5 Things That Are Risks of Cars That Are Rarely Used

People who own cars do not necessarily use them every day; they may have more than one car. This causes other cars that you own to be used less frequently. So, will this make the car last longer or make it more prone to damage?

The risks of a car being rarely used are issues that can arise when the car's engine has not been used for a long period. This usually has a direct impact on the car's components, which may need to be repaired or even replaced. Therefore, perform maintenance on the car even if it is not used to avoid the following problems.

1. Battery Damage

The most common issue when a car is rarely used is a problem with the battery. When first started, there will be a drop in electrical power because the car battery begins to lose its ability to store electricity. Therefore, you can address this by running the engine for 5 – 10 minutes in idle condition without pressing the gas.

2. Decreased Tire Pressure

When a car is parked for too long, the surface of the tires directly touches the flat surface. This can cause the shape of the tire surface to change because the weight of the car is only supported by one specific point. Even if parked in a garage with tiled or paving block flooring, there is still a potential for tire pressure to decrease.

You may indeed have a beloved car that is kept as a collection. However, a car is not just a display that can remain intact if not used. Therefore, you should still drive the car around your home. If not, at least move the car back and forth for a while to keep the air pressure even.

3. Fuel Sedimentation

If not used, won't the fuel remain intact? Yes, the volume of fuel will not decrease. However, humid air can potentially cause the fuel to mix with condensation. If this happens, the quality of the fuel will decrease and may cause rust in the fuel tank.

Not only that, fuel lines that use biodiesel can even become clogged due to sediment. This occurs if the car's engine is not started for a long time. So, besides functioning to maintain the electrical power in the battery, starting the car's engine can also help maintain the function of the fuel tank.

4. Dusty AC Ducts

Air circulation inside the car also needs to be maintained to keep it clean and healthy. If not used for too long, dirt and bacteria can nest in the cooling ducts. Additionally, freon can settle, causing the AC to break down more quickly. So, while starting the car's engine, also turn on the AC for about 5 – 10 minutes to keep it functioning optimally.

5. Rusty Brake Discs

Brake discs have a crucial function in a car. If not used for a long time, this component will rust, reducing brake performance. This is usually indicated by a sound when the brakes are used again.

This rusting process can occur naturally due to the iron content in the brake disc oxidizing. When the car is driven and the brakes are used, the friction of the brake pads will reduce the potential for rust on the brake disc.

In conclusion, the risks of a car being rarely used can lead to a series of problems and damage. Therefore, do not only maintain the car's interior and exterior but also pay attention to the engine's function to ensure it remains in good working order even if rarely used.

Author: Rizkita Darajat