If you’ve got a car that spends more time parked than on the road—whether it’s a classic you only take out on Sundays, a second vehicle for special occasions, or just a commuter car that doesn’t get much use these days—you might think it doesn’t need much maintenance. After all, how much wear and tear could a car collect sitting in the driveway, right?
Actually, a lot more than you’d think.
Cars are built to be driven. When they sit still for weeks or months at a time, things start to go downhill: tires go flat, fluids break down, batteries lose charge, and seals dry out. The good news? With just a little regular attention, you can keep your rarely-driven vehicle in great shape and avoid some expensive repairs down the line.
Here’s how to do it, without turning maintenance into a second job.
1. Drive It at Least Once Every Few Weeks
Even if you don’t need to go anywhere, starting the engine and taking the car for a 15–20 minute drive around the block can do wonders. It keeps the battery charged, the fluids circulating, and the tires moving—all of which help prevent deterioration.
If you really can’t drive it, at least let it idle long enough to reach normal operating temperature, though driving it is definitely better.
Real-life example: One of our customers, Steve from Oakleigh, only drives his vintage Falcon once a month. But he makes a point to take it on a short freeway trip, just enough to warm everything up. His mechanic always says it runs like a car that’s used every day.
2. Keep the Battery Charged
Car batteries slowly discharge when not in use. If your car sits for too long, you could come back to a flat battery—or worse, one that’s completely dead and won’t hold a charge anymore.
You’ve got a few options:
- Trickle charger or battery maintainer: These keep your battery topped up while the car’s not in use.
- Manual charging every couple of weeks if you prefer not to keep anything plugged in.
- Battery disconnect switch if you want to avoid any draw from electronics while it sits.
Whatever method works for you, the goal is the same: don’t let the battery die repeatedly. That shortens its life fast.
3. Watch the Tires
Tires lose air naturally, especially when they’re not moving. And sitting in one position for too long can cause flat spots—where one section of the tire gets compressed and stays that way.
To avoid this:
- Check tire pressure every few weeks and top them up to the recommended PSI.
- Move the car slightly every now and then if you can’t drive it, just to rotate the resting spot.
- For long-term storage, consider using jack stands to take weight off the tires completely.
Letting tires sit under-inflated for long periods can also increase the chance of sidewall cracks, which is bad news when you finally do hit the road.
4. Don’t Let Fluids Sit Too Long
Engine oil, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and coolant all degrade over time. Moisture can build up, causing rust inside the engine or brake system, and that’s a headache you don’t want.
If your car sits for months:
- Change the oil at least once a year, even if it hasn’t hit the usual mileage interval.
- Keep an eye on brake fluid levels and color—if it looks dark or murky, it’s time to flush it.
- Coolant and transmission fluid last longer, but still check them a couple of times a year.
A little regular fluid inspection can save you thousands in engine or brake repairs down the track.
5. Protect It from the Elements
Leaving a car exposed to sun, rain, dust, and wind—even if it’s not moving—can take a toll.
If possible:
- Park it in a garage or carport.
- Use a breathable car cover if storing outdoors (avoid plastic ones—they trap moisture).
- Wash and wax it now and then to protect the paint from fading or corrosion.
And don’t forget the interior. Use a sunshade to protect the dashboard from UV damage, and crack the windows slightly (if safe to do so) to reduce heat buildup and mildew.
6. Be Aware of Pests
When a car sits undisturbed, it can become an attractive shelter for rodents, spiders, or insects. They can chew wires, build nests under the hood, or sneak into air vents.
To reduce the risk:
- Avoid parking in tall grass or near open bins.
- Place peppermint oil or rodent-repellent pouches in the engine bay (it actually works).
- Check for droppings or chewed bits of insulation during inspections.
We’ve seen cars towed in because rats chewed through key engine wiring—something that could’ve been avoided with a little prevention.
7. Keep It Registered and Insured (If You Plan to Drive It Again)
Even if you’re not driving the car often, make sure it’s legal and roadworthy when you do decide to take it out. That means keeping the rego current and carrying at least third-party insurance. If it’s completely off the road and in storage, you might consider putting the registration on hold, depending on your state’s rules.
But always double-check that it’s street-legal before taking it for a spin, especially if months have passed.
Here’s What It All Boils Down To
A car that’s rarely driven still needs care—but not a ton of it. With a bit of attention every few weeks, you can keep it running smoothly, looking good, and ready to go when you need it. Whether it’s a weekend cruiser or just your second vehicle, giving it that occasional TLC makes a big difference in how long it lasts and how much trouble it causes.
We’ve seen too many good cars end up as scrap simply because they sat for too long without maintenance. Don’t let that be yours. Keep it moving—just a little—and it’ll return the favor when you need it most.
If you are in Glen Waverley, and looking for a cash for cars service, this is the best way to visit us.
www.burwoodcashforcars.com.au
(03) 7047 6732