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Mon, Nov 16, 2009
The Straits Times
If I leave my car unused for a period of time, will it have mechanical problems in addition to a possible flat battery?

If I leave my car unused for a period of time, will it have mechanical problems in addition to a possible flat battery?

Apart from potential battery problems, the oil and fluid in an unused vehicle will deteriorate much faster, especially in our humid climate.

The tyres will also wear out much faster than normal as there will be flat spots.

The vehicle's brakes may also jam easily and some parts may become rusty due to a lack of lubrication.

Vehicles that are not driven regularly also require servicing according to the carmaker's recommended intervals.

Automobile Association of Singapore

This article was first published in The Straits Times.


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STORY INDEX
 
  If I leave my car unused for a period of time, will it have mechanical problems in addition to a possible flat battery?
   
 
  I have a 2005 off-peak car that has a mileage of 70,000km. When I switch on the air-con, the engine will start to vibrate. What is the problem?
   
 
  I have driven my off-peak car for about 5 years now. Other than the regular maintenance every 6 moths, should I changed the belting? My mileage is only 40,000km.
   
 
  Are AA members allowed to drive in China?
   
 
  A rumbling sound comes from the audio set area of my car whenever it crosses a hump or an uneven road. Repeated visits to the workshop couldn't resolve the problem. How can I stop the sound?
   
 
  How often should the automatic transmission fluid be changed? How do I know when I need to change the fluid?
   
 
  I drive a two-year old Japanese car. Of late, I noticed that the temperature gauge stays at the halfway mark. Does it mean that the engine is overheated?
   
 
  I drive a continental car which is erratic at idle. What could be wrong?
   
 
  When accelerating, my Corolla has a croaking sound. The sound seems to be louder between 30-60kph.
   
 
  How long can I leave a car without starting and running it? Aside from potential battery problem will there be any mechanical problems?
   
>> RELATED STORY
I have a 2005 off-peak car that has a mileage of 70,000km. When I switch on the air-con, the engine will start to vibrate. What is the problem?
I have driven my off-peak car for about 5 years now. Other than the regular maintenance every 6 moths, should I changed the belting? My mileage is only 40,000km.
Are AA members allowed to drive in China?
A rumbling sound comes from the audio set area of my car whenever it crosses a hump or an uneven road. Repeated visits to the workshop couldn't resolve the problem. How can I stop the sound?
How often should the automatic transmission fluid be changed? How do I know when I need to change the fluid?
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