4 Simple Ways to Start a Car You Haven’t Driven in Weeks
After a month of sitting around your house, you think, “I feel like taking a car ride.” You have no destination. You just want to go where the road takes you.
You get in your car, turn the ignition … and nothing happens.
Your car has sat in your garage for a month, maybe even longer. According to Drifted, you want to run a car at least once every two weeks. If you don’t, it can develop problems you won’t notice until it’s too late.
Batteries Slowly Lose Their Charge
Much like the human body needs water, your car’s battery needs a charge from its alternator. Without it, the battery slowly drains, which causes issues with the ignition, door locks, lights, and alarm.
Gas Tanks Accumulate Moisture
Your gas tank can gather moisture if it is empty or almost empty. That moisture can corrode your gas tank and other parts of your car.
Animals Work Their Way Into Air Filters
You may be stuck at home, and so are those critters living in your garage. Just like you, they may want to get away for a little bit. The openings in your car are a perfect destination for them. They can chew through wiring and burrow in your air filter, which could lead to serious issues.
Tires Can Develop Flat Spots
If your car sits in the same spot for a long time, your tires will develop flat spots where they are pressed against the ground. Now, this problem won’t prevent you from driving, but it can create an unpleasant ride.
Some flat spots can be “driven out,” but they can become permanent in some cases. You wouldn’t drive forever on a flat tire, right?
Get Your Car Going
If you think your car is too far gone, have no fear. LiveAbout provides a great “what to do” list for you!
Replace your fluids.Check the battery. If it is bad, give it a charge if you have the ability.Prepare for ignition.Turn on the car, let it sit idle, and give it a good inspection.
Once you get the car going, make sure you start and drive it once every two weeks, at minimum. Hey—it’s good for the car, and it’s fun to get out of the house for a little bit.
If nothing seems to be working, Pekin Insurance is here to help! If you have a personal auto policy with us, you can add Roadside Rescue, a 24/7 roadside assistance program available in all 50 states.
Yes, you can use this great feature even if your car is in the garage. Plus, Roadside Rescue is automatically included if you have comprehensive coverage!
Talk to your local, licensed Pekin Insurance agent about Roadside Rescue and how it can help you when you run out of gas, get locked out of your car, and even when it is stuck in your garage!
