The effects of infrequent driving on vehicle performance

Driving puts a certain measure of wear and tear on a vehicle. Whether a vehicle is used primarily for commuting or as a vessel to take travelers to parts unknown, wear and tear is inevitable.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, individuals may not realize that failing to drive their vehicles regularly also can affect performance.

If you are not planning on driving your car this winter, Chris Shore and Steve Ching of Handel Automotive say, that the best way to prepare for this is to continue to do preventative maintenance on your vehicle. Newer vehicles should leave the maintainer hooked up to prevent loss of computer memory within the car.

Here’s a closer look at what can happen when vehicles sit idle for lengthy periods of time.

• Battery loses its charge. The battery in a vehicle is still being used even if the car isn’t running. Batteries power various components in a car, such as the vehicle computer, phone chargers and more. If the engine does

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not turn over and help to recharge the battery, the battery will eventually die. People who drive infrequently may want to consider a trickle charger that’s plugged in during periods of non-use.

• Tire rot can set in. Dry tire rot is deterioration that sets into the rubber. The material dries out and becomes brittle, causing splits and cracks to form. Driving with tire rot can cause tires to deflate.

• Rust and corrosion can occur. There is still plenty of metal in modern vehicles. A vehicle that has been exposed to salt or rain or one that is stored in a moist climate can be susceptible to undercarriage or engine rust. This may cause damage that’s not easily repaired.

• Damage from sap or droppings. A vehicle parked in one location for a long time could be a target for bird droppings, fallen berries, sap, and other substances that are potentially harmful to the paint job. Leaving the car or truck out in the sun also means UV rays can cause clear coat over the paint to oxidize and begin to fail, which can produce blotchy or peeling spots.

• Poor brake performance. When vehicles are left to sit, corrosion could build up on the rotors and the brake pads may become less flexible. Moisture also may seep into brake lines, causing issues with pressurization of brake fluid. Each of these factors adds up to brakes that do not work properly — which is a big safety hazard.

• Formation of tire flat spots. When tires are not used frequently, the weight of the car can continually put pressure on the same parts of the tires, leading to flat spots. Tires also can lose pressure if they sit too long.

• Oil and other fluids may lose efficacy. Various fluids can go stale in a vehicle if it isn’t regularly driven. Gasoline also may develop condensation, which can reduce efficiency and performance. Taking short trips helps avoid this issue.

Infrequent driving can cause damage to a car or truck. But many potential issues can be avoided by driving vehicles more often.