If your vehicle will be going through a long period of inactivity, you should provide certain care for it to keep it functional even so. To learn tips on the matter, read this post that Bill Rigdon in Clackamas has prepared for you. 

Most people are having to stay inside, quarantined, in order to avoid unnecessary exposure and spreading the virus during this global pandemic. And just as you prepared to stay inside, for a couple of months at least, so you should prepare your vehicle to remain inactive for an extended period of time. This is because, believe or not, a vehicle in disuse can still present some damage if it's not cared for properly. To make sure that your vehicle will be ready to go once you're free to go as well, continue reading the post below to find tips on how to maintain it when you're not using it.

Keep your vehicle in top shape with AMSOIL's full range of high quality products. Call Bill Rigdon at (503) 329-9004 or visit AMSOIL's online shop to place an order on the most effective synthetic oil in Clackamas.

Car Care Tips for When You Aren't Using It

Mind the Battery

It should go without saying that your battery is a crucial component in your vehicle, without which some features wouldn't work and your vehicle won't even turn on. But, for the battery to provide the power your vehicle requires, it needs to be in good condition. Unluckily, during long inactivity periods like the one its going through now, the battery can get discharged. Luckily, the remedy is simple: turn on your vehicle for a few minutes once a week to keep the battery charged.  If it does die on you, you can simply use the jumper cables to get it ready to go again.

Keep the Tires Evened Out

The tires get a lot of stress: not only do they have to endure the constant friction with the hot, gritty asphalt, but they also have to keep the weight of your car up. And even though your vehicle is parked right now, they're still under a lot of stress because they have to support it. The thing is, since your vehicle is in disuse, all of the pressure from the vehicle remains on the same spots on the tires, which can weaken them and damage them. To keep the tires evened out, you will need to take your vehicle for a quick spin around the block about once a week. ;

Warm Up the Fluids Regularly

Your vehicle requires a few fluids in order to work as intended (for example, gasoline, synthetic oil, coolant, among many others). Still, time and disuse can also take a toll on them. Allowing them to stay stagnant for a while can make them stale and lose their properties. That's why you should keep them up and warm them up every so often. Once more, driving your vehicle for a few minutes every week can help you stop them from going bad.

A top performing synthetic oil in Clackamas, such as AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil, will keep your engine strong, healthy, and working as expected for longer.

Clean Your Vehicle Inside and Out

One thing you can count on is that your vehicle will continue to get dirty, even if it's parked. Still, letting it sit in its own filth isn't advisable. This is because the filth and gunk can eat away at it and its components, affecting how your vehicle looks and performs. Moreover, a dirty and inactive vehicle is the perfect living environment for germs, bugs, and smaller animals, which can also wreak havoc on it. Cleaning your vehicle inside and out, washing it and waxing it regularly will help you keep it in top shape for longer.

Park It in a Safe and Protected Spot

Finally, you should be mindful of where you will be parking your vehicle, as you should find a safe and protected spot where the elements won't damage it and where you can keep an eye on it. If you have a garage at home, that's a perfectly suitable spot for it. If you don't and you have to park it outside, you can use a car cover to protect it well. Also, park it where it's well lit and with anti-theft devices to keep it as safe as possible.

Call Bill Rigdon at (503) 329-9004 or visit AMSOIL's online shop to place an order on the highest quality synthetic oil in Clackamas.