Keep your car ready to go

My last few columns for the past few weeks were all about maintaining your car while stuck in your garage this quarantine. We have talked about batteries, brakes, oil, just about all that needs to be checked while your cars stay inactive.

As this quarantine won’t be done anytime soon, allow me to share a few techniques that I follow to make sure my car is ready to use.

1. Top off your tank

The benefits of filling up on gas before parking long term are twofold. Topping off prevents condensation from accumulating inside the tank therefore preventing parts of the fuel system from getting rusty. It also may offer peace of mind in these uncertain times.

2. Don't use the parking brake up for too long

Leaving the parking brake on for an extended period of time can cause the brake pads and rotor to stick or brake calipers to seize. More often than not, this isn't a big issue, but it's something to be avoided.

Moisture is what causes the parking brake to stick and we have lots of it.  To avoid this, when letting the car idle once a week (as discussed in my previous columns), let the car roll forward and backward a few feet, even if its just in your garage.

3. Wax your car’s finish and use a car cover

Car wax is probably not on your “things to buy list” as it is the least of our priorities to make our cars shiny. But do you know that car wax protects the car’s finish more than just making it shiny. Wax prolongs the longevity of the paint, even in the face of dust, bird droppings, and other contaminants. So, if you want to “go the extra mile” in protecting your paint, wax and seal your car.

A cover can protect your car’s finish from the elements, so long as you clean your car thoroughly before putting it on. Placing a cover on a dirty car can do more harm than good, since the cover can rub and damage your paint over time.

4.  Be wary of rodents that may take up residence in your vehicle

Depending on where you live, your car may become a rodent motel if it sits neglected for too long. This is particularly dangerous as they have the habit of munching on the electrical wires in the engine bay.

Prevention starts with cleaning your garage thoroughly, ridding the space of unnecessary stuff that will make cleaning and maintaining cleanliness difficult. Shop around for a rodent repellent (I found mine in Ace Hardware) and place it in strategic spots in your garage. Before I bought a proper rat repellent, I used moth balls and placed it on a net bag. It actually worked, though I didn’t like the smell of the engine bay after.

5. Use a battery trickle charger

We’ve discussed this in my previous articles and I will say it again, a “trickle charger is a value for money item”. I would say it’s a must have for a car owner, unless you’d prefer to buy a new car battery everytime. Buy it in All Batteries Cebu or online in Lazada.

After not driving your car regularly for months, when quarantine is lifted, it's a good idea to briefly inspect your vehicle to make sure it's still roadworthy. Check the tire pressure, oil and coolant levels, and go easy on the brakes on your first couple of kilometers. If you feel something is not working well or you here unusual noises, it’s probably time to visit your friendly mechanic.