Neglecting your car could cost you
Posted on 04. Jun, 2009 by Tony Arranaga in Featured
UPDATE: NEW INFORMATION IN THE BATTERY SECTION AND YOUR AUTO NETWORK RADIO SHOW TIMES
My efforts to experiment with living carfree using the new Phoenix light rail could come with a hefty price tag.
An automotive consumer advocate says whether you’re going carfree or you have extended vacation plans, there are a few simple things to do keep your car in tip top shape.
Cary Lockwood, founder of Your Auto Network, is a senior engineering technician who spent years testing cars at GM’s Proving Ground in Mesa, Arizona. Lockwood says taking a few simple precautions before you go carfree (or leave on an extended vacation) could save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars down the line.
“There’s really not much you need to do if you just ride public transportation on weekends,” says Lockwood. “Now, when you go two or three months or longer, that’s when these recommendations come into play.”
Lockwood gave me a checklist of things I should do with my car:
USE A GAS ADDITIVE
Believe it or not, gas goes bad. Whether it’s regular unleaded or super unleaded, gas will lose some of its properties over time. This is why Lockwood advises using an additive called STA-BIL (about $14 on Amazon.com) which helps preserve the fuel in your tank. Leaving your car (and gas) to sit without the additive could do damage to your engine once it starts up. “I’ve heard people going awhile without using the additive,” says Lockwood. “But do you really want to roll the dice?”
Lockwood also says you shouldn’t leave your tank on empty before parking it. When you do drive it for the first time, fill ‘er up a bit to get some good gas flowing with the old gas. And be sure to go easy on your baby during this first trip!
THE OTHER POWER SUPPLY
Lockwood says some cars may have battery problems after a long vacation. “Newer cars (1981 and newer) have battery draw problem more because of onboard controllers that maintain a slight draw on the battery,” says Lockwood. A suggestion here to to disconnect the battery, or maybe invest in a battery tender which is a device that connects to an outlet on one end, and clamps to your car’s battery on the other. A word of caution here: if you do not know what you’re doing, have someone help you!
DON’T FORGET ABOUT THE OIL AND FILTER
Lockwood says it’s a good idea to change both oil and filter before you go carfree. You may even consider switching to a synthetic oil if you’re not using one already. Bottom line, synthetic oil lasts longer and flows better. Synthetic oil may cost a bit more, but Lockwood says it will help fuel economy and let you go longer between oil changes.
THE FLAT SPOT
Tires that sit for any length of time can get a flat spot. Lockwood says this flat spot may go away with a heat cycle – or driving your car around for a bit. Prevent the flat spot by checking your tire pressure and filling your tires up if needed. An extreme remedy would be to rest your car on jacks while you’re gone.
WHILE THE CAT’S AWAY…
Mice like to play in the engine compartment of parked cars. Lockwood says for some reason, mice are attracted to the bright colors of some of the wiring. If you can, try parking your car in a garage. Not only will this help prevent any mouse malfunctions, it will also protect your car against the elements.
Taking these simple precautions before parking your car for an extended period of time could help save you money in repair bills in the long run.
Lockwood is the host of his own radio show which you can listen to every Friday morning at 10 a.m. on KXXT 1010 AM, plus Saturdays at 6:00 in the morning on 1280 AM KXEG in Phoenix. You can find out how to listen to Lockwood online by clicking here.
