guard down, or you might need some bumper repair after your joyride.
Keep it Clean
Take your car for regular exterior and interior cleanings, even if you don’t intend to use it for a while or if you’re not expecting anyone else to ride with you for a while. Taking your vehicle in for a car wash can remove dust, grime, and droppings that can erode its paint. Cleaning your interior can keep away mildew and odors from items left inside your car.
Check and Change The Oil
Even if you’re not driving very much, your car still needs to receive regular oil checks. While normally you would do this every thousand miles or so, you will want to check more frequently, as your car could burn the oil faster or simply start to break down. Instead of replacing your oil every 3,000 miles, stick to a timeframe of every 3 months. If you’re not going to be using your car for an extended period, change the oil before you start your car again, as used engine oil can damage your vehicle.
Monitor the Tire Pressure
Check your car’s tire pressure to make sure there are no leaks. Raising your tire pressure can help you reduce the chance of getting a flat spot. However, some newer tires are better at resisting flat spots and don’t require greater pressure to maintain their shape.
Check for Creatures
Take some time to check for anything that may have made a home inside your car before starting it up. Larger animals might rest near your engine and could be in danger if you start your car before warning them. They can also damage your vehicle if they’re hiding within parts of it when you start your car. Make regular checks for animals and consider getting a car cover to help keep them out if you intend to store your car for an extended period.
Go Easy on the Parking Brake
Your brakes will get rusty if you leave your car to sit for too long. Unfortunately, this can cause your parking brake to fuse to your car’s wheel if it’s left on for too long. If you intend to store your car, place it in an area where it won’t need to rely on the parking brake to remain in place. The last thing you need is a full brake replacement added to your car repair cost.
Looking for a Safe Auto Body Repair Shop? We’re Here to Help
This pandemic poses a danger to everyone - and everything. However, there are some simple steps you can take to prevent your car from falling victim to it. If you think you’re in need of our auto body repair services, get in touch with us today. We’re one of Northern Arizona’s top auto body repair shops and are happy to help you keep your car in peak condition.
