NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — While many people are stuck at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, their cars are being parked for extended periods of time. Nissan has shared a few ways to care for your car while it's taking more breaks than it's used to.
"The shelter-in-place orders in effect throughout the United States and Canada mean that many vehicles are seeing infrequent, if any, use," said Ryan Fulkerson, director of new model engineering for Nissan North America. "The longer a vehicle sits unused, the more likely it isto develop issues. By taking a few key steps, drivers can keep their cars running smoothly."
Be sure to keep the battery charged. Either a short drive or trickle charger will do the trick. Either way, it's a good idea to go for a regular short drive, because this will both keep the battery charged and the fluids circulating.
Keep a regular eye on the vehicle's fluids. Maintaining proper oil and transmission fluid levels will prevent problems from happening down the road.
In addition to the car's fluids, recommended tire pressure should also be maintained. This helps to prevent flat spots when your car is parked.
Finally, wash your vehicle regularly. A regular wash helps to protect the paint. This is especially true for cars parked outside.