If you are the owner of a classic, exotic, or luxury vehicle, it is likely that you barely drive your beloved car more than you have to. Rare and high-end vehicles are important and special investment, one that most enthusiasts wish to keep an optimal condition for as long as possible. Since you rarely drive your exotic or luxury car, it’s factory maintenance schedule will differ from your primary vehicle.
Continue reading to learn the recommended automotive maintenance for a car you barely Drive, whether it is a luxury European car or an old American classic.
How to Care for Infrequently Driven Cars
For cars that are driven infrequently, regular scheduled automotive maintenance will be quite different from your everyday primary vehicle. From oil changes and car brake inspections to engine and radiator flushes, fluid refills, tire rotations, and even minor repairs, the schedule and frequency in which you tend to your rarely driven car will be almost opposite of your main ride.
On the other hand, because you drive your beloved vehicle so infrequently, there are also certain types of automotive maintenance that needs to be done more often compared to your primary vehicle. Things like gaskets and seals tend to dry out and shrink faster when vehicles are not driven regularly, and even tires can endure some inflation leakage and similar wear-and-tear problems.
What automotive maintenance matters most for a barely driven car? Here are the top 4 areas to focus on when caring for a vehicle that you rarely drive:
☑ Car Battery
It is very common for car batteries to slowly discharge when they are not driven for long periods of time, as early as one month. To avoid a dead car battery, be sure to take your car out for a ride on a regular basis. Every time you turn on your engine, the alternator produces electricity and powers everything in the vehicle, which also recharges the battery. If taking a regular spin around the block is not possible, consider keeping a trickle charger on it at all times.
☑ Car Tires
Because car tires are slightly porous, they will slowly deflate over time if the vehicle is not periodically driven, or the tires are not periodically serviced. They can even go flat entirely. On average, tires on a sitting car will lose 1 to 2 pounds per square inch (PSI) in as little as 30 days. Not only is it unsafe to operate a vehicle with underinflated or flat tires, but it can also cause automotive damage in several other areas of the vehicle, which will cost you some money.
Be sure to inspect your tire inflation on regular basis and make adjustments as needed, and take your car out periodically for a quick spin to avoid flat spots on your tires, especially if you have a low profile vehicle, like a Lamborghini or Porsche. Keep in mind that low profile vehicles can develop tire inflation problems in as little as a few weeks.
☑ Car Brakes
In other area to focus on when it comes to taking care of your barely driven car are the brakes. Over time, brake rotors can corrode over time and develop rust, which can lead to grinding breaks and additional automotive damages. This is very unsafe conditions to operate a vehicle, so it is important to inspect your car brakes on a regular basis to ensure that the pads and rotors are both in optimal condition.
☑ Car Fluids
Did you know that gasoline actually expires? The fuel in your fuel tank does go bad, so if you don’t drive your car often enough, be sure to flush the fuel tank and keep a spare can of gas on hand whenever you’re ready to take it out for a spin. Not sure how to dispose of old gasoline? You must first place it in government-certified containers. Opt for the standard, red “jerry cans” you can buy at any local gas station or automotive store. Then look for a local hazardous waste removal or collection center that will accept your contaminated or old gasoline jugs. If you do not have any luck with a hazardous waste disposal center, try your town’s fire department.
Does your luxury or European vehicle need some automotive care right now? Contact Autohaus Dierolf at 317-571-0800 for European car maintenance in Indianapolis, Carmel, Indiana. We are German factory trained mechanics who specialize in German and European vehicles.
You Should Also Read:
Factory Recommended Maintenance for Car Brakes
How Does Tire Width Affect Gas Mileage in Cars?
When Do I Need to Change the Fluids in My Car?
