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by Marsh Finance on Aug 21, 2024 2:34:37 PM
Alright, let’s talk about keeping your car in the best shape, even when it’s just sitting in your driveway or garage.
First Things First: Will Your Brakes Have Problems If You Don't Drive For A While?
It can happen, mostly if your car is parked outside. In rainy weather, your brake pads might start to rust. But don’t worry – it’s normal, and you can avoid it with some simple care. Keep reading to find out how to combat this, and other tips to help you take care of your car when you're not using it.
Move your car a little every week to keep it in good shape. You don’t need to go far – just a bit of back-and-forth in your driveway or garage will do. If you’re parking on a flat surface, try leaving it in gear with the handbrake off, but be sure to block the wheels to keep it from rolling.
Now, What About Prepping Your Brakes For A Break?
Before you park your car for a while, do a quick check-up - trust us, your car will thank you for it in the future! Look at the brake fluid level, check for leaks, and listen for any strange noises when you brake, like grinding. That might mean your brake pads are wearing out. Also, if it feels like your car is slowing down on its own, your brakes might be dragging, which can cause damage. If your car pulls to one side when you brake, there might be a problem with the brake caliper or pad. If you notice any of these issues, take your car to the garage to fix them before you leave it parked.
Top Tips To Keep Your Car Happy, Whether It’s Hitting The Road Or Taking A Break:
- Cover Up: If you have a garage, use it. If not, use a weatherproof cover to protect your car from the weather.
- Fuel’s Gold: Keep your tank topped up to stop moisture from building up, so you're always ready to roll.
- Battery Buddy: Not driving much? Your battery might lose charge. Run your car for 10-15 minutes occasionally to keep it charged. If you do this in a garage, pull out into the driveway first to avoid exhaust fumes.
- Spick and Span: Clean your car's inside and outside before any long breaks to avoid mould or paint damage from bird droppings.
- Tyre Time: Make sure your tyre pressure is right and ensure everything is sealed tight. Flat spots can appear on tyres when a car isn't used in a long time, so consider taking it for a quick spin or just roll it a bit to mix things up.
- Service with a Smile: Regular check-ups are key, especially after tough winter months where there might have been lots of rain and snow. Keep up with your services and maintenance.
- Insurance Insight: Your car needs insurance all the time unless you’ve declared it off-road with a SORN.
FAQs For Car Care During Downtime:
- How long can a car stay without being driven? About two weeks is the max for a happy battery.
- How often should you start an idle car? A quick 15-minute run weekly should keep battery issues away. If you can’t drive it, just let it run in place.
- What about my MOT? You still need a valid MOT unless you’ve got a SORN. No shortcuts here!
So, there you have it – some friendly advice to keep your car in great shape, whether you’re out and about or just laying low for a while. Remember, if you take all of this into account, your car will be thanking you in the future! 🚗💨🔧
Ready To Keep Your Car In Peak Condition? Let Marsh Finance Guide You!
Keeping your car in good shape is important, even when you're not driving it. It's also important to have a car that suits your needs when you're ready to drive again.
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