Welcome to our inaugural Drive Ride Buddy (DRB) Care Series! We are so glad to have you here with us.

Covid-19 has changed most of our lifestyle, be it work or personal, with the circuit-breaker, you may not get to use your car as often as you do.

Well, some positive upsides are, perhaps you do not experience those pesty rush hour traffic and saving from ERPs, parking and paying for petrol or diesel! Yay!

Remember even if you do not use it as much, private car owners still have to continue paying for Certificates of Entitlement (COE) and their road tax plus vehicle licensing fees. said Transport Minister, Khaw Boon Wan. You can check if yours is due @onemotoring

And yes, your vehicle insurance has to be valid too.

However so, have you ever wonder how long can you keep your car stationary without starting it? Well, that will depend, perhaps you still use to get essential supplies or you belong to the essentials work or industry.

The most common issue is a flat car battery. A general safe guide is to start your car every 3-5 days. Let it run for a good 10 – 15 mins.  And always stay socially responsible while doing so.

So then, should you still send it for servicing? Do some maintenance?

Let us take a look at some of the common issues if your vehicle is been left idling too long without driving it.

AND we have some important tips at the end of the article, to look out for when starting your car if you have not used it for a long time.

Batteries Losing Charge

Yep, the most common and often overlooked, you might encounter batteries in your vehicle losing charge and might not be able to start the vehicle. The primary source of electricity within a vehicle comes from the batteries which need the alternator to charge it.

If your vehicle remains in the car park for too long without running. the alternator might not charge the battery. After a long period, the batteries will lose their charge and die.

There is also a connection between the battery and an engine computer and most newer vehicles nowadays are using the batteries even when it is not running.

Tires Develop Flat Spots

When a vehicle is driven regularly, the rubber in tires has a sort of memory that is affected when it experiences big swings in ambient temperature. While the vehicle is driven regularly, it heats the rubber. When you parked your vehicle, it cools and settles.

When the tires sit in the same position without having been moved for weeks, you might find flat spots where it sat. The duration of its parked position, those flat spots can be temporary.

However, if it is left for too long without movement, the flat spots might become prone to corrosion.

Fluids Turn Bad

The various fluids in your vehicle’s system need to be moving. If they had been sitting for too long, there is a possibility that it can go bad and cause damage. It is required for the fluids to run through the proper components and compartments within the engine.

There is also a possibility that the moisture will also build up in many areas of a vehicle. When the engine of the car is running and driving, it warms up and burns off the moisture.

If the moisture doesn’t get burned away, it builds up and mixes with other chemicals which can cause corrosion in metal and rubber materials.

Oil Issues

You might also encounter oil issues if your car is sitting too long at the car park. The oil is like the health of your car.

When the oil had not been pushed through its usual components, it can cause some issues. Some vital parts require lubrication oil. Without a running motor, these components might dry out and can cause damage. The oil seals can also be dry out and distort the seal that could be followed by leaks.

In other words, running your vehicle will help the oil reach the parts it is meant to touch.

IMPORTANT TIPS:

Before you start a car if haven’t used for a long time:

1) Check that your COE, insurance and car tax are still current.

2) Check tyre pressures. You can see if your tyre looked flat.

3) Check nothing’s nesting under the bonnet or your car. Some cats love to sleep there.

4) Check all fluid levels, before starting the engine.

5) Check the brakes, including the handbrake – they may have seized up if the car was left with the handbrake on. Try putting into gear and driving gently.

6) Wash your car. Yes, they deserve it.

Arrange a full service once it’s running again if your car’s been standing for a long time. Or follow your servicing schedule when allowed.

We hope you like our story and do stay updated with Drive Ride Buddy. Our beta version will be launching soon and we know you will be excited once it does.

Meanwhile, stay safe.

Ah Hei