Did You Know?

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Infrequently used vehicles are open to a number of problems that can affect performance. There are a number of reasons why a vehicle might be infrequently used.

1. It is owned by an elderly driver who no longer feels comfortable driving, or only uses the car for quick jaunts to the store.

2. The car belongs to a college student who is not allowed to keep it on campus, or only uses the vehicle on weekends.

3. The vehicle is a classic car or collector's item that is only taken out in pristine weather conditions.

Vehicles that are infrequently used are susceptible to battery failures, first and foremost. It is important to start the car and charge the battery if the vehicle has been sitting for more than a few days. Moisture accumulating in gasoline lines is also a problem, which will result in poor engine performance or even stall-outs. Vehicles used for frequent, short trips do not have ample time to warm up thoroughly and can fall prey to premature exhaust system failure and excessive engine deposits that can adversely affect engine performance. To remedy these situations, electing someone to take infrequently used vehicles on a long trip at moderate speeds can do wonders for improving long-term performance.