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What Happens If I Don’t Drive My Car Enough?
By Product Expert | Posted in Service and Repair, Tips and Info on Friday, April 2nd, 2021 at 5:19 pm
How Often Should I Drive My Vehicle?
We’ve now spent over a year staying at home more and driving less. While you may be saving gas and mileage by driving your car less frequently, not touching that ignition often enough can have various side effects on your vehicle. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
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Your Car May Not Start Up
If you haven’t started for vehicle in a while, there’s a chance that your car may not start up at all. Due to consistent inactivity, the battery inside your car may die while you’re not behind the wheel. Why does this happen if you aren’t running the car, you may wonder?
Car batteries are constantly discharging energy whether the car is on or not. The battery charges itself off the activity of the engine. Basically, the more RPM your engine gives, the more energy the battery receives.
The Tires May Form Flat Spots
Your car is very heavy, and the only things keeping it off the ground are your tires. As the car sits, the weight of the vehicle will rest on the parts of the tires that are in contact of the ground. Continuous weight on these spots can lead to not only a loss of tire pressure, but flattened tread. You wouldn’t want to hold a weight in the same position for too long, so make sure you give your tires a break as well.
Issues with the Fluids May Arise
For optimal performance, the fluids inside your vehicle need to stay moving. Letting your vehicle sit for too long may lead to issues, such as fluid separation or dried-out seals. Oil, transmission fluid, and brake fluids are just a few examples of liquids that shouldn’t sit for extended periods of time.
Recommended Frequency for Driving a Vehicle
The recommended frequency for driving a vehicle is two weeks. So, if your car has been sitting in one spot for nearly two weeks or more, you should start it up and take it out for a drive. Even a short 10-minute drive can be enough to make sure that your battery stays charged, your tires turning, and your fluids moving.
[ READ MORE: Tips for Maximizing the Lifespan of Your Brakes ]
For more vehicle maintenance tips, we encourage you to check out our blog! Does your vehicle need regular maintenance done? Schedule service at Eric Von Schledorn online today!
