Blog

Move it or Lose it – Your vehicle.

When it comes to your vehicle, we all know, driving it too much can cause problems. But did you know the same goes for not driving your vehicle enough? This can have serious consequences as well. Keep reading to find out what can happen to your vehicle if it isn’t driven enough.

When the engine isn’t operating, oil isn’t lubricating it. Meaning some components that need occasional lubrication aren’t getting it. Also, the oil that sits in your engine breaks down over time. In fact, it is recommended to change your oil more often if your vehicle sits in the garage more than it is driven.

You’ve maybe heard that saying, “Take it out on the highway and blow the engine out.” Now, please don’t do this! This just means moisture can build up from combustion if your vehicle never gets hot enough to burn it off. This water vapor can mix with oil and cause a sludge to form which causes poor performance. There are many components in your vehicle that benefit from driving it at its optimal operating temperature for a while. The battery, engine seals, and exhaust system to name a few.

The list goes on. Spark plugs can deteriorate if they aren’t fired up once in a while. The fuel tank can rust from the inside if the metal is exposed from not having fuel in it. Small rodents and bugs see a vehicle sitting around as a luxury hotel. Brakes can rust if they are not being used. Gaskets and seals can dry out.

There are ways to protect your vehicle while it is not in use. For starts, discuss your vehicle’s maintenance with one of our experts. Let him know how much you drive your vehicle and what you use it for. Then we can come up with a maintenance plan tailored to your needs.

You may think it’s great to have a vehicle barely driven with low mileage, but a complex machine like your car, truck, or SUV needs regular attention to keep it running safe and dependable.