7 Tips to Warm Up a Car That Is Rarely Used So It Doesn't Get Damaged
As its function, cars are indeed made to be used for driving. However, in some situations like during a pandemic, car usage usually becomes less frequent. At least, it is used once a week just to go to the supermarket for monthly shopping. So, is your car also one that is rarely used?
Warming up a rarely used car is the best way to maintain the engine function and car components to keep them in optimal condition. This can be done in a residential complex if you are minimizing contact outside the home. It is advisable not to just warm up the car; pay attention to the following points to minimize damage.
1. Warm Up for 15 Minutes
This is probably the most frequently asked question when wanting to maintain the car engine's function. The average duration to warm up a car is 15 minutes. However, the duration can also vary depending on the radiator's rotation. Yes, you can pay attention to the radiator fan's rotation to ensure the car engine has reached the temperature suitable for its operation.
2. Open All Windows
Well, you will also still drive the car for traveling, right? Therefore, pay attention to the circulation inside the car to keep it clean and comfortable. Open the car windows while the engine is warming up. This will allow dirty air and bacteria that were previously trapped inside the car to escape, preventing unpleasant odors from lingering on the seats.
3. Always Monitor the Dashboard Indicators
The car engine is also not free from electrical problems. That’s why you need to pay attention to every engine indicator that lights up when warming up the engine. When the indicators on the dashboard are no longer lit, the engine is safe to warm up. If all indicators on the car are still lit, it means the car is still in optimal condition.
4. Change Parking Position
You should also move the parking position after the car engine has warmed up. This will prevent the tires from deforming on one side due to supporting the weight of the car at one point for too long. So, at least take the car out of the carport or garage at home, then change its parking position to another direction.
5. Operate All Buttons
Every car also has buttons with different functions. Each button is usually connected to the mechanical function of the car components. Well, you can try operating the buttons inside the car while warming it up. This can ensure that each button is still functioning properly.
6. Do Not Turn on the AC Immediately
When warming up the car engine while turning on the AC, the radiator fan will also cool the engine. This makes the warming process take longer. Therefore, warm up the car engine without turning on the AC first. After that, you can turn on the AC to also ensure that the radiator fan is still functioning.
7. Check Fuel Pressure
If you have a fuel-injected car, the fuel pressure will drop when the engine is not warmed up for about a month. This will cause the fuel pressure not to come out of the injector to start the engine. If this happens, try to trigger the fuel pump to work by turning the ignition key back and forth.
Maintaining a rarely used car is actually quite simple, but it would be better if the car is still used for about 15-20 minutes. Do this twice a week to keep the engine stimulated to work. Also, ensure that the electrical components are functioning well so you can continue to use the car comfortably.
