Guelph Garage Owners Association

Winter is coming....have you booked your winter maintenance and tire change appointment? Call a GGOA shop today!

Keep Maintaining Your Vehicle Even If It Sits Idle With a majority of vehicle owners living in areas of the country that have stay-at-home orders, many vehicles may be sitting idle for days or weeks at a time. The non-profit Car Care Council recommends starting your car at least once a week and keeping up with routine auto care to help prevent potential maintenance issues. Just as it is recommended that people stay active during this time of social distancing, your car shoul...d get some activity as well, said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. If your vehicle sits idle for too long, the battery could die, the tires can develop flat spots and the engine oil may start to deteriorate. Just a short solo drive once a week and a little car care will keep your car running efficiently and safely. When starting your car weekly, let it run for at least five minutes. If the vehicle is started in a garage, make sure the garage door is open and there is plenty of ventilation. In addition, the Car Care Council suggests monitoring the following areas of your vehicle if it sits idle for long periods of time. Battery Today’s vehicles have several computers that are always in operation, so if a car sits too long without recharging, the battery could die within a couple of weeks. Tires Maintain proper tire pressure to improve vehicle performance and gas mileage. Doing so is also important for vehicle safety. Checking the tire pressure frequently is more important if the car is parked for long periods of time. Vehicles that sit idle too long can develop flat spots, so taking a brief drive every once in a while will help prevent bald spots, and recharge the battery, too. Fuel Today’s modern fuel systems help preserve the life of the gas in your tank and also prevent fuel oxidation. Keeping a full tank of gas helps limit gas-tank condensation. If you are still concerned about the gas in your tank going bad, a fuel stabilizer may help extend the life of your fuel. Oil If a car sits too long, the oil can deteriorate, so continue to change the oil at the proper time intervals, even if you are not driving your normal mileage. It is always best to check the owner’s manual for the maximum time you should wait between oil changes. Brakes If a car sits idle, rust can start to form on the brake rotors, especially if the car is parked outside. Driving your car at least once a week will help prevent rust buildup. Cleaning Removing the grime and sediment that builds up on the outside of your car helps prevent rust, and cleaning the interior is important, too. Wipe down the dashboard, steering wheel, cup holders, door handles, vents and console with a quality, all-purpose automotive cleaner that will help disinfect the interior areas of your vehicle. For more helpful information about maintaining your vehicle for safety, dependability and value, visit www.carcare.org/car-care-guide to order the Car Care Council’s free 80-page Car Care Guide.

Owning a vehicle comes with important responsibilities; one of which is having your oil changed. Choosing a licensed technician to perform your service will ens...ure your vehicle is inspected fully while the oil change is being done. Think of your oil change service as 'cheap insurance'. It will extend the life of your engine, prevent oil leaks, reduce fuel consumption and remove dirt & particle build up. Contact us today to book your next scheduled service. See more

The Guelph Garage Owners Association shares these safe winter driving tips with you. Contact any of the GGOA members to book an appointment for winter tires, windshield wipers or a winter tune up. Stay safe on the road this winter. https://www.ctvnews.ca//winter-driving-safety-7-misunderst