Not driving anywhere? Here are some ways to protect your vehicle while it’s parked

ORLANDO, Fla. — The American Automobile Association has released some handy tips to help protect the vehicles of Floridians following Gov. DeSantis stay-at-home order amid the coronavirus pandemic.

While gas prices are low across the nation, statistics show that Florida residents are driving less in an effort to help slow the spread of COVID-19.

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AAA offered the following tips to help protect vehicles sitting in the driveway:

• Battery Boost: Start your vehicle every couple of days to keep the battery at a full state and prevent deterioration. Let the engine run for a few minutes to recharge, then turn it off. If you have one, consider using a Battery Tender or other maintenance-type battery charger. The Battery Tender would remain connected to the stored vehicle.
• Tire Pressure: Add 10 psi of pressure (more than usual) to each tire to prevent flat spots from forming on the tires. This occurs when the area of the tire touching the ground becomes rigid due to sitting in one position for an extended period. You can also move the vehicle periodically.
• Windshield Wiper Placement: Prop up the wiper arms so the blades are off the windshield and won’t get stuck to the glass.
• No Parking Brake: Don’t use the parking brake when storing the vehicle. The brake could become frozen, and the brake pads could rust to the rotors, or brake shoes could distort the drums. With an automatic transmission, simply place the vehicle in park. If the car has a manual transmission, put it in first or reverse gear and use wheel chocks to help hold the vehicle in place.
• Sun Shade: If your car is always outdoors and exposed to the sun, use a sun shade. This will help prevent the sun’s UV rays from deteriorating your dashboard and steering wheel.

INTERACTIVE MAP: Coronavirus cases in Florida

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