HAS YOUR CAR BEEN SITTING ON THE DRIVE TOO LONG? - TIME FOR A CHECK!

Cars are designed to be driven, not to sit idle for months. When left unused, engine fluids start to break down, parts that aren’t getting lubricated begin to corrode, and even worse, animals may move in, chewing on anything they can reach, we have seen this fist hand recently! The longer a car sits, the worse these problems can become, but it’s not all bad news.

Even after a few months, most modern cars can still be safely started – providing the battery still holds a charge. However, there are a few simple checks you should make first. This will help you quickly identify problems while making sure your car is safe to start.

Check the oil level using your vehicle’s dipstick. If you’re not sure where the dipstick is located, refer to your owner’s manual for a diagram. The correct oil level should be between the two indicator marks on the dipstick.

Be sure the engine is cooled off for at least ten minutes before you check the oil. When you go to check the oil, not only should you take notice of the level, but you should observe the color and consistency as well. If this oil is thick and gritty and the color is dark, then it’s likely time for an oil change. Be aware that if your oil level is low, you should not drive your vehicle until you have topped it off to the recommended level with the recommended oil.

Check that your headlights, fog lights, high-beam lights, brake lights, reverse lights, and indicators are all working before you head out on the road. The easiest way to do this is to grab a friend or family member, so one person can activate the various lights and the other can check if they’re working.

Before you check the engine oil and coolant levels, take a look at the floor under the car to see if there are any signs that something has been leaking. As a general rule, you can typically narrow down the issue by observing the color of leak.

Black or light brown usually indicates an engine oil leak

Red or brown usually indicates a transmission leak

Clear, red or brown usually indicates a power steering leak

Transparent yellow or brown usually indicates a brake system leak

Driving your car while it’s leaking fluid can cause serious (and expensive) damage. It’s important to avoid driving if there are any signs of a leak.

To check your vehicle’s brake fluid level, you need to identify the brake master cylinder reservoir. It is typically mounted at the rear of the engine, in line with the position of the brake pedal. Your owner’s manual should be able to show you exactly where it’s located.

You’re simply performing a visual check of the fluid level against the markings on the translucent brake fluid reservoir. Remove the cap of the reservoir and note if the fluid looks healthy or dirty. If your brake fluid is low, it could indicate a problem with your brakes that will need repair asap. Dirty brake fluid can indicate water contamination has occurred and the vehicle’s brake system will need to be flushed.

The first issue you will probably encounter if your car is left idle for an extended period of time is an issue with your battery. Batteries slowly lose voltage over time when left idle. If you haven’t had your car hooked up to a trickle charger or any other type of voltage maintainer, the voltage will have likely dropped below the amount necessary to start the car. Jump starting your vehicle may solve the problem, but after the jump start, let your vehicle run for 5 – 10 minutes to recharge the battery then switch it off and attempt to restart it. If your car won’t restart, there could be a problem with the battery or your vehicle’s electrical system that could leave you stranded if it’s not remedied.

Before you attempt to jump-start your vehicle though, remove the battery cables and check the battery terminals are clean and clear of debris and corrosion.

Ideally, the battery should have a full charge before the vehicle goes into storage, and disconnected from the engine to prevent discharging. The charge should be checked every three months and the battery recharged if it drops under around 12.4 volts.

A visual check of the tyres should be performed to make sure they are in good condition, before attempting to drive the vehicle. Air pressure should be checked and adjusted to the manufacturer’s recommended psi. This can be found on a sticker that is usually located on the driver’s door. You could also find the recommended psi for your tyres in your owner’s manual.

Upon inspection, your tyres may look normal, but when you get behind the wheel to take your car for its first spin in months, instead of the familiar smooth ride, you may feel a vibration through the steering wheel and hear an unfamiliar noise. This is caused by a flat spot in the tire – a problem for any car that sits idle for extended periods of time.  This occurs when a stationary tyre has to bear the load of a vehicle for an extended period. As the weight of the vehicle presses down, the bottom of the tyre spreads out on the ground. As time goes on, the rubber gets stiffer, leaving flat spots on the tyre.

Generally speaking, as you drive the car and the tyres get warm and regain flexibility, the flat spots will disappear. This usually takes around 15 minutes. In extreme winter temperatures, these flat spots can become permanent if a vehicle hasn’t moved for several months.

When the weather cools off, rats and mice look for warmer shelter and can be disastrous for car owners as their engine bay doubles as this season’s hottest rodent hotel. After mice have made a car their new home, their sharp teeth can cause serious damage to engine hoses, plastic panels, and wiring.

Signs that your car may have a mouse problem include:

• Droppings and an associated bad smell 
• Unfamiliar noises when you switch on the fan or heater, indicating the presence of a nest
• Food scraps in unusual places
• Check engine light on your dash, indicating wiring damage
• Bite marks on hoses and wires

Getting mice out of your car can be a time-consuming job. Not only will you have to find and remove their nest, but you’ll also have to clean and disinfect the area around the nest, and more than likely repair any damage they caused.

There are many methods to prevent mice from moving back in such as spraying peppermint oil or putting out moth balls.

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