Florida Snowbirds Auto Maintenance – Brake Kingdom

 You’ve decided to leave your vehicle in your Florida garage for the summer while you spend time up north.

So what happens when you get back to Florida in the fall. You open up your car door.  Surprise. Surprise.  You see white mold around your steering wheel, dashboard, and leather seats.  Worse.  Your car doesn’t start.  You have flat spots on your tires?  Brake lining and corrosion can be issues.

What could you have done to prevent this? 

HUMIDITY:

If your garage holds a lot of humidity,  consider a box fan from Home Depot with a programmable timer.   Set the timer so the fan turns on daily from 12-5 pm.  This will circulate the air when it’s humid. 

Some install a ceiling fan and let in run on low.  Another option is a dehumidifier.  Program it to run when humidity gets over a desired setting.

WINDOWS OPENED OR CLOSED?

• If you leave windows open about 6 inches, it will prevent humid air from stagnating.
• If want to close vehicle windows, then close all vents. Engage the air recirculation button before turning off the vehicle.

BATTERY:

The heat along with your vehicle staying idle for long periods can cause the battery to drain or go flat.

• Option 1: Disconnect the battery. You may lose dashboard and radio settings, but your battery won’t be drained.
• Option 2: Connect a vehicle battery maintainer (not charger) to your battery for around $25-$60.

TIRE FLAT SPOTS:

Flat spots occur when the vehicle weight presses down on the same section of immobile tires for long periods.

• Make sure the tire pressure in all 4 tires is properly filled to manufacturer’s recommendations. Add 5 to 10 pounds more. Make sure that  you drop the air pressure back when you drive again,
• Park each tire on a piece of thick carpeting to avoid direct contact with concrete.
• Consider buying flat-free tire supports or tire storage ramps.

CAR COVERS:

Depends on storing car inside or outside.

• Inside: There isn’t much need unless you want to protect it from dust and dirt.
• Outside: Make sure the vehicle is CLEAN AND DRY before putting on the cover.

FUEL STABILIZERS:

If the fuel remains longer than 90 days, consider adding proper type of “fuel stabilizer” to your gas.

Suggestions:

• Wash the car. Clean and vacuum the interior.
• Have your homewatch company do a visual check of your garage for ceiling leaks, water intrusion, and pest or rodent issues, (flat tires, mold, functioning battery maintainer, etc.).
• Seek advice of a trustworthy auto repair shop or the manufacturer before doing anything you’re not sure of.