5 safety tips to keep your car functional even if it's not being used.

Due to the pandemic, many people rarely used their cars during the long lockdown period. In fact, if you, like most people, have been working from home, your car may not have moved an inch for many weeks. Therefore, when your car is not being driven much, you may neglect its maintenance. However, when the vehicle is sitting idle for a long time, it can have difficulty getting back on the road. It may not seem like it, but you will only notice the issues when you take it out for a ride after a long time. Thus, regular servicing, maintenance, and transmission fluid change in Pittsburgh, PA is crucial to keep your car functional even when not used.  

Following are a few tips you should follow to ensure your vehicle is in top condition:

1. Check the tire pressure regularly  

If your car is just sitting in the garage for a long time, it may still lose air pressure over time even when it is not used. It is usually due to temperature fluctuations. As a result, your car tires may develop a leak and have a flat tire. Therefore, it is crucial to check the tire pressure every few days. If the pressure is low, make sure to refill it to the recommended level and look out for any leaks.

2.                  Oil change  

Even when your vehicle is not being used, the oil in the car may go bad due to the temperature changes. In addition, contaminants present in the oil may damage the engine and make it difficult to start the vehicle immediately. Thus, even when the car is not in use, you must ensure regular oil change every 6 months. 

3.                  Transmission fluid exchange 

Transmission fluid ensures that your vehicle’s gears can shift smoothly and the car works without any issues. However, when your vehicle is not in use for a long time, you may experience difficulty changing gears. Thus, it is recommended to get a transmission fluid exchange service in Pittsburgh, PA regularly. 

4.                  Check other fluid levels 

The engine oil and transmission oil are not the only fluids that may need to be changed while your car is sitting freely in the garage. You should also check other fluid levels such as brake fluid, power steering fluid, coolant, windshield washer fluid, and gear oil. It is best to get your car serviced by a professional.

5.                  Maintain battery health 

And, of course, if your battery is idle for a long time, it may drain while the vehicle is not functional. The battery needs constant recharges to keep the car working. Therefore, it is recommended to regularly take the car for a short ride to ensure good battery health. In addition, you can use a battery maintainer to monitor the voltage and recharge it when required. 

If your vehicle has been in the garage for a long time, it is best to get your car service, inspection, and transmission fluid change near you, before you have to take your car anywhere far.