Depending on the season (or due to the COVID-19 pandemic,) you may find yourself in a situation where your car is sitting in the garage for an extended period of time. Here are the major steps you can take to ensure your unused car is well-maintained in storage.
1. Keep the unused car covered
A big step you can take to make sure your unused car is protected is by keeping it covered. If you have a garage, make sure to keep the car inside so it can stay in perfect working condition. If you don’t have access to a garage, we recommend purchasing a weather-resistant car cover.
2. Drive or start the car
This may seem like a silly point, especially if you don’t have a need for your car right now. However, one of the best ways to keep your unused car in shape is to actually drive it! It is recommended that cars are driven at least twice a month to ensure the battery is still working. A car can sit idly for around one month, but after that, the car battery is at a much higher risk of dying. If you don’t want to drive the car, you can even just start it up in your garage. However, make sure the garage door is open when you do this, so the exhaust can circulate.
3. Continue changing the oil when needed
If you plan on storing your unused car for more than three months at a time, ensure your car’s oil has been changed beforehand. Additionally, check the tire pressure on the car’s tires and replace them if necessary.
4. Check the cleanliness
If you are able, a routine clean-up inside of your unused car is always beneficial. Unfortunately, insects or rodents may infest your car the longer it sits idly, so checking up on your car’s cleanliness when you can is a helpful way to make sure it stays clean.
5. Make sure your auto insurance policy is updated
Even if you plan on driving your unused car once in a while, it is illegal to drive without car insurance, so keep the policy as long as you have the car. Additionally, you can update your car insurance policy to reflect the amount of time you drive.
We hope this quick article clarified some of the steps you should take in order to take care of your unused car. If you have any questions about your pre-existing car insurance policies, or wish to make any changes for an unused car’s policy, reach out to a member of our isure team today.
