What to do with your Car When Leaving on Vacation
Our cars allow us to live freely, save time, commute without hassle, and stay connected to the people we’re closest to. What’s ironc is the troubles a car can cause you if you’re leaving for an extended amount of time and your car won’t be in use. Cars are not something to be neglected. Leaving your car without preparing and securing it could give you some issues upon return. Save yourself the trouble with a little know-how. We are going to share some car tips for keeping your car protected when it’s not being used.
Storage
If you’re leaving your car for an extended period of time the first thing to think about is where can you safely store it. This is a big factor when it comes to keeping your car protected. A great option for storing your car is to leave it with a friend or family member who can keep an eye on it and possibly drive it around some. This is a great solution if you are able to find someone you can trust, and has a space to store your vehicle while you’re away. This way you have someone to keep an eye on it, and your car gets started and driven around some. If you have room in your garage, this would also be another great option for storing and keeping you car protected. Another option for storing your car would be a vehicle storage facility. This can include places like an airport. Car storage facilities are a great option if you are able to afford the extra cost for storing your car. These facilities will provide a secure location and constant supervision.
Security
Typically our cars contain a variety of different items that we use regularly. Before leaving your car, make sure you remove anything that is valuable. You may even consider removing your stereo system and other electronic devices that can be easily removed. Be sure to check your glove compartment and center console compartment for items you may want to remove. If you will be leaving your car outdoors, make sure to park in a well-lit area for extra security.
Preparation
Having your car sit for prolonged periods of time isn’t the best thing for it. There are many things that can go wrong, but there is also plenty you can do in order to keep your car protected so that it is running smoothly once you return.
- Disconnect the battery: Unplug the negative charge on your battery in order to save yourself the trouble of needing a new battery once you return. The electronic parts of your car will slowly drain your battery even when your car isn’t being used. Be sure to wrap the negative cable in a clean piece of cloth in order to help keep it protected and minimize corrosion.
- Get your car serviced: If you’re going to be gone for a couple weeks or longer, you should take your car in for an oil change and service before leaving. Old oil contains a handful of contaminants that you don’t want adhering to different components in your engine. If your car is going to be sitting for a long period of time these contaminants can settle at the bottom and can end up degrading the overall performance of your engine.
- Fill or empty your tank: If you have a diesel engine, it’s a good idea to fill u you’re tank if you’ll be gone several weeks. This will help prevent buildup of moisture inside the tank, and keep different seals from becoming dry and brittle. It’s also a good idea to add a fuel stabilizer to help prevent ethanol buildup. If your car runs on petrol it is a good idea to empty your fuel tank either completely or to the point that you have just enough fuel to make a trip from where your car is being stored to the nearest gas station. Petrol fuel can become stale over time, and additives in the fuel can also degrade over time. This can lead to insufficient combustibility and less power, and fuel economy can also end up suffering.
- Cover it: Make sure to cover your car’s exterior. This is especially important if you will be keeping your car stored outside, but should also be done even if you are keeping it stored in a garage. Dirt, dust, and other debris can leave stains on your paint if left for prolonged periods. Help keep your car’s paint protected by simply covering it if you are going to be gone for a longer period of time.
Keeping your car safe and protected when you are gone on vacation, or a business trip doesn’t have to be difficult. Follow the simple steps we’ve provided, and enjoy your trip knowing your car will be protected while you’re gone, and running correctly upon your return.
Things may not always go your way. When it comes to extra paint protection or dent repair we’re here to help!
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