Maintaining a car that is rarely used is actually simple. Just take a little time to warm up the engine and check the important components. But to avoid doing it carelessly, there are a few steps you need to pay attention to.

1. Warm Up the Engine for About 15 Minutes

The ideal duration for warming up the engine is around 15 minutes. However, this time may vary depending on the speed of the radiator fan. You can observe when the fan starts working, which is a sign that the engine has reached the right operating temperature.

2. Open All Windows for Air Circulation

When the engine is running, open all the windows first. This helps remove stale air and bacteria trapped inside the interior. As a bonus, there will be no musty smell lingering on the seats or in the cabin.

3. Check the Dashboard Indicators

Before warming up the car, make sure the indicator lights are not on. If everything is normal, it means the electrical system is in safe condition. If any indicators remain on, it is best to check them before using the car.

4. Change Parking Position

Tires can deform if they support the car's weight on one side for too long. Therefore, after warming up, try to move the car slightly out of the carport or shift its parking position. This method distributes tire pressure more evenly.

5. Operate All Buttons

Try pressing all the buttons in the cabin, from the power windows, wipers, hazard lights, to the head unit. The goal is simple: to ensure that all electrical functions are still working normally.

6. Don't Turn on the AC Immediately

When the AC is turned on immediately, the radiator fan will activate to cool the engine, making the warming-up process take longer. So, let the engine reach the ideal temperature first before turning on the AC.

7. Check the Fuel Pressure

For fuel-injected vehicles, fuel pressure can drop if the engine hasn't been started for too long. If the engine is difficult to start, try priming the fuel pump by turning the ignition key several times before starting the engine.

Vehicles that are rarely used require extra attention. Ideally, warm up and run the vehicle for 15–20 minutes twice a week. This not only maintains optimal engine performance but also ensures that the electrical components are ready to use when you need to travel.

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Mobil Jarang Dipakai? Begini Cara Merawatnya Biar Tetap Sehat

Merawat mobil yang jarang dipakai sebenarnya simpel. Cukup luangkan sedikit waktu untuk memanaskan mesin dan mengecek komponen penting. Tapi biar tidak asal-asalan, ada beberapa langkah yang perlu diperhatikan.

1. Panaskan Mesin Sekitar 15 Menit

Durasi ideal untuk memanaskan mesin berada di kisaran 15 menit. Namun, waktu ini bisa berbeda tergantung putaran kipas radiator. Kamu bisa mengamati kapan kipas mulai bekerja, itu tanda mesin sudah mencapai suhu kerja yang pas.

2. Buka Semua Kaca untuk Sirkulasi Udara

Saat mesin menyala, buka dulu semua jendela. Cara ini membantu mengeluarkan udara pengap dan bakteri yang terperangkap di interior. Bonusnya, nggak ada bau apek yang nempel di jok atau kabin.

3. Cek Indikator di Dashboard

Sebelum memanaskan mobil, pastikan lampu-lampu indikator tidak menyala. Jika semuanya normal, artinya sistem kelistrikan dalam kondisi aman. Kalau ada indikator yang tetap menyala, sebaiknya dicek sebelum mobil dipakai.

4. Pindahkan Posisi Parkir

Ban bisa berubah bentuk kalau menopang beban mobil terlalu lama di satu sisi. Maka itu, setelah dipanaskan, coba gerakkan mobil sedikit keluar carport atau geser posisi parkir. Cara ini bikin tekanan ban lebih merata.

5. Operasikan Semua Tombol

Coba tekan-tekan tombol yang ada di kabin, mulai dari power window, wiper, hazard, hingga head unit. Tujuannya simpel: memastikan semua fungsi kelistrikan masih bekerja normal.

6. Jangan Langsung Hidupkan AC

Saat AC langsung dinyalakan, kipas radiator akan aktif mendinginkan mesin sehingga proses pemanasan jadi lebih lama. Jadi, biarkan mesin mencapai suhu ideal dulu sebelum AC ikut dihidupkan.

7. Periksa Tekanan Bahan Bakar

Untuk mobil injeksi, tekanan bahan bakar bisa turun jika terlalu lama tidak dinyalakan. Kalau mesin jadi sulit hidup, coba pancing fuel pump dengan memutar kunci kontak beberapa kali sebelum starter.

Mobil jarang dipakai memang butuh perhatian lebih. Idealnya, panaskan dan jalankan mobil selama 15–20 menit dua kali seminggu. Selain menjaga performa mesin tetap optimal, komponen kelistrikan juga terjamin siap pakai ketika kamu butuh bepergian.