How do I look after a car I barely drive?

Cars deteriorate from sitting as much as from use, but in different ways. Short infrequent journeys are the worst pattern of all, because the engine never reaches proper temperature and moisture accumulates.

What you'll need

• A battery maintainer (optional)
• Tyre pressure gauge (optional)

Step by step

1. Drive it properly at least fortnightly.Twenty minutes or more at road speed, enough to get everything fully up to temperature. A few minutes around the block is worse than not driving it.
2. Use a battery maintainer if it sits for weeks.Modern cars draw power constantly and a battery can flatten in two or three weeks. A trickle charger is far cheaper than repeated replacement.
3. Check tyre pressures monthly.Tyres lose pressure while parked and can develop flat spots. Correct pressure and occasional movement prevents both.
4. Apply the handbrake sparingly if leaving it for weeks.Brake shoes can seize to drums on a car left with the handbrake on for a long time. Where safe, leave it in gear and chocked instead.
5. Keep the fuel tank reasonably full.It reduces condensation in the tank. Modern petrol also degrades over months, so very old fuel can cause running problems.
6. Keep up servicing by time, not just mileage.Oil degrades with time and moisture accumulates. A low-mileage car still needs its annual service.
7. Check for corrosion and rodents.Cars that sit attract rodents, which chew wiring. Check under the bonnet occasionally, particularly if parked near vegetation.
8. Wash it occasionally, particularly underneath.Salt, bird mess and tree sap all damage paint over months. A car sitting outside deteriorates faster than one used and washed regularly.

Tips

• If a car will be unused for many months, look into declaring it off-road where that reduces tax and insurance obligations. Rules vary by country.
• Consider whether you need the car at all. For very low mileage, car clubs and hire are often substantially cheaper than ownership.
• Air conditioning should be run occasionally even in winter. The seals dry out and the system loses refrigerant if unused for long periods.

Common mistakes

• Starting the engine for five minutes to keep it healthy — It never reaches operating temperature, which causes condensation and fuel dilution in the oil. It is worse than leaving it alone.
• Leaving it for months with no battery maintenance — Modern cars drain a battery within weeks. Repeated deep discharge permanently damages it.
• Servicing by mileage only — Oil degrades with time regardless of use, and moisture accumulates. A low-mileage car still needs an annual service.

Questions people ask