Own a car but don’t really bring it out for a regular spin?

Problems can creep in if you neglect your four-wheeler for too long. Regardless of your car make or model, it is important to take good care of it even if you don’t drive as often. Here are some tips to help you keep your car in tip-top condition.

1. Battery – Get charged

Your car battery will start draining away if you leave your vehicle stationary for weeks on end. It can go flat within a couple of weeks, especially if the battery is old or in poor condition. If it stays flat for a long time, you may not even be able to recharge it. You would end up having to replace your battery.

Maintain the battery health of your vehicle by driving it for 15 minutes at least every two weeks. This can help to warm up the engine and fluids.  If you own an electric vehicle, check the charging status at least once a week to ensure that it remains ready for driving.

2. Tyres – Keep up the pressure

The weight of your parked vehicle puts stress on your tyres. Over time, they start to lose pressure and might even gain flat spots where they’ve been resting on the ground.

Before taking your car for spin, check that you have sufficient tyre pressure to ensure a safe ride. Fill your tyres to the recommended pressure stated on the label found on your driver’s door. As a preventive measure, drive your vehicle for at least 15 minutes every two weeks.

3. Oils and fluids – Circulate to lubricate

The motor and other parts under hood need lubrication to function well. The oil and fluids in your car may start to deteriorate or pool in some parts if left stagnant.

Go for a short 10-minute drive to get things flowing. While you are at it, switch on the aircon to promote the circulation of the refrigerant oil. Also don’t push back your oil change schedule under the wrong impression that you can delay it since you are not driving the car much.

4. Body and Paint – Avoid the sun

As any true-blue Singapore driver would know, it is no fun getting into your vehicle after it has been parked under the sun for a while.

Try to find a shaded or covered parking space for your vehicle. UV rays and hot weather can damage the paint and even the interior of your car. To avoid this sun rot and fading paint, invest in a good weatherproof car cover. It can also help minimise scratches and dents from other drivers.

Check your car regularly

Cars are meant to be on the road. If left unattended for a long time, problems can creep in. Always make it a point to check in on your vehicle regularly to check out its condition.

Some drivers have access to smart technologies that help them keep tab on their vehicle health. For example, the intelligent sensors and maintenance system installed in BMW cars automatically alerts owners to potential issues through their BMW iDrive Control Display.

All said and done, just take your car out for a short spin every couple of weeks. A happy car will get you far!