We all have spent a good time staying indoors for the last couple of years to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Staying in also meant working from home, online ordering of groceries and online school for children. So, our cars have been in relaxing mode for longer than usual. Many have not been in their cars for weeks or months. Cars are not meant to be sitting in a garage, collecting dust. They are meant to be driven around so they can function well. Only 20 minutes per week is all it needs to be in its top shape.
Read on to find out the top reasons why your car needs a weekly ride:
1. Charge the battery
If you don’t use your car for more than two weeks, your battery will be completely depleted. To prevent this, keep your car running for 15-20 minutes to keep the battery charged. So, once a week, if you drive for 15-30 minutes at a low speed, it should be enough to keep it in good shape.
Clean the batteries with a cloth and rust cleaning solution from any automotive merchant store once the cables have been removed. You may also clean it with a combination of baking soda and water if you don’t have any expensive rust removal solvent. What makes it so effective? As battery acid is acidic and baking soda is alkaline, the chemical reaction will neutralise the acid, making it safe to handle. The cleaned area can then be rinsed with water and dried with a towel. Reconnect the battery cables by connecting the positive cable first after everything is in place.
2. Movement helps in lubrication
Driving your car once a week will guarantee that all of your vehicle’s moving parts are fully oiled. Parking brake cables and pistons, for example, are crucial parts for a smooth vehicle operation. As a result, when you go for a drive and apply your brakes, the brake pads will naturally scrape the rust off your rotor, guaranteeing that your brakes are in good working order. Car components are comparable to muscles in the human body in that they both need to be exercised on a regular basis to stay in excellent health.
3. Prevent damage to the tyres
When your car is parked for a long time, the weight of the vehicle begins to crush the tyres, resulting in flat spots that can degrade the ride quality. Most flat patches are very transitory; after a few hours of driving, your tyres will return to their former shape. Keep in mind, though, that if your car sits for more than a month, flat patches might become permanent, so it’s better to prevent it. Also, if know what is guard rolling, you can ensure your tyres are not rubbing on the guards.
4. No infestations
If you don’t utilise your car regularly, the creepy crawlies and threatening hornets will create a nest in it. Because they are protected from the harsh weather outside, the dark, damp climate inside the car is ideal for nest formation. Nonetheless, driving your car at least once a week will dissuade any insects or rodents from constructing a nest in your car since they will realise it is not a permanent home for them. So, if you despise bugs but adore your car, do yourself a favour and go for a drive at least once a week.
5. Switch up your parking spot
It’s crucial to switch up your parking place. Moisture can enter into the car’s bottom through porous surfaces like grass and soil, causing rust. If you park beneath a tree, you risk getting sap and bird poo on your car. Both of them are quite harmful to the paint of your car.
6. It keeps you mentally healthy
Do you get tired of gazing at the same four walls every day? Simply rev up the engine and go for a spin. The fresh environment, as well as the familiar views of the streets and people, will undoubtedly cheer you up. After all, being cooped up in your house for an extended period is not enjoyable. So, kick back and relax in your car—life is much more than just work and the pandemic.
To sum up
Working from home and cutting down on running our routine errands can be a big blow to your car. Also, staying at home can be daunting to your mental health. Thus, it is better to take your car for a ride at least once per week. It will not only keep it in its best possible shape but will also give you the much-needed change. Also, read about the car engine repair and the warning signs that you must never ignore. Doing this will keep your car functioning well for a long time.
Author Bio
Hi, I’m Erika Rhein. Being a writer and blogger, I strive to provide informative and valuable articles to people. With quality, constructive, and well-researched articles, one can make informed choices. I cover a wide range of topics, from home improvement to lifestyle and automotive. You can also follow me on Twitter & Pinterest