How Should You Take Care of Your Engine and Battery When You Park Your Car for a Long Time?

How Should You Take Care of Your Engine and Battery When You Park Your Car for a Long Time?

Entrance

Automobiles have become an integral part of our daily lives. However, sometimes we may have to park for a long time. In long-term parking situations, it is very important to take some precautions to protect engine and battery health. In this article, we will explain in detail how you should take care of your engine and battery when you park your car for a long time.

Before Parking Your Engine for a Long Term

Before parking your car for a long period of time, it is important to take proper care of your engine. Here are some steps you should pay attention to:

1. Change Engine Oil and Check Level

Engine oil is vital to the performance and life of your engine. First of all, it is important to change your vehicle’s engine oil. Also, check the engine oil level to make sure it is at the proper level. A low engine oil level can cause the engine to overheat and cause damage.

2. Perform Cooling System Checks

You should check your cooling system before long-term parking. Make sure there is sufficient coolant in the system. If necessary, add coolant or perform a complete replacement. This will prevent the engine from overheating and maintain the health of the engine.

3. Fill Fuel Tank Correctly

When the vehicle is parked for long periods of time, it is important to fill the fuel tank completely. An empty tank can cause corrosion due to air inside and damage the fuel system. Additionally, keeping the fuel tank full prevents fuel from evaporating and preventing the fuel injection system from clogging.

4. Add Radiator Fluid

In cases of long-term parking, it is important to add radiator fluid. Radiator fluid is a component that prevents the engine from overheating. Check the radiator water level and, if it is missing, bring it to the appropriate level.

5. Choose a Safe Place

Choosing a parking spot is important to keep the engine and battery healthy. If possible, choose a shaded and covered area. In such an area, your vehicle is better protected against the damage of sunlight and other environmental factors.

After Parking Your Car for a Long Term

In addition to taking care of your engine, it’s also important to protect your battery when you park your vehicle for long periods of time. Here are some steps to consider:

1. Fully Charge Your Battery

Be sure to fully charge your battery before long-term parking. A fully charged battery allows you to keep your car moving for a long time. Also, avoid using unnecessary electronic devices to avoid overloading your vehicle’s battery.

2. Check Battery Connections

When you park your car for a long time, it is important to check the battery connections. Make sure the battery terminals are intact. If there is corrosion or loose connections, clean and ensure tight connection. This will prevent your vehicle from having starting problems.

3. Use Battery Saver

You can use a battery protector to protect your battery. The battery protector prevents the battery from over-discharging and deteriorating. Additionally, it helps ensure low energy consumption by separating the negative terminal from the battery.

4. Check Tire Pressures

In long-term parking situations, it is important to check tire pressures. Having low pressure in tires causes tire deformation and makes it difficult for your vehicle to move due to the need for superior force. Therefore, check tire pressures regularly and adjust to appropriate pressure when necessary.

Conclusion

Maintaining engine and battery health during long-term parking will ensure a longer life of your vehicle. Therefore, it is important to follow the steps mentioned above.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Should I change the engine oil when I park my car for a long time?

Yes, it is important to change the engine oil before parking your car for a long time. A new, clean engine oil protects your engine and increases its performance.

2. Why should I check tire pressures?

Checking tire pressures ensures your tires are performing at optimum performance. Tires with low pressure can make it difficult for your vehicle to move and cause the tires to wear out faster.

3. What does a battery protector do?

The battery protector protects the battery from over-discharge or damage. Additionally, it provides low energy consumption and extends the life of your battery.

4. How can I protect my vehicle in case of long-term parking?

Be careful when choosing a parking spot and, if possible, choose a shaded and covered area. Also, change engine oil, add coolant, keep the fuel tank full, and fully charge your battery.

5. How often should I start the engine when I park my car for a long time?

It is important to start the engine regularly. It is recommended to run the engine for 10-15 minutes approximately every 2 weeks. This keeps the engine lubricated and your battery charged.