The corona pandemic has changed our everyday lives and our driving habits. Because commuting and long trips are canceled – the car stays in the garage during Corona pandemic.
Even during a longer holiday, summer commuting by bike or after a driver’s license has been revoked, cars stand still for a long time, hence the search for how to get car moving again after sitting for months.
if you want to get behind the wheel carefree, you should pay attention to a few things after a long period of inactivity, Chaktty said.
We give tips about cars that have not been used for a long time, and how you can start the engine again.
Four wheels in a slumber: standing still in cars
First of all, it should be said in advance: “Stagnation damage” occurs less frequently in the garage than with a car sitting for 6 months, parked in front of the house for three weeks in the depths of winter, as it is not exposed to the weather.
Typical damage caused by stationary damage during longer driving breaks includes:
- Corroded brakes
- Discharged battery
- Porous seals
- Problems with the air conditioning
- Paintwork damage (e.g. from bird droppings) and rust
But how often should you drive a car and when does stationary damage occur?
If you leave your car parked for three days, you have nothing to fear, according to Techpally car mart.
Depending on the condition of the car – for example with an old battery – problems can arise after just one week.
Well maintained new cars can stand for up to three months without any problems, says Tecpally.
Tips to avoid car damage after being parked for long
Fill the tank at least halfway before the break to protect the reservoir.
Prevent flat tires: Check tire pressure and inflate tires to the manufacturer’s recommended maximum pressure.
Park the car on level ground to protect the tires. To be on the safe side, move or repark your car a little once a week.
A clean break is best: dried bird droppings can damage the paintwork. Clean your car before the break or check it regularly for dirt stains.
Nice outside, but ugly inside? Not with you: If you leave food leftovers or damp objects in the car, you risk mold or bad smells.
Rubber seals become porous with use. Cleaning and care can help, for example with a silicone spray.
To prevent the battery from discharging, you should, if possible, start the car once a week and take a short drive, says businesspally boss.
This also helps the fuel system: it prevents sticking and rusting, valves and nozzles are blown through.
A trickle charger always keeps the battery at the correct voltage and prevents it from being discharged.
Drive the car after a long standstill
Back behind the wheel after a long standstill? Then you should carry out a check before your first ride.
This applies to both garage cars and vehicles that have been parked outdoors.
If your car hasn’t spent the rest period in the garage, you should definitely check the engine compartment for marten (bite) marks, according to business pally magazine.
Undetected marten damage to the car can cause significant vehicle damage and lead to the engine overheating and causing a short circuit.
Check the coolant when the engine is cold. When the engine is warm, the system is under pressure.
Opening the cooling water cap can cause serious injury or scalding.
The coolant level should ideally be between the MIN and MAX marks.
Also check the brake fluid in the reservoir. If the fluid level is below the minimum, you should have the brake fluid refilled in a workshop.
Also check the car tyres: is there a flat tire, for example? You should also check the tire air pressure before your first ride. The tires should still be cold.
The air pressure has not yet expanded due to warmth or heat, the measurement result is more accurate.
If the tire pressure is too low, you will of course have to pump air into the tire before you can start driving.
Note: Depending on the weather conditions, starting and braking can be a bit jerky at first.
If this resistance does not improve after breaking several times, you should go to the workshop.