Some cars spend far more time parked than moving. A second vehicle used only for weekend trips, or a car kept for occasional visits, can quietly develop problems if it is left alone for long periods. Batteries lose charge, tyres can flat-spot, seals dry out, and small leaks may go unnoticed. This article explains simple habits that keep a rarely driven car ready to go, without turning maintenance into a chore.

Protect the battery

The battery is usually the first thing to fail on a car that sits unused. Modern cars draw a small amount of power even when switched off, and that drain adds up over days. Keep the battery charged with a proper maintenance charger, which is designed to hold a battery at a safe level for long periods. Do not use a fast charger for this purpose, because it can damage the battery.

If you cannot connect a charger, try to drive the car for a reasonable distance at least once a week. Short trips around the block are not enough, because the battery may never reach full charge. A longer drive on a clear road gives the battery and the charging system a proper workout.

Protect the tyres and brakes

Tyres that stay in one position for weeks can develop flat spots, especially when the car is cold. Move the car a short distance every week, if you can do so safely, so the contact patch changes. Check tyre pressures regularly, because they drop slowly over time, and the handbook will show the correct figures for your vehicle.

Brakes can also suffer when a car sits. Surface rust may form on discs and drums, and this usually clears after a few firm stops. If the brake pedal feels unusual or the car pulls when braking, arrange an inspection before using it on busy roads.

A checklist for periods of rest

Use this list each time the car has been parked for a while:

• Check the battery voltage or charge state before the first journey.
• Inspect the tyres for flat spots, cracks and low pressures.
• Look under the car for fresh drips or puddles.
• Check the fluid levels, including oil, coolant and washer fluid.
• Test the lights, wipers and horn before setting off.
• Start the engine and let it idle gently before driving away.

Keep a short record of when the car was last driven, serviced and checked. A simple note on your phone or a tag in the glovebox helps you spot patterns and remember when the next service is due.

Readers may also want to visit The Encarta. You can also visit blitzsource.com for more reading. For a related read on this site, see How to Plan an Adaptable Outdoor Day Trip. A quick check before each drive is far easier than an unexpected breakdown, so give the car a little attention and it will reward you.

Store the car with care

Where you park matters as well. A dry, well-ventilated space protects the car from damp, which can encourage corrosion and mould in the cabin. If the car is parked outside, a breathable cover can shield the paintwork from dust and bird droppings, but avoid plastic covers that trap moisture against the body.

Small animals sometimes make nests in quiet engine bays or air filter boxes. Check under the bonnet and inside the cabin before starting a car that has been stored for a long period. Leave a few open cups of water or an unused tray of cat litter nearby if you have the room. Keep the handbrake released only when you are sure the car cannot roll, and use wheel chocks on a slope.