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Posted on February 3, 2021 by Active Insurance

Over the last year, many of us have been doing almost everything from home, such as schooling and working. Now, you may be thinking that you won’t have to keep up with your car maintenance much because you haven’t been driving, but this is far from the case. In fact, staying parked for lengthy periods is bad for cars! But don’t worry, we have a few tips to keep your wheels running (even when they aren’t!).

Check for Rodents

Rodents and other critters love to nestle into the tight, warm corners of cars, especially when they’ve been parked for extended periods. In many cases, they’ll bring in food, chew through wires, and make a mess without you noticing!

While there are several different ways to deter these intruders, mothballs and peppermint oil seem to do the trick. However, avoiding using these in the cabin and air intake vents so you don’t get overwhelmed by the smell when driving.

Keep Your Tires Healthy

Sure, the lack of movement means your tire tread is untouched, but your tires are still subject to some very serious damage. A parked car will develop flat spots over time. However, you can combat this issue by rolling your car back and forth often to keep the tires from sitting on the same spot. If you’ll be taking to the road after a long period of not driving, make sure to do a full tire inspection before heading out.

Oil Changes STILL Matter

You may be thinking that an oil change can wait, especially if your car’s mileage has stayed the same, but that’s far from the truth! Changes in temperature and moisture levels can potentially damage the inner workings of your vehicle. Avoid this problem by changing your oil every six months, no matter how little you drive.