If you’re a car aficionado like I am, you probably spend a lot of time maintaining your cars. You know that with regular maintenance, your car will last longer, run smoother, look nicer, and get top dollar when you go to resell it. Plus, you’ll get more pleasure from driving it. You also know that regular maintenance is essential—even when you’re not at home to take care of it. That’s why you should consider our Car Watch services.
What is Car Watch?
When you’re away from home for an extended period and have to leave one or more cars at home, those left-behind cars need regular attention so that when you return home, they are sound and ready to use again. Here’s how Car Watch can help.
- Regular Starts – We’ll regularly start your car to prevent your car battery from draining and going dead. We can also attach a battery tender to maintain the battery’s charge at its optimal level. We can also place a Battery Tender on your vehicle to keep the battery "optimally" charged.
- Car Systems – To keep your car fan, heating and air conditioning systems running perfectly, they’ll need to run occasionally. We’ll start and run your car to make sure that the systems remain in good functioning order.
- Tire Flat Prevention – When your car sits idle for a long period of time, the tires can develop flat spots where they rest upon the ground. Or the tire could go flat altogether. Once this happens, the tire is ruined and must be replaced.
- Fluid Checks – Fluids can evaporate or become gummy as they sit, neither of which is good for your car. As our regular car maintenance, we’ll check and maintain all fluid levels to manufacturer recommendations. We can add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank.
- Mold & Mildew Avoidance – We live in a somewhat humid climate here in Northern Virginia, and a car can develop musty odors, or mold & mildew if it isn’t aired out from time to time. We’ll open windows, run systems, and can place desiccants inside the car to absorb any excess moisture in between Car Watch checks.
Car Watch Maintenance Appointments
If your car is coming up on its Virginia inspection, it’s time for an oil change, or other car maintenance is required, we can manage that for you as part of our Car Watch services. Just let us know what you need and we can schedule and manage your car maintenance appointment on your behalf. Your car will be ready to go once you return home. We can even schedule a car wash and detailing for you.
See our post: What Happens to Your Car When It Sits
Car Maintenance Checklist
Part of car ownership is managing the regular car maintenance that is required. Here is a quick and handy checklist of items for regular vehicle maintenance.
- Oil & coolant levels – Check these every couple of fill-ups.
- Oil & filter change -- Change the oil and filter every 3,000 miles (or as instructed by manufacturer).
- Tire pressure – Check monthly and before long trips or heavy loads. Also check the spare tire.
- Tire rotation – Rotate tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. For convenience, schedule it with your oil change.
- Air filter – Change at least once a year, or every 15,000-30,000 miles.
- Car waxing – Apply a vehicle wax every six months, after washing.
- Windshield wipers – Replace at least once a year, or if damage occurs.
Northern Virginia Car Watch by Golden Rule Home Watch & Concierge
To learn more about our Car Watch and Home Watch services in Northern Virginia, give Golden Rule Home Watch & Concierge a call at 855-928-2424. We’ll be glad to discuss the services we can offer for your home and property in the event you must be away from your home for an extended period, and offer a free consultation.