Being seen in a Rolls-Royce is an ultimate symbol of luxury and prestige, but the busy lifestyle that lets you enjoy that level of luxury may keep you out of your beloved Phantom or Ghost for weeks or even months as you travel the world for business and leisure.
You may be hesitant to neglect your cherished automotive chariot for that long, as sitting for extended periods of time can cause premature wear on any vehicle, but fortunately there are preventative measures you can put in place to ensure your beautiful Rolls-Royce stays in immaculate condition.
Let’s explore the options available to ensure your vehicle remains pristine when you’re not available.
What Happens When a Car Sits for a Year?
Every Rolls-Royce yearns to fulfill its purpose – to be driven and to deliver its passengers to their destination in the lap of luxury and the pinnacle of style. There are unfortunate times, however, when many Rolls-Royce owners are taken away from their luxurious vehicle and their Rolls-Royce sits undriven (but not unloved.)
We doubt many of our customers go as long as a year without sliding into their Rolls-Royce, but what would happen if circumstances prevented you from experiencing the joy of your Rolls-Royce for that long?
- Your tires may lose their pressure, develop flat spots, or possibly even become damaged.
- The battery could discharge. Using a trickle charger can help you avoid having to worry about how to revive a car that’s been sitting for an extended period of time.
- Rodent infestations are a possibility. Your Rolls-Royce is likely stored in a climate controlled garage, but those little mammals can be surprisingly persistent and can cause damage when given enough time.
- Engine seals and gaskets can dry out and become damaged if fluids are regularly circulated.
- The gas may go bad – a topic we’ll explore in great detail below.
There’s a simple step to help avoid these potential problems if your Rolls-Royce will sit for extended periods of time: have a family member or employee regularly start it up and “shake out the cobwebs” on a leisurely half hour cruise. Drive it long enough to bring it to proper operating temperature, enjoy the weather in Los Angeles for a spell, and then nestle it back into its place of esteem in your garage. Perhaps you have a grandchild who writes blogs and would be willing to ensure your Rolls-Royce gets regular attention when you’re out of country? They’d love it and you could avoid wondering “What if I don’t drive my car for 3 months?”
Fuel Goes Bad – The Real Story
Most vehicle owners regularly fill their gas tanks and never need to deal with the reality that automotive gasoline has a very definite shelf life and will go bad. This degradation over time is caused by a combination of oxidization and evaporation which is accelerated if the fuel is exposed to air and heat.
The expected shelf life of automotive gas is roughly three to six months and the fuel combusts less efficiently after that period. It can also “gum up” and cause problems with fuel lines, fuel filters, and fuel injectors if run through the vehicle at that point.
There are several ways to deal with the breakdown of automotive fuel over the course of up to a few months:
- Fill the tank – this best practice will help minimize moisture build up and leave you ready for a trip as soon as you’re back in your Rolls-Royce.
- Use fuel stabilizers – you’ve likely heard of Sta-Bil which is one of the most common fuel additives designed to keep automotive fuel stable for longer periods of time. Throw an inexpensive bottle of your preferred fuel stabilizer in the tank if you’re going to be away for an extended period.
- Use high quality fuel – you’re likely already filling your beautiful Rolls-Royce with Premium petrol, but be sure to look for fuels with detergents that help keep the fuel system clean and may even help slightly extend the life of the fuel.
- Start it up – It’s an excellent idea to have someone regularly start your Rolls-Royce and take it for a spin around the neighborhood if you’re going to be away for a while. This step will also help ensure the battery is good to go when you return. (If you don’t have someone to drive the Rolls-Royce occasionally while you’re gone a trickle battery charger or “Battery Minder” does a great job if you’re wondering how to stop a car battery from going bad.)
You’re probably going to drive, or be driven in, your Rolls-Royce often enough that the breakdown of automotive fuel won’t impact you but we want to ensure your vehicle is always ready when you’re in the mood for cruising in absolute luxury and arriving in undeniable style.
Regular Rolls-Royce Maintenance is Critical
Adhering to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule is a critical step in ensuring maximized enjoyment of your Rolls-Royce, and the team at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Miami is here to address your maintenance needs. Reach out to them if your Rolls-Royce will sit for an extended time and you’re curious if a car can go bad from sitting.
Our Miami service department will professionally ensure your Rolls-Royce is maintained in top condition whether it is started every day or only every few months.
You may schedule your Rolls-Royce service online or contact our Miami Rolls-Royce Service Department by phone at (786) 577-5212. Be sure to ask our team for the complete details of the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Miami pickup and delivery and detail program with every service!
