When your car isn't in use, it still needs to be taken care of. To ensure your car stays in great shape and is ready for use when the time comes, use these tips to care for it.

How to Care for a Car That Isn't in Use

Having a car can make plenty of things more convenient, but that doesn't mean you'll need to use it daily. If your car is sitting in your driveway for long periods of time, you still need to keep up with some maintenance. To ensure your car is ready to run when you need it, use these tips!

Don't Let the Battery Die

If you don't start your car regularly, your battery can lose its charge. This can happen even just after a couple of weeks of not using your car. If temperatures are cold and your battery is on the older side, this can lead your battery to die out faster. You can get your battery going again by jumpstarting it, but this isn't ideal. An easy way to prevent a dead battery in the first place is by starting your car and leaving the engine running for a few minutes. An even better option is taking your car out for a short drive. This will ensure your battery starts charging before you put your car away.

Keep Things Lubricated

While your car is sitting in your driveway not being used, this also means its fluids are just sitting in their respective reservoirs. Not only does this mean that fluids can settle and even separate on some occasions, but this can also lead to other parts drying out. For example, while your car is sitting in your driveway, your oil won't circulate through the engine at all. During this time, the oil will just sit there and can even go bad. While it's not circulating, parts of the engine, like seals, can dry up because of the lack of lubrication. Just like in the previous point, a short drive can get the fluids moving and warmed up so that they can get other parts lubricated. Even if you're not going anywhere in particular, take a drive around the block just to get things going.

Move the Tires

Since your car's tires have to hold up your car, this means they have quite a bit of weight on them. Over time, this weight can lead to flat spots on your tires. If this doesn't sound bad, consider that sometimes these flat spots can so bad you'll need new tires. While you take your weekly drive around, this can also benefit your tires. This will get your tires rolling and will most likely lead to your car resting on a different part of your car's tires. To ensure your car's engine will stay protected no matter the conditions, give it a synthetic oil change in Idaho Falls ID. Check out AMSOIL's Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil, which can help your car's engine run cleaner and stronger. If you want to find more great products like this, contact Schell Distributing Inc. at (208)524-0322. You can also stop by their online shop to learn more about their products or to place an order.

Clean the Inside of Your Car

This isn't something you may think to do, but keeping your car's interior clean is a must. If you eat in your car or you know there's a bit of trash in there, take the time to clean it all out. If your car isn't moved often, trash can attract rodents which may then turn your car into their new home. Not only will this be gross, but it can also lead to damage. Rodents can nibble on cables, make holes in upholstery, and generally make the space unsanitary. Avoid getting surprised by a rodent by simply keeping your car clean.

Pick a Good Parking Spot

Finally, be sure to pick out a good parking spot for your car. If you can park your can in an enclosed space, like a garage, this is your best option. This will ensure your car stays out of the elements and stay warmer even on freezing nights. Parking it in your driveway is also not a bad idea as long as it's not grass. The moisture from grass can lead to damage in the undercarriage, so look for something like concrete instead. If you have to park you car in the street, consider covering it with a car cover. This will protect it from the sun and rain, just be sure to check on it often.

Give Your Car a Synthetic Oil Change in Idaho Falls, ID

Keep your car protected even while it's not in use with the help of a synthetic oil change in Idaho Falls, ID. Find a great synthetic oil for your next oil change by contacting the oil pros at Schell Distributing Inc. You can learn more about their products by giving them a call at (208)524-0322.