Part-time tips

I live in Florida for half the year and New Jersey the other half. I’d like to know if I can keep a car in Florida unused for half the year without harm. Any special preparations necessary?

Snowbirds follow several practices, many developed after learning the hard way the important things they overlooked. Here’s advice from two seasoned Yankees who maintain roughly the same schedule you do, and also a Florida mechanic.

First: the battery. It’ll lose its charge unless someone starts your vehicle every two or three weeks. The person who does this should also drive it for 15 to 30 minutes; that will lubricate the various components. If you can’t get a person to do this, buy a battery tender ($30 to $60), which plugs into an outlet and connects to your battery.

It’s best if you put the car in a storage facility or garage — for many reasons. The harsh Florida sun beating down on the paint for six months won’t do it any good, and, depending on what part of Florida the car is in, the heat can be pretty intense, and with windows shut tight, cabin temperature will be so high there can be cracking or other damage to the interior. Also, if it’s uncovered, it can be hit with bird droppings, which, if not removed promptly, can ruin the finish. (If you’re putting the car under cover, wash first to remove droppings.)

If you can’t swing a garage or storage facility, at least buy a car cover.

The mechanic recommended that because it will be stored for more than a month, you change the oil because older oil contains contaminants that can settle and do unpleasant things.

You also should fill the gas tank so condensation doesn’t form. Doing so will also help keep seals from drying out.

Check the tire pressure. If pressure is low and the car sits for weeks, the tires could develop flat spots. That actually can happen even if the tire pressure is correct, though it happens less in warm temperatures. Driving the car from time to time can help.

Mice and squirrels might be inclined to take up residence in your vehicle. Many people use peppermint-oil-soaked cotton balls or dryer sheets to repel them.

What’s your question? Sharon Peters would like to hear about what’s on your mind when it comes to caring for, driving and repairing your vehicle. Email Sharon@ ctwfeatures.com.