Weekend Drivers: Car Maintenance and Pre-Driving Checklist

A car is a complex machine, particularly its engine which is primarily made of metal. When a car is parked for a long time, engine oil can settle on the pan. The metal parts inside an engine may rust when they are exposed to air and not protected by engine oil, and this rusting can get worse if not addressed. Rust can lead to engine noise, increased fuel consumption, or even engine failure, affecting driving safety.

To prevent this, even if you don't plan to drive, start the engine at least every two weeks and let it idle for 10 to 15 minutes. This helps lubricate the engine parts and allows you to check for any abnormal sounds or oil leaks. Regularly starting the engine also helps recharge the battery, which is gradually drained by systems like anti-theft devices.

Even for vehicles that are parked, tire pressure will drop over time, so regularly check and maintain proper tire pressure which is usually found on the driver's door frame. Low tire pressure can cause tire deformation, leading to control difficulties and safety issues. Inspect your tires for wear and cracks, and have them repaired or replaced if necessary.

Additionally, periodically moving the car a few meters forward and backward can prevent flat spots from forming on the tires due to prolonged pressure. If the parking spot is uneven, moving the car can also protect the suspension system from prolonged uneven stress.

Even if a car is driven infrequently, its engine oil quality will degrade over time. Check the engine oil level, color, and viscosity before driving. If the oil is too dark or thick, replace it to ensure smooth engine operation.

Also, check the coolant level in the reservoir, which is typically a milky white plastic container in the engine bay marked with the abbreviations 'max' and 'min.' The coolant level should be between 'max' and 'min,' and if the level is near 'min,' it’s time to add coolant. If you can’t buy coolant from a nearby gas station or auto supplies store, distilled water can be used in its place, but never use mineral or tap water. Also, keep an eye on your engine temperature while driving (the indicator can be found on the dashboard); if it exceeds 90°C, have the car checked since the engine can catch fire if you keep driving your vehicle in these circumstances.

Fuel in the tank can degrade if left there for too long, affecting combustion quality. Although regular short trips help keep fuel circulating and clean, it may be a luxury for weekend drivers to operate their vehicle more than once a week. For weekend drivers, it's good practice to add enough fuel for the upcoming trip to maintain engine performance and keep the fuel tank half-full, thereby reducing air and preventing rust in the tank.

Long-term parking can cause dust and dirt to accumulate, reducing the car's shine. Beside regular cleansing, car coating can help maintain the paint's quality.

Some owners use car covers to reduce dust and protect the paint from sunlight, rain, and bird droppings. However, long-term contact with the cover can damage the paint and cause severe consequences, so it's important to use car covers correctly.

Indoor parking is generally better than outdoor parking as direct exposure to the elements can be avoided. However, if the indoor parking area is poorly ventilated, humid, or dusty, such as in a cramped basement parking lot, it can be even hotter than the outdoors in the summer. Together with the exhaust from other vehicles, your car’s paint quality can similarly deteriorate over time.

• Take a walk around the vehicle and inspect the car for scratches, dents, or other damage; address any issues as soon as possible to prevent rust.
• Check the condition of the tires.
• Look for water or oil stains on the ground under your vehicle.
• Start the engine, let it run for a few minutes, and see if any warning lights come on.