Sometimes people drive less frequently due to changes in their living or working circumstances like, when they work from home, use public transport to reach the office, don’t need to travel on holidays or long vacations, etc. So, car owners can let their insurers know about the changes in their driving frequency to set the record straight and potentially enjoy some savings when driving less.
At the same time, vehicle owners must know that any significant savings they make on insurance premiums can quickly turn into car maintenance expenses if they don’t check on the car’s condition regularly. Even the best car insurance policies do not cover vehicle maintenance costs. Comprehensive car insurance that provides a vehicle broader coverage still doesn’t include compensation for mechanical failures.
So, if you think all kinds of loss/damage to your vehicle can be easily claimed from your insurer, that is not how it works. Read the policy disclosure statements to understand the terms and conditions thoroughly; if not, contact your insurer to get your doubts clarified.
In the meantime, follow the below-mentioned tips to safeguard your rarely used vehicle sitting in the garage.
1.Run/drive your vehicle
Most modern car equipment draws energy from a vehicle’s battery when parked. It is an essential process that keeps the power-driven systems and alarms functioning even when the car is not in use. At the same time, constant energy consumption can deplete the battery if it isn’t recharged repeatedly.
An alternator’s basic function is to keep the battery alive. However, this component can work only when the car engine is running. So, vehicle owners must run or drive their cars for fifteen to thirty mins at least every fortnight or so to keep the engine active and other vehicle fluids in proper circulation.
2.Change oil/fluids
Engine oil, brake and windshield wiper fluids, etc., can degrade with time, which is why car owners must not miss their regular vehicle servicing trips. Repeated servicing ensures good fluid movement and helps spot potential car flaws earlier. Vehicle owners must ensure they have detailed records of car component replacements and other changeovers that they can look back on in the future.
3.Check tire pressure
Vehicle tires gradually lose air when a car is not driven for long periods. It is precisely why car owners must get their vehicle’s tire pressure examined now and then and make sure the air pressure complies with the car’s make, model, and series.
Another issue with an unused car is the tires can develop flat spots that raise the risks of puncturing on the road.
4.Refill the fuel tank
It is necessary to keep the fuel lines, tank, and engine devoid of air, humidity, etc., to protect them from rust, mold formation, and other degradation processes. So, even when car owners don’t frequently drive, having a full tank can help significantly.
5.Clean the car
Tree sap, bird droppings, direct sun rays, dust, etc., can deteriorate a car soon before the vehicle owners realize it. So, when a car is parked for prolonged periods, owners must repeatedly check on and clean their rides to remove external stains and guard car paint.
One can never know how a car not used in quite a long time will respond when taken out for a drive. And that is why vehicle owners must be prepared for unanticipated vehicle breakdowns, especially when considering a long haul. Roadside assistance is one of the most popular add-ons car owners consider while purchasing car insurance policies to summon help when unexpected issues arise.
Even when vehicle owners have the best car insurance, like comprehensive car insurance, an optional extra like roadside assistance can save them a lot of misery when stuck with a broken car in a remote place with little access to help. So, car owners can consider adding this benefit to their insurance policies.
