Owning a Bentley enters you into an exclusive club of luxury vehicle enthusiasts, and as any owner can tell you, it’s quite an investment. So, it stands to reason that you’d want to take care of that investment.
Many people believe that the best way to make a car last longer is by simply not driving it. However, this isn’t necessarily true. After all, cars are made to be driven, and if they’re left to sit for weeks or months at a time, they can start to show some signs of serious wear and tear, even if they’re left in a climate-controlled garage or storage facility.
So, how do you prevent this? We’re happy you asked.
What Happens When a Car Sits for One Month?
We find that it’s fairly common for our clients to let their vehicles sit for a few weeks at a time. After all, not every occasion is a Bentley occasion, and most owners don’t want to add excessive strain to their luxury car. Here’s a few things that can start to occur if your Bentley is left alone for a month or more.
Tires Can Go Flat
Your tires are constantly fighting a losing battle against gravity—a Bentley Bentayga weighs over 5,000 pounds, and that weight is essentially pushing down onto the tires 24/7. Over time, this can cause flat spots to form where the tire presses against the ground, and when these flat spots get bad enough, it can deform the tires to the point that you’ll have to buy a new set.
This problem can get much worse if your tire pressure is too low. Tires are always losing small amounts of pressure, so if your vehicle is going to be garaged for longer than a few weeks, it’s essential to check the tires and air them up to the correct pressure on a regular basis. You may even consider overinflating them. It’s also recommended to move the car every few weeks, because this will prevent flat spots from forming.
Batteries Lose Charge
Even if your car is turned off and no electronics are visibly running, the battery will still lose charge at a slow rate due to the various background systems in modern cars. This is known as parasitic drain, and if left alone, the battery will eventually lose so much charge that it can’t be brought back to life.
There are a few solutions to this. The simplest is driving the car periodically, making sure you drive for at least 10 to 15 minutes to allow the alternator to recharge the battery. But, if you find yourself in a situation where driving the car isn’t an option, you can invest in a trickle charger or battery maintainer. Failing that, you can just disconnect the battery, although this won’t fully prevent the battery from naturally losing charge over time.
What Happens When a Car Sits for Six Months?
Bentley owners with particularly busy lives may find that they can sometimes go months without driving their prized machines. At the six-month mark, here are some common issues that may arise.
Fuel Spoils
How long does it take for fuel to go bad in a gas tank? It depends. Regular fuel lasts around six months, while premium fuel may last a bit longer, and diesel fuel can last closer to a year. Still, all gas goes bad eventually, and running bad gas through your car can have ill effects on your engine.
Once again, the easiest solution is to drive the car enough that the gas doesn’t sit in the tank for too long. If you plan to leave your car for longer than a few months and driving it isn’t an option, you can add fuel stabilizer, which can extend the gasoline’s lifespan. Be sure to contact our Bentley service center near Hialeah, FL for advice on which kinds of stabilizer to use for your luxury car. And, on the other hand, you can also consider having the tank drained during prolonged periods of unuse.
Pests Can Move In
One of the worst possible things that can happen to a car that’s been sitting is when rodents or other pests make their home in it. When they begin to nest, they can tear up the upholstery, wiring, and any other soft material in the vehicle, which can cost thousands of dollars to repair.
Because of this, rodent-proofing the space where you keep your car is essential. You may even consider having it done by a professional, because all it takes is one crack in the garage wall.
What Happens When a Car Sits for a Year or Two?
In some rare cases, a vehicle may sit unattended for a year or more. At this point, if nothing has been done to prevent problems from arising, you could be looking at serious repairs to get your car running in good condition again.
Fluids Go Bad
All vehicle fluids have to be swapped out over time, even if the car isn’t being used. This includes engine oil, transmission fluid, and brake fluid.
These fluids are meant to be exposed to high temperatures, and the hydraulic systems are designed to keep moving on a regular basis. Without heat and movement, the fluids and their surrounding parts can start to spoil. This is why we recommend annual service checkups and fluid flushes, even if you’re not hitting the recommended mileage for a fluid swap.
Components Start to Decay
After a certain period of time, crucial vehicle parts can go bad. Rubber hoses and gaskets start to crack and wither. Metal pieces like brakes, exhaust, suspension, and even frame components can start to show signs of rust, especially if they weren’t thoroughly washed and treated before storage.
Once again, the best thing you can do to prevent this is to drive the car on a regular basis. If you have to leave your car for a year or more, we recommend taking all of the above precautions. It’s also a good idea to leave a key with a trusted individual so they can check on it periodically to have it washed and serviced.
Bentley Service in Miami, FL
Whether it’s regular maintenance for your daily driver, or preventative maintenance while you take an extended vacation, Bentley Miami’s service department near Aventura, FL has certified technicians and state-of-the-art facilities to keep your luxury car running in tip-top shape.
We also offer pick-up and delivery service, along with a range of other exclusive perks. Schedule maintenance with us online anytime, or give us a call at (786) 577-5211.
