[Kay Schwerzler]

I just bought my 2015 (gas powered) with 16,000 miles on it coming in off a lease. Have driven it two weeks and no surprises so far. I am retired and will just be using it for basic errands, shopping, probably around 2000 miles a year. I want to keep it in good condition but am not finding recommendations for maintaining a low use Smart. I imagine that the battery will have to be replaced more often, also more frequent oil changes. Are there other things that I should be thinking about? I don't know much about cars. I did make sure the dealer showed me how to access the oil and other fluids so I can at least do that. I always changed my own air filter on my old car and it doesn't look any harder to do on the Smart. I am really just like the little old lady from Pasadena. Any upkeep suggestions much appreciated.

 

[jwight]

Basic service (oil and filter change) every 10K miles or one year, whichever comes first. Service requirements can be found here: https://www.smartusa.com/service-and-maintenance

 

[Kay Schwerzler]

Yes, I have that info, thanks. What I was asking about, not so well, is anything special I should know since I will not be driving it as much as most owners.

 

[InjuredAgain]

Every so often, you'll want to drive it continuously for 20-30 minutes. That will ensure all fluids and systems get up to full operating temperature and stay that way for long enough to get rid of condensation, and also to make sure the battery has been fully charged.

Just know there are a lot of people who drive similar miles as you do - many are owners of expensive cars who only drive them every so often. Just keep an eye on things an you will be okay.

 

[nlel1975]

I only do 1200 or so miles a year in my 2007 Smart Fortwo Passion. This is weekly journeys of 23.1 miles non stop which takes about 55 minutes each time which warms the car up nicely and charges the battery.

My servicing schedule is nothing special alternating between an Oil and Filter change one year followed by Oil and Filter and brake fluid change the next. Makes no difference to the servicing how many miles I do annually.

 

[Miss Mercedes]

I have a handful of low mileage smarts in my fleet. I've driven my 2016 a total of 2,500 miles since bringing it home two years ago. I maintain it by letting it run once a month and changing the oil every 12 months. I also have a 2005 that I got last year that I've only put 500-ish miles on. Same thing, except I start it more frequently and run some detergents to help limit carbon build up from living a very very very easy life.