How to properly prepare a car for long-term parking during quarantine and self-isolation

In conditions of self-isolation, many motorists refuse to use their car while staying at home. And this is the right decision, because these days it is very important to reduce the possibility of contact with potentially infected people to a minimum. However, before a long parking lot, even the most modern and expensive cars need proper preparation, because if the car is not used and is in the garage, this does not mean that nothing can become unusable in it. During downtime, some elements require more attention.

How to prepare the car for long-term parking during quarantine and self-isolation

What systems and components can deteriorate during long parking?

If you decide to leave the car in the garage for the entire quarantine period, it is recommended to pay attention to the following points:

Battery

If the battery has been used for a long time, then it is necessary to check its condition, since no one has canceled such a phenomenon as self-discharge. After all, even if the car is not used, the battery will gradually lose its charge. For example, if the average temperature is about + 20 °, then in two weeks the self-discharge should not exceed 7% (about 0.5% per day). At lower temperatures, energy leakage will be greater. It is also worth considering that if the machine is equipped with a burglar alarm, then it may require an additional 0.03-0.08 A.ch. to support the power supply of this system, depending on the complexity of its configuration and the number of components and the frequency of operations. The most complex systems that have several security loops and a radio module that constantly gives the owner signals about the system’s operation require much more energy. So every car owner must consider that a car alarm alone can land a battery in a few weeks. But, besides it, in modern cars there is almost always a radio tape recorder (or even an advanced multimedia system) and other equipment that requires recharge even during downtime. After all, most appliances consume electricity even when turned off. Many people forget that old wiring, as well as oxidized contacts, can also be a source of energy leakage. In order not to put the battery completely, before sending the car to the parking lot, be sure to check the condition of the battery and, if necessary, recharge it completely. You can use any charger for this.

Tires

It is equally important to check the condition of the tires, as air may leak due to even the slightest leak. For example, the tire can be run down by a poor and loose fit of the tire to the wheel rim, an inoperative tire valve, a microscopic tire puncture that is not visible at first glance, or a crack in the rubber. If you don’t take care of this in advance, then after a couple of weeks of parking in the garage, the car may “sit on the wheel”. And long standing on flat wheels can lead to trouble in the future. for good. This is especially true for passenger cars, they may cracks during long standing on the rim of the wheels in the tires and the cord may even delaminate. If this can be avoided, then the geometry of the wheel may be violated, the so-called "eight" appears.

Climate system

With prolonged inactivity, the automotive climate system can also suffer - especially the compressor in the air conditioning system, which in these conditions can become sour. Also, another condition of the air conditioner is the mains of the air conditioner, which, when the system is turned off and its long idle time, often lose their tightness, which then leads to malfunctions in the air conditioner.

Brake system

When the car is on a joke, the brake discs may become rusty due to environmental influences. Even one night parking can cause the appearance of small red spots. What can I say about the long idle time, in such a situation the discs may completely rust. It is also worth remembering that when Since the car is standing for weeks without moving on the handbrake, the effect of “welding” brake pads to the discs or souring the calipers may be observed.

Radiators

Car radiators do not like long downtime. Standing outside may cause the radiator to become clogged as particles of dust and debris get into it. Often city sweepers sweep sand and flush street dirt directly onto cars parked in the immediate vicinity. A car, which will be in the garage for a long time, is not insured against dust. But you can cope with this problem if you take care of purchasing a special protective cover or tent in advance. It will not allow dust to sink into the radiator.

Oil and technical fluids

It is important to check the tightness of the system and the oil level. If everything is in order and there is no leak, then the car can stand without losses for more than one month. Oil and gasoline, of course, evaporate, but very slowly, especially while the temperature outside is quite moderate. Therefore, serviceable cars can be safely put in the garage for a long parking.

How to properly carry out car maintenance during long-term parking

So that your vehicle does not fail and is always ready for use, when you exit the insulation and continue to use it actively, it is worthwhile to periodically (at least once every 2 weeks) check its technical condition - battery charge, tire pressure the performance of brake equipment. If possible, you can even leave by car, just keep in mind that the trip should not be short so that the generator can restore the battery charge. Until we have introduced very strict quarantine in our country and travel by private transport is still allowed, although in some regions there are still some restrictions on entry and exit, this can still be done. Moreover, the risks of catching a coronavirus in a private car are lower than in public transport or even when shopping.

If, however, there is sometimes no opportunity to engage in a machine, we recommend preserving it. For this purpose, a garage or at least a closed parking lot is best suited.

The following actions are recommended:

Wiring thoroughly clean from dirt and wipe dry.
Fill the tank completely so that its inside will rust less.
Clean all openings and slots for draining water.
Vacuum the interior thoroughly.
Treat the door gaskets with silicone grease so that they do not crack.
Remove the terminals from the battery, this will reduce energy loss.
Remove the brushes from the leashes of the wipers and put them in the trunk, this will help to avoid deformation of the gum and pulling the spring.
Remove the machine from the hand brake, leaving it in gear.

If you do everything right and don’t be lazy, then after quarantine is completed, you will not have to spend precious time and money on resuscitation of the car and putting it into working condition. And, of course, be attentive to yourself and your loved ones, if the defective parts in the car can then be replaced, it is much more difficult to regain health.

The online store 130.com.ua offers a large selection of car accessories, chargers, batteries, engine oil, and much more that motorists may require. We work in quarantine and are always ready to fulfill your order and deliver everything you need.