What to do if your car is not on the road as often

Working from home Monday, Wednesday and Thursday? That surely means you’re using your car less often. So does that mean it will last longer? Not quite! Just like muscles and joints, the less your car moves, the likelier it is to deteriorate.

But let’s be clear: We’re not about to give you ab or back exercises today! Instead, here are a few tips to keep your car in good condition if it’s parked a lot more often than it’s on the road.

1. Drive your car at least once a week

At the very least, take a 10-minute drive each week, preferably on the highway. It’s the best way to keep your car in good condition.

To make the most of your drives...

• Avoid traffic. Your goal is to hit 90 km/h to give your car a good “workout”, something that would be very difficult to achieve during rush hour.
• Activate various accessories such as your wipers, electric windows, radio, AC...
• Hit the brakes more often than you normally would to prevent the rusting that can build up on the brake discs of a vehicle that is seldom used.

Your treks will help your battery, alternator, tires, engine, and a lot more. Plus, with the music volume cranked up and the windows down, it’ll be fun!

Have two or more vehicles? Take them out one at a time

Your older car is more likely to wear out from not being driven. You should drive it first. But the “younger” one needs to get out too! Take them for a spin in turns.

Air out the interior of the vehicles. Open the windows as often as you can to prevent bad odours and mould from setting in.

2. Keep the gas tank full

Gas is expensive, and you may be tempted to make it last as long as possible. But that’s probably not the best idea. In fact, the longer your tank remains full, the more you will avoid condensation issues and over time, engine damage.

3. Maintenance: Keep your appointments

You should still be taking your car in for a tune-up, even when it’s not being used as much. Follow the instructions in your vehicle owner's manual and make that trip to the garage. It can be misleading to rely on mileage only. Some preventive measures must be taken every year.

When you’re at the garage, ask your mechanic to check the fluid levels of the following:

• Transmission fluid
• Engine oil
• Break fluid
• Coolant, etc.

Make it shine!

Proper maintenance also means you need to keep your car’s body clean. Even if you’re not driving it much, filth and dust can still cause stains and even damage your car.

4. Remember to check the tires

When you don’t drive your vehicle for a while, the tires lose pressure due to the weight they’re supporting. They lose approximately 1 pound per square inch every month.

The lack of pressure in your tires makes it more difficult to control your car. They can even burst. Your gas bills will go up, too, because you will be consuming more of it when you drive on those tires.

Use a pressure gauge to check your tires once a month.

Trust the owner’s manual

The pressure level indicated on your tires doesn’t apply to your car? Turn to the vehicle’s manual, it will always steer you in the right direction.

You might also find the “right number” on the inside of the driver’s side door.

5. Release the hand brake

When the hand brake is activated for too long, it can stiffen or even get stuck.

Release it when your car is parked for several days or weeks, but activate it every now and then to keep it in good condition.

6. Take it easy…

Think you’ll soon be driving more often?  Go easy the first few times, no sudden manoeuvres! Also pay attention to any unusual sounds or vibrations.

...And update your insurance coverage accordingly

Whether you’re teleworking, working at the office or on the road, your driving habits can impact your car insurance needs.

You should consider personalizing your coverage to your specific reality. It’s kind of like buying a pair of shoes...if you’re going to wear them, they have to be the right size!