How to Maintain Cars that Don't Get Out Much

Drivers generally know they need regular maintenance on vehicles they use everyday. What about vehicles they drive only occasionally?

For those vehicles, a different set of rules applies.

So says Tony Molla, vice president of the Automotive Service Association, a trade group for repair shops and service centers. 

"A car that is only driven at most once a week has a special set of needs," Molla said.

New cars have a number of features that constantly draw battery power—from alarm systems to clocks and the car's on-board computers. The vehicle's alternator charges the battery when a vehicle is driven frequently. Yet, if it sits idle, the vehicle may not start when you turn the ignition key.

"Cars are designed to be driven regularly," Molla said. "Turn on the ignition and let it warm up for 20 minutes to half an hour at least once week."

"Moisture forms in the engine when the temperature fluctuates between hot and cold," Molla said. A warm up period gets rid of moisture that would otherwise build up in the exhaust system and could cause rust.

"Moisture also can build up in fuel tanks." Molla said. "I recommend adding a can of dry gas or fuel stabilizer to the tank, which helps eliminate problems caused by water condensation. Check with your service representative to choose the right product for your specific make and model.

"Warming the vehicle up is not enough because water or moisture can pool up and cause rust on the engine block or vehicle frame," Molla said. Driving the vehicle to the store or around the block helps evaporate moisture and drain water from crevices."

Seldom-driven vehicles have other issues that can affect driving, too.

"Tires that sit for weeks or months can develop a small flat spot," Molla said. "It generally goes away when tire heats up, but you may notice a thump thump thump sound. If that thumping sound does not go away, the tire or tires may need to be replaced."

Fluids present a different problem for vehicles left standing. Drivers generally don't need to worry about transmission fluid, coolant and windshield washer fluid.

"Yet, oil still needs to be changed on a regular schedule," Molla said. Follow manufacturer recommendations even if the vehicle is seldom driven. "Also, oil shouldn't be left in a car longer than six months," he said.

What if you store your vehicle for months at a time?

"I like to start with fresh oil in the crankcase," Molla said. "It's also a good idea to have a technician give it a once-over to see if there's anything imminent you want to address."

Washing and waxing the car is also a good place to start and will protect the paint from the inevitable buildup of dust and clean away bird droppings, brake dust and other corrosive substances.

Vehicles should be stored under a car cover or, better yet, in a garage. Keeping a car out of direct sunlight prevents the deterioration of parts like wiper blades, convertible tops and tires.

For vehicles in long-term storage, Molla recommends letting it sit on jack-stands with the wheels at least an inch off the ground to prevent the tires from developing flat spots.

"If you live in the country and store a vehicle for a long period of time, you need to open the hood and give it a good look to make sure no animals are living in there," Molla said. "Perform a thorough check of a vehicle that has been in long-term storage before starting it. The check should be as thorough as a pilot checking a plane before flight."

Molla had the following suggestions for vehicles that are seldom driven:

• Keep a regular oil change schedule. This helps prevent corrosion and extends the life of your vehicle's engine.
• Wash and wax before storage. Left unattended, contaminants such as bird droppings or sap can etch permanent "stains" on painted surfaces.
• Check tire pressure or keep vehicle on jack-stands if your vehicle is being stored for months at a time. Tires left standing in one place are prone to cracking or developing flat spots.
• Prevent fuel from going bad by adding a can of dry gas additive or fuel stabilizer to the gas tank. It helps eliminate moisture.
• Drive the vehicle regularly to keep the parts lubricated.
• Store vehicles out of the sun or under a car cover. Ultraviolet rays damage paint, upholstery and rubber.
• Eliminate rust buildup on brake systems by making low-speed stops in the first few miles after removing a vehicle from storage.
• Keep batteries fully charged since they "leak" power continually, Molla said. Attach a "trickle charger," which delivers a small current of electricity without overcharging the battery.
• Unhook the battery altogether if you plan to store your vehicle for months at a time.

"If you do all that stuff, you should have a long happy life with whatever you're driving," Molla said.