Residents of Hollywood and other parts of South Florida sometimes live in Florida only part-time. Whether you’re a snowbird or have a second home out of state, your car may be sitting in a garage or storage unit while you’re out of town.
Keeping your car parked for weeks or months, though, can affect the safety of your vehicle. When parked or in storage for a while, cars can suffer from several issues:
- Brake problems. Over time, rust can develop on brake rotors when a car sits unused. If your car is stored for a long time with the parking brake engaged, the rotors and brake pads can stick.
- Tire troubles. If your car is sitting parked for weeks, your tires could deflate partly, leading to a higher risk of tire blowouts. If your car is sitting idle for months, the rubber on the tires could weaken. It’s a higher risk if your car is in a hot garage or outside.
- Fluids drying up. With time, hoses, fluids, and gaskets can all dry up. Some fluids can even separate. This process can speed up in Florida’s hot weather, too. Always check your fluids before driving your car again if it’s been in storage for weeks or months.
- Loss of charge in the battery. A car’s battery loses its charge if you’re not driving the vehicle. This is why sometimes a car refuses to start after it comes out of storage.
Preventing Car Trouble
If you won’t be driving your car for a while, there are three main things you can do to prevent damage that could affect how your vehicle handles.
- Choose your storage solution. Look for an indoor long-term parking or car storage solution if you’ll be storing your car for weeks or months. A secured storage area with good security and climate control can protect your vehicle from damage and the elements.
- Protect the battery. You can use a plug-in battery tender or you can disconnect your battery so it doesn’t lose its charge.
- Prepare your car for storage. If you will be storing your car for a month or less, very slightly overinflate your tires to avoid flat spots and clean your car inside and out. Fill the gas tank to avoid rust and don’t engage your parking brake. If you will be storing your vehicle for up to three months, elevate your car on jacks to prevent flat tires, wax your car, change the oil, and check the coolant. If your car will be in storage for over three months, add engine stabilizer to your gas tank and raise the windshield wipers. Make sure the car is waxed and every part of the vehicle is conditioned. Look for any holes where pest can get in and try to cover them up.
After Getting Your Car Out of Storage
When you’re ready to get behind the wheel again, there are a few things you will want to do.
- Undo any coverings or other precautions you’ve taken
- Check the battery
- Check pressure on the tires and adjust as needed
- Check under the hood and check your fluids
- Examine windshield wipers for any damage
- Wash the car
- Listen carefully when you start the engine for any signs of trouble
- Have a mechanic look over the car for any issues
What To Do If You’re Injured in an Accident
Not everyone is careful about properly maintaining their car and keeping it road worthy. If you’re injured in a car collision with a driver who has been negligent about keeping their vehicle road safe, you may want to speak with a car accident injury attorney in your area.
If you have been injured in a car accident in South Florida, call Flaxman Law Group at 866-352-9626 or contact us online for a free, no obligation consultation.