If you haven't driven your car for a while, you should be aware of these nine things that can happen to you as a result. So what is it?

In her report, published by the American magazine "Reader's Digest", author Lisa Marie Conklin said that due to our adherence to guidelines that stress the necessity of staying at home, in the past few months, many people have reduced the use of their cars as usual.

As some work from home, others no longer have a job to go to. Instead of weekly rounds, many are ordering food and all their necessities online. Currently, most neighborhoods are full of cars parked in a similar car park scene.

Here we offer you things that may happen to your car if you stop driving for a long time:

1- The battery is losing its charge

This may come as a surprise, but your car battery keeps working even when you stop using it. Just like a laptop or cell phone, your Nissan battery works on your computer at all times, "says Joe Akers, chief operating officer of Nissan.

And if you don't need to drive your car for a few weeks, Akers recommends installing a trickle charger in your car, "as these chargers continue to power the car battery when not in use." It is necessary to remove the phone charger and any other energy-consuming devices because "these devices are slowly draining the battery, too," said Jesse Yuvali, owner of the European automobile repair company, Jesse Garage.

 2- Tires flatten and lose air pressure

The author stated that the car's tires become flat due to the lack of drive for a long time. Akers explains that the weight of the car, which is constantly pressing the same part of the tire, makes it flat. In this case, it is recommended to check the tire pressure before driving with the tire pressure gauge.

 3- Ants got into the car

French fries spread under the seat and a cup of semi-empty juice can attract ants to your car. Therefore, Yuvali recommends "removing all garbage, especially soda cans, food, sugary snacks, etc., because it will attract ants who will find a way to enter." While doing this, take out your running shoes and gym clothes. If not, these contents will generate an unpleasant smell in your car.

 4- Fluid and oil damage

The author notes that the fluids in your car are essential to many of its components. For example, brake fluid pressure gives you the power to brake. Without power steering, steering will require a lot of effort. The oil maintains the lubrication of the metal components, preventing noise from friction of the metal, or worse, the engine overheating. Run the engine every two weeks for approximately 10 minutes (or drive the car for a short distance) to ensure that all engine components are lubricated.

 5- Drying the air conditioning vents

Yuvali warned that the air conditioning vents can dry out when you are not driving, which leads to safety issues, and you may lose coolant. The lack of coolant means riding hot cars and sweating in the future. "If you rely on the car's air conditioning system, it needs lubrication, which you can guarantee by operating the car and air conditioner for ten minutes," Yuvali advised.

 6- The fuel tank

"If you leave the fuel tank almost empty, it will increase the humidity level, which is not ideal. If you fill the tank before stopping the use of the car in the long term, it will overflow if the weather is hot, as the gasoline can expand," Yuvali says. Gasoline becomes bad after a short time. "

 7- Damage caused by tree sap

The author explained that if you park your car on the street or in a path under the trees, you may find sticky material on your car when you are driving again. This sap is very sticky and difficult to remove, and could damage your car's paint. You have to remove it with the proper detergent, because the sap will melt with warming, causing more paint damage.

 8- Damage caused by bird droppings

The leftovers of birds can accumulate on your car if you stay on the street for a long time, so it will be difficult for you to clean it. Therefore, it is advised to wash the car as quickly as possible with car cleaning materials.

 9- You still need to insure the car

The author stated that you should insure your car even if you do not use it frequently or at all. During this period, some auto insurance companies promise to offer discounts, deductions, or deferment of payment. As each insurance company responds differently to the Covid-19 crisis, it is expected that the outstanding payments will be waived and the coverage period extended.