North Carolina’s stay-at-home order means vehicles could be unused for an extended period
CHARLOTTE, NC., (April 3, 2020) – Many North Carolinians’ cars will be parked in the driveway for about another month during a statewide “stay-at-home” order which urges North Carolinians to remain home, unless they are making essential trips.
North Carolinians are already driving less, as residents attempt to flatten the curve. Compared to this time last year, gasoline demand is down about 50 percent in large metro areas. AAA urges North Carolinians to follow the advice of state and local authorities, but don’t forget to check on your vehicle from time to time.
“Leaving the car unused for an extended period of time could leave it vulnerable to problems with your battery, brakes, and tires,” said Tiffany Wright, spokesperson, AAA Carolinas. “There are a few simple measures you can take to make sure your vehicle is ready to roll when it’s time to hit the road again.”
AAA offers these car care tips for longer-than-expected parked vehicles:
- Battery Boost. Start your vehicle every couple of days to keep the battery at a full state and prevent deterioration. Let the engine run for a few minutes to recharge, then turn it off. If you have one, consider using a Battery Tender or other maintenance-type battery charger. The Battery Tender would remain connected to the stored vehicle.
- Tire Pressure. Add 10 psi of pressure (more than usual) to each tire to prevent flat spots from forming on the tires. This occurs when the area of the tire touching the ground becomes rigid due to sitting in one position for an extended period. You can also move the vehicle periodically.
- Windshield Wiper Placement. Prop up the wiper arms so the blades are off the windshield and won’t get stuck to the glass.
- No Parking Brake. Don’t use the parking brake when storing the vehicle. If the brake pads make contact with the rotors for too long, especially if longer than 30 days, there is possibility that over time they could rust to the rotors, or brake shoes could distort the drums. With an automatic transmission, simply place the vehicle in park. If the car has a manual transmission, put it in first or reverse gear and use wheel chocks to help hold the vehicle in place.
- Sun Shade. If your car is always outdoors and exposed to the sun, use a sun shade. This will help prevent the sun’s UV rays from deteriorating your dashboard and steering wheel.
About AAA – The Auto Club Group
The Auto Club Group (ACG) is the second largest AAA club in North America. ACG and its affiliates provide membership, insurance, banking, financial services, and travel offerings to over 13.5 million members across 13 U.S. states, the province of Quebec and two U.S. territories including Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Puerto Rico, South Carolina and the U.S. Virgin Islands; most of Illinois and Minnesota; and a portion of Indiana. ACG belongs to the national AAA federation with more than 60 million members in the United States and Canada whose mission includes protecting and advancing freedom of mobility and improving traffic safety. Motorists can map a route, identify gas prices, find discounts, book a hotel, and access AAA roadside assistance with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. Learn more at AAA.com/mobile. Visit AAA on the Internet at AAA.com.