Is It Bad To Let Your Vehicle Sit For Long Periods Of Time?
In most cases, it is not good for a vehicle to sit idle for an extended amount of time. Many things can go wrong, not just the paint job or the interior. If possible, it should be stored in a dry, cool area to prevent any of the parts from rusting or being affected by cold or heat elements.
You Should Always Provide Cover
Regardless of how long or short a car sits, you should always protect it. If you don't have a garage or other storage building, you should protect the vehicle with a car cover. However, it is not a bad idea to remove the cover occasionally to ensure it isn't rusting. It is much cheaper than using a storage unit.
Storage facilities can become expensive if you need to keep the car off-road for a long time. On average, the storage of a vehicle can cost anywhere from $20 to $100 every month, depending on the location, security, or other factors. If you choose climate- control, it could range from $45 to $450 monthly depending on what accommodations you require.
Protecting The Tires
Be sure the tires and wheels are clean before it is stored. It is also bad for tires to sit for long periods of time because it can cause flat-spotting. The most vulnerable units are high-speed/high-performance tires because of the nylon reinforced internal components. Under cold conditions, it increases the stiffness in the rubber compounds.
It is best to store the vehicle with the wheels off of the ground using jack stands or blocks to remove the weight from the tires. However, some mechanics advise storing them off of the car and storing them flat.
Protecting The Fluids
It is recommended to top off the fuel, brake fluid, oil, and anti-freeze if the vehicle is out-of-commission for a short amount of time. Rapid temperature changes can cause condensation and evaporation problems. It is also recommended to have a complete oil change including the oil filter. Debris can cause damage if the oil filter isn't capable of doing its job when the vehicle is restarted.
Protecting a Vehicle That Sits For Over Six Months
The battery and fluids should be removed from the car. It will probably need another battery. Condensation could be apparent in the gearboxes and crankcases. The rubber gaskets and hoses could be ruined from neglect. These are just a few of the problems that could happen to your car.
It is advisable to drive a car at least twice each month to combat the crumbling or drying out of the car's parts. If you follow these basic steps, your vehicle should be good to go when the time comes for it to hit the road. To learn more, contact a company like Exit 48-24 Hour Repair.