You should drive your Ford vehicle often. Driving keeps all the mechanical and electrical components functioning at their highest level. Problems can occur when you do not use them for a while. Regular maintenance and servicing when your Ford is idle are necessary to prevent costly repair expenses when you start driving your car around the Sandusky area again. With the great services and specials available at Advantage Ford, you'll be back on the road for less!
Why Is Maintenance Important?
Many factors contribute to a car needing frequent maintenance and repairs. The age of your vehicle and rough weather conditions in Tiffin, OH can contribute to the problems you experience with your vehicle. Idleness can also cause problems with your car. There can be many reasons why you are not driving. Yet, your car can last longer and stay in better shape with proper care and maintenance when it is idle.
Cleaning Your Car
The type of maintenance routine you follow can depend on how often you let your car sit idle. Your idle car maintenance routine can be as simple as periodic cleaning and waxing. A quick wash every couple of months can scrape off any accumulated dirt and oil, while a wax job can keep your Ford looking brand new. Use a cleaning kit when your headlights start to turn yellow and cloudy. Carpet, upholstery, and leather cleaners and conditioners are great for keeping the interior look good and smelling fresh.
Maintenance Before the Winter Months
Many people do not like to drive during the winter months when there is frequent inclement weather. Be sure to bring your Ford to our service department at Advantage Ford near Perrysburg before winter arrives for routine maintenance work. Maintenance work performed before the winter months can prevent serious problems that can affect how your car performs.
Cover Your Car
Invest in a car cover if you need to park outside near Port Clinton for a while. Look for a soft, breathable cover instead of a tarp because a tarp can scratch the paint on your car and cause rust to form. A soft, breathable car cover will protect your Ford from damages caused by the sun, wind, rain, snow, and ice.
Periodically Drive Your Car
An idle car can cause the fluids in the engine to deteriorate. Various hoses and gaskets can dry out and crack. The car battery can die when your vehicle is not in use after about two weeks. Idleness can also cause the bottom of the tires to flatten, leading to expensive tire replacement.
A simple solution to preventing the damaging effects of idleness is to start your car and drive around the neighborhood for a few minutes. If you cannot do this, then ask a family member or trusted friend to take your car out for a drive. You can even start the car and let it idle for a few minutes in the driveway. Doing this will warm up the engine and get the fluids to circulate.
Idle Car Self-Maintenance Checklist
Your Ford requires periodic maintenance near Perrysburg, even when it is idle. This maintenance will save you money and time on expensive repairs in the future. Some car maintenance care you can perform at home include:
- Check your oil levels, and make sure there are no leaks anywhere in or around the engine.
- Check the timing belt to make sure it is not loose or cracked.
- Change the oil in your engine regularly, and do not let the oil build up in places in or around the engine compartment.
Schedule Your Maintenance Today
Letting your car sit idle can cause more damage than you may think. Performing these preventative maintenance tasks will help keep your car functioning, maintain its resale value, and extend the life of your vehicle.