There is nothing better than putting on some good music and driving down a scenic route with the wind in your hair. Taking your car out of a long period of slumber is exciting but involves some minor tasks to ensure your own safety, and the safety of the car, during those sweet cinematic joyrides.
To ensure you don’t need to call a tow truck company on the side of the road after an emergency, here are some tips to take care of your car after keeping it in storage for a few months.
Inspection
Before anything else, do a self-inspection of your car for any damage or possible issues that may have arisen over time. Some things to look out for are fluid leaks, tire quality, and whether anything is living under the car.
Be sure to check under your car to see if any fluid has leaked out and where it is coming from.
The quality of your tires and whether they are fully inflated is important to prevent flat tires. You don’t want them to have any cracks. If you want to be extra sure, you can take it to a mechanic or call a towing company in Vancouver to get the pressure inflation checked. Depending on wear, tires usually last around five years, so don’t forget to quality check them.
When cars are stored in a garage, a common problem is birds nesting underneath or neighborhood cats taking a nap. So make sure to quickly check before you turn it on.
Battery Life
Check your car battery for corrosion. A battery will die without use and if your car has been stored for a while, it is most likely not going to start. If there is some wear and tear on your car battery, and you don’t want to call a towing company for help, try cleaning the battery up by applying baking soda over the area to neutralize the acid. Add a small amount of water to activate the baking soda and soon your battery will be sparkly and fresh. If needed, use a toothbrush. Polish with a paper towel to dry the area when done.
If your battery is all good, try turning on your engine. If the corrosion wasn’t the problem and the battery is just at the end of its life, you will need to replace it. Before that step, you can try starting your car up with jumper cables and some help from your next-door neighbour.
Wash Your Car
Put some good music on and grab the hose! After some time in hibernation, your car could use a clean to ensure it is nice and shiny when you go out. Let the water wash over the car from the top to bottom so it doesn’t leave any soap suds. Try not to use dish soap. While great for cleaning, it’s quite abrasive and can damage your car. The best thing to use is a car wash cleaning solution or laundry detergent.
Fuel Refill
Gas can go bad! Try to use up the fuel leftover in your tank before filling it back up with fresh fuel. If needed, you can buy a fuel stabilizer. If you store your car for a few months without fuel stabilizer, it might deteriorate and not start.
Take it For a Spin
Start your engine and let it run for a few minutes to allow the car to wake up and get back into gear. This allows the fluids to circulate and warm up. Drive your newly cleaned and inspected car around the block for a test drive. Usually if there are any issues, they will present themselves now and you will know if there are any problems, such as rust, on your brakes or acceleration.
Professional Inspection
Lastly, it is always a good idea to get a professional to inspect your car. This ensures your car is in tiptop shape for the year and running smoothly! Additionally, it makes sure no issues are missed and any scratches or minor marks are treated. Lastly, it helps calm your worries and prevent any roadside emergencies as your car will be in the best shape possible.