The term vehicle is no accident: cars want to be driven. All components are designed for this. If left standing for too long, so-called standing damage can occur. The rule of thumb is: drive at least once a month, preferably once a week, and then don’t just take a short trip.
Foot damage occurs, for example if you choose to leave the car in the garage when it snows in winter. But even when buying a used car with low mileage, you should pay attention to the following, depending on the age of the car:
1. Brakes
The primary security system is the one most exposed to the elements. Wet, dirt and road salt stress the brakes. Because of this they are particularly susceptible to rust, brake discs can start to rust after a relatively short time. This worsens the braking behavior.
In the worst case, at some point the expensive brake discs completely break, the brake pistons corrode and can no longer be released (the car brakes constantly). If the wires rust, the parking brake can also jam.
How to avoid: If the weather is dry and the road is clear, “dry brake” before leaving the vehicle parked for an extended period of time. This will partially loosen the rust and dirt. In this way, you can “leave the brakes” even after parking for a long time. You must press the brake properly so that the dirt dissolves. Drive carefully at first, as the brakes are not yet working at full strength.
2. Tires
When the car is stationary, all the weight puts pressure on the tires on one side. This can cause the rubber to deform over time. This is called standing planks and is reflected by uneven rolling and loud rolling noises while driving.
With slight deformations, the tire can usually recover within the first few kilometers. At the same time, the tire loses pressure over time, so you should definitely check the air pressure after the vehicle is parked and inflate if necessary.
How to avoid: Increase the air pressure before leaving the vehicle for a long time. Also, rotate the vehicle forward or backward very slightly every four weeks to stretch another piece of rubber. It is best to jack the car up to relieve the tires. Alternatively, there are also rubber protectors such as airbags or tire skids.
3. Gum
There are many other rubber parts in the car, for example the door seal. But sleeves, gaskets and other rubber parts need maintenance and in some cases movement. If left standing for a long time, it can harden, become porous, break or even completely decompose.
How to avoid: You can occasionally apply silicone spray or lubricating grease to care for rubber parts. Just occasionally driving or moving parts will help where you can’t get there easily.
4. Air Conditioning
The air conditioner also needs action. Otherwise, there is a risk of corrosion in the system, leakage or damage to the compressor. Mold and bacterial growth in humid environments can be harmful to health. A warm and humid environment facilitates this process.
You can tell by the musty smell when you turn on the air conditioner. Then only a disinfection helps: spray cleaner, let the air conditioner run. By the way, this can also happen if you drive the car regularly, but never use the air conditioner. It is best to use it once a month. (Read here how to set the air conditioner correctly.)
How to avoid: Turn off the air conditioner a few minutes before your final journey. The remaining condensed water can then evaporate. The job of mold and bacteria is not so easy.
5. Interior
If it’s damp in the car, mold can also form in the cabin or trunk. Moisture accumulates in textiles or under plastic such as ceiling tiles. After all, you usually smell right away: If you drive the car again after a long time, the smell hits you.
How to avoid: A room dehumidifier helps with longer downtime. The cheaper alternative is a bowl of rice or newspaper that will absorb the moisture. If the vehicle is in a sheltered area, you can exchange air by leaving the window slightly open.
6. Battery
The vehicle battery may be discharged even if the vehicle is not being used. For example, the alarm system, clock or multimedia system always draws some electricity. If the battery is completely discharged, it can be seriously damaged (read how to protect your vehicle’s battery here.) and the vehicle will not start again after the downtime.
How to avoid: There are special trickle chargers to prevent discharge. Many modern chargers for car batteries have such a function as standard. Alternatively, you can disconnect the battery. This does not prevent unloading, but takes longer as there is no load attached.