Recent events have led to many people driving far less, and daily commutes for work may be greatly reduced due to telecommuting becoming more widely used. If you find yourself driving less, either for personal or professional reasons, tracking your car’s maintenance needs becomes a bit more complex as mileage totals may not tell you everything you need to know. By taking preventive steps, you can keep your car in top condition no matter how often you need to drive.
When reviewing your car’s maintenance needs, tracking by exact mileage totals is a method your automotive manufacturer likely advises. However, if you find your driving needs have been reduced, mileage intervals may not be the best method of tracking your vehicle’s servicing needs. For example, your engine oil likely advises you to change it every 3,000 to 5,000 (if using conventional oil), but a lack of trips means you will not reach that total any time soon. In cases like this, you should change your oil yearly. A certified technician can inspect your car for maintenance needs.
If you are not driving to and from North Chicago as much as you used to, you should still run your car weekly to ensure continued responsiveness and safe operation. A weekly drive of 20 minutes or more helps keep your car’s battery charged, reduced wear on your tires due to a lack of movement, and prevents build-up in the braking system (such as damage to the brake pads) and other moving components.
Automotive fluids are not the only part of your car affected by less driving and more time spent parked. A lack of driving can impact your car’s tire pressure, and you should check your tire pressure regularly and add air to your tires when needed. Other considerations include your car’s bodywork, as long-term parking in Grayslake can lead to damage to your car’s exterior. By washing, waxing, and covering your car, you help protect it from the elements.
At Gurnee Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram, we know you have a choice in automotive service providers, including your local mechanic, automotive service chain stores, and other dealerships. We stand apart from our competitors by offering fully certified service and the best OEM parts and offering amenities our competition cannot beat. We are committed to your satisfaction and welcome you to call us with any questions you may have and to schedule your appointment.
