Ask an Expert, ‘How do I care for my (mostly) parked car?’

For all of us whose daily commute has been temporarily put on hold, our cars may be spending day after day just parked in the same spot. Could all that sitting be bad for them?

The short answer: It depends on how long your car's idle. If you're driving once a week for a trip to the grocery store, that's probably enough to circulate fluids, keep belts from growing brittle and charge the battery. (Just be sure to drive far enough that the car gets up to full operating temperature before you park it again.) If it's less than that, you may need to do more:

1. Park to protect. Your locked garage is the safest place for your car anytime – and, apparently, even more so now. In Seattle, the Puget Sound Auto Theft Task Force reports that thefts are up 24% as cars sit unattended. If you can't park inside, at least check on the car daily. Also, choose a well-lighted spot, clear the car of any tempting valuables, ensure the doors are locked and the windows closed tightly, turn wheels into the curb and consider using a steering wheel lock (like The Club) as a deterrent.
   
2. Fill the gas tank. A full tank helps prevent condensation inside the tank as it sits unused. Moisture buildup in your fuel system can create problems once you go back to driving. 
3. Check tire pressure. Your owner's manual or a sticker inside the driver's door will tell you the proper psi inflation. Tires on parked cars can lose pressure over time and even develop flattened tread or tears (that's why inoperable or seasonal cars are often stored on jacks).
   
4. Make a clean sweep. Nothing is worse than forgetting to take your lunch leftovers out of the car. Except forgetting those same leftovers for weeks. Decaying food invites rodents, insects, mold and odors.
   
5. Don't put off routine maintenance like fluid and filter changes. Like keeping the gas tank full, clean fluids help ensure your car will be ready to go when you are. Auto repair is an essential business. Not only are most shops open, many have changed procedures to minimize contact. Call ahead to find out how your shop is handling appointments.
   
6. Mind your battery. Driving your car recharges its battery. If it sits idle too long, it can be drained by onboard computers or other accessories that run even when the ignition is off. Our best advice, even if you're working from home and having groceries delivered, is to drive it at least once a week to recharge the battery and circulate fluids. There are other ways to maintain your battery, but they come with expense, risks or both. One option is to put a trickle charger on it to replenish the charge it's losing (possible if it's garaged and reachable with an extension cord). Another choice is to remove the battery; however, that's best left to experienced mechanics using appropriate safety gear. Improperly handled or defective car batteries can cause burns and even a chance of explosion. Also, some newer cars lose all their programming when a battery is removed and require a reset by the dealer – an inconvenient and expensive surprise.