Vehicle Storage and Maintenance Procedures During Extended Idle Periods

How to Properly Maintain and Care for Your Vehicle During Extended Periods of Non-Use

Maintaining and caring for your vehicle during extended periods of non-use, particularly during quarantine when most cars must remain parked, is a challenge that many vehicle owners face. So how can you keep your cherished automobile in optimal condition and prevent deterioration and engine damage?

Today, Huynh Chau, an authorized lubricant distributor specializing in AMSOIL lubricants and automotive parts and accessories, will guide you through proper vehicle care practices during quarantine periods. Follow this article to develop a comprehensive vehicle maintenance routine.

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1. Clean Your Vehicle

Before storing your vehicle, thoroughly clean all dirt, dust, and debris from the body, especially mud and sand that may have accumulated on the undercarriage during rainy weather or rough terrain. Allowing these contaminants to persist will cause metal components to lose paint, develop rust, and eventually corrode over time.

2. Change Engine Oil, Brake Fluid, and Clutch Fluid

During extended social distancing periods lasting several months, changing your vehicle's engine oil is critically important. Oil left in the engine for too long can easily sludge and solidify into deposits. When the engine runs, these solid particles travel through the oil passages into engine components, causing blockages and engine wear.

Even though you may store the vehicle for extended periods, changing to fresh oil is necessary because used oil quality deteriorates significantly and tends to form stubborn sludge deposits at the bottom of the fuel tank and oil pan, severely affecting the engine's power transmission capabilities.

AMSOIL lubricant—a product manufactured by the renowned AMSOIL Corporation—is an optimal lubricant solution for your vehicle. With its advanced formula, this product provides superior wear control, maintains quality, and protects your engine effectively, particularly the premium AMSOIL OE 5w30 line.

AMSOIL is among the world's leading automotive lubricant brands.

3. Fill Up Fuel and Coolant

Filling the fuel tank prevents rust formation when the tank is exposed to air and moisture. Additionally