Three items to consider if your vehicle will be sitting for an extended amount of time.
Posted March 27, 2020
As much of America, Littleton included, are limiting travel and working from home, vehicle care doesn’t end. If you have concerns about a vehicle not being ready when you need it for grocery trips, medical appointments, or other essential travel, automotive repair shops, including Keller Bros ARE open during this Covid-19 crisis. Keeping you and your family mobile is a legitimate concern, and contactless processes allow for services to be performed and payment while honoring social distancing.
BATTERY
Vehicle lead acid batteries will lose charge at a rate of 2-8% per month. This rate increases, as temperatures increase. If your battery was already weak, there is a good chance your vehicle will not start if you let it sit for an extended period of time without starting and allowing the vehicle’s charging system to maintain the battery. A trickle charger is a great idea, if you know your vehicle will be parked for a long duration.
RODENTS
Rodents love the shelter of a vehicle that has not moved. And no vehicle is completely impenetrable. Some insurance plans will cover rodent damage, but you will still be out deductibles and the time you do not have your vehicle. The nationwide AVERAGE to repair chewed up wiring in a vehicle is $1200, with some instances creating $10,000 in damage! Rodents love to create havoc with wiring, insulation, and even the upholstery. Wiring issues can render your vehicle unable to be be driven, and are the most expensive damages. What can you do? Some natural rodent repellents include cotton balls that have been soaked in peppermint, cayenne pepper, or clove oils. Some people have had luck with shavings from strong deodorant soaps, like Irish Spring. Cedar wood chips and laundry dryer sheets are additional items you may have around the house that can deter these destructive little critters. If you suspect you have had rodents in your vehicle because of new, unpleasant odors, droppings, claw marks, or you are suddenly having issues with your vehicle, please contact us immediately at 303-347-1010.
ODORS
Vehicles that sit locked up for days or weeks can develop some musty, unpleasant odors. If you are able to park in a secure garage, crack a window to allow the car to ventilate. If your vehicle is sitting outdoors, consider leaving a dryer sheet or two in the vehicle to help with the smells. If the odors are stronger that you might normally notice, it is possible mold or mildew in your ventilation system has taken hold. If running the fan does not eliminate the smells, commercially available sanitization is available at most auto repair facilities. This process will kill the mold and mildew, and is a great time to evaluate your cabin air filter at this time.
Take care of yourself and your families during these uncertain times. Control what you can control, which includes proactively caring for your health, your home, and your mobility. We are a community that will care for each other during the difficult times. If you need help, please let us know. Our mission is so much bigger than auto repair, and we take our commitment to being an “essential service” with the utmost importance.
Categories: Car Care Tips
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