There may come a time, whether due to seasonal changes, travel, remote work, or owning a second vehicle, when your car remains parked and unused for weeks or months. While it might seem like doing nothing is the best way to “preserve” your vehicle, the opposite is true: prolonged inactivity can lead to battery issues, tire damage, rust, and even pest infestations.
If you’re planning to store your vehicle for an extended period, whether during the winter months or over the summer, following a car maintenance routine is key to avoiding costly repairs later. Below, we outline the most important steps for maintaining an unused vehicle in Ontario, along with helpful tips on keeping your auto insurance up to date.
1. Keep Your Unused Vehicle Covered
One of the most important ways to protect a vehicle in storage is to keep it covered and shielded from the elements.
If You Have a Garage:
Store the car indoors in a clean, dry garage. This will protect it from moisture, UV exposure, temperature fluctuations, and dust. Covering your car indoors with a breathable car cover can add an extra layer of protection.
If You Don’t Have a Garage:
Invest in a high-quality, weather-resistant car cover made specifically for your make and model. Ensure the cover is breathable to prevent moisture buildup, which can cause rust or mould. Look for features like UV protection and reinforced seams for durability.
Tip: Avoid using a tarp or plastic sheeting, as they can trap moisture and damage the paint over time.
2. Start the Engine or Drive the Vehicle Regularly
Even if you’re not using the car, it’s crucial to keep it running from time to time.
- Start your car every 1–2 weeks, allowing the engine to run for at least 15 minutes.
- Drive it around the block if possible, ideally for 15–20 minutes. This helps circulate fluids, charge the battery, and prevent flat spots on the tires.
Warning: If you’re starting the engine in a garage, make sure the garage door is fully open to allow proper ventilation and prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
If driving the car isn’t an option:
- Consider using a battery maintainer or trickle charger to keep the battery from draining.
- Disconnect the battery entirely if the vehicle will sit for several months (though this may reset certain electronic systems).
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3. Change the Oil and Fluids Before Storing Your Unused Car
Before storing your vehicle long-term (especially for three or more months), it’s essential to perform an oil change. Old oil contains contaminants that can damage your engine over time.
Other fluid-related tasks to complete:
- Top off coolant, brake, and windshield washer fluid.
- Fill up the gas tank to prevent moisture from forming inside the fuel tank. Add a fuel stabilizer to keep the gas from degrading and harming the fuel system.
4. Check and Maintain Tire Pressure
Tires naturally lose pressure over time, especially in cold weather. Underinflated tires can develop flat spots, especially if the vehicle is sitting in one place for too long. This is one of the best ways to maintain your unused car during all seasons.
- Inflate your tires to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI.
- If storing the car for several months, consider placing the vehicle on jack stands to take weight off the tires completely.
- Alternatively, roll the car forward or backward a few inches every few weeks to distribute weight more evenly.
5. Keep Your Unused Car Clean — Inside and Out
You may not think about it, but a clean car resists corrosion and interior damage better during storage.
Exterior Cleaning of Your Unused Car:
- Wash and wax the exterior before storage to create a protective barrier.
- Remove any bird droppings, tree sap, or salt that could corrode the paint.
Interior Cleaning of Your Unused Car:
- Vacuum the floors and seats.
- Remove food wrappers, water bottles, or other items that could attract pests.
- Place moisture absorbers or silica gel packs inside to reduce humidity and prevent mould or mildew.
Bonus Tip: Block air vents and the tailpipe with steel wool or dryer sheets to keep rodents from nesting in your vehicle.
6. Don’t Forget About Auto Insurance
Even if your vehicle is not in use, you must keep valid car insurance if it’s registered and parked in Ontario. Driving without insurance—even once—can result in steep fines and legal consequences.
Insurance Options for Unused Vehicles:
- Reduce coverage temporarily to comprehensive-only if you won’t be driving at all. This will still protect against theft, fire, and weather damage.
- Update your mileage usage with your broker. If you’re driving significantly less, you may qualify for a low-mileage discount.
- If the car is leased or financed, keep in mind that full coverage is usually still required by your lender.
For guidance, speak with your isure broker to make the right adjustments without leaving yourself uninsured.
Additional Long-Term Car Storage Tips
Here are some bonus tips to keep your unused vehicle in excellent shape:
- Use a parking brake sparingly: For long-term storage, use wheel chocks instead. Leaving the parking brake engaged for too long can cause the brake pads to stick to the rotors.
- Check under the hood regularly for any animal nests or chewed wires.
- Inspect for fluid leaks on the garage floor or driveway.
- Avoid short trips when you do start using the car again—take a longer drive to allow full circulation of all systems.
- Schedule a tune-up or inspection before returning the car to full-time use.
Maintaining an Unused Car: Conclusion
Letting your car sit unused might seem harmless, but inactivity can take a serious toll on its condition. By following these simple yet essential storage and maintenance steps, you’ll help extend the life of your vehicle, avoid expensive repairs, and stay road-ready when it’s time to drive again.
And don’t forget—keeping your car insurance policy current is not just a legal requirement in Ontario, but also a smart way to protect your investment. If you’re not sure whether your coverage matches your driving habits, or you’re thinking about reducing your car’s insurance while it’s not in use, our team at isure insurance is here to help.
Contact us today to review or adjust your policy and ensure you have the right coverage for your needs.
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