Can a car that hasn't been moved for three years still be driven?
2 Answers
A car that hasn't been moved for three years can still be driven, but it will have a significant impact on the vehicle's lifespan. Check mechanical components: When a vehicle is parked for a long time, oil oxidation becomes very severe. Upon restarting, dry or semi-dry friction may occur between the cylinders and pistons, accelerating component wear. Additionally, the resistance increases substantially, making it difficult to start. Check the battery: Most modern cars use lead-acid batteries, which naturally self-discharge when the vehicle is idle. Under normal conditions, a battery's capacity decreases by over 1% per day due to self-discharge. More seriously, prolonged self-discharge causes sulfate buildup on the plates, affecting recharge efficiency and ultimately leading to premature battery failure. Check the tires: When parked, the vehicle's weight is concentrated on the four tire contact patches, causing localized compression deformation. The longer the parking duration, the less likely these deformations are to recover, altering weight distribution around the tires and creating uneven rolling radii. This imbalance can cause body vibrations during high-speed driving, accelerating tire wear and creating potential safety hazards.
I have quite a bit of experience with car maintenance. Once, my car sat unused for nearly two years, and when I tried to start it, the battery was completely dead—I had to replace it to get the engine running. Then I discovered the engine oil had deteriorated, turning into a thick, black sludge that nearly damaged the engine. The tires were severely deformed, making the car wobble dangerously while driving, which could easily lead to an accident. The brake fluid had surely absorbed moisture and lost effectiveness, meaning driving off immediately could result in sudden brake failure. The fuel system might be clogged, or the fuel tank could have rusted, contaminating the fuel. So, if a car has been sitting for three years, don’t rush to drive it. It’s best to call a tow truck to take it to a repair shop for a full inspection: replace the battery, engine oil, and brake fluid; check and replace the tires; and clean the fuel system. Though it might cost some money, it avoids the risk of breaking down mid-journey and makes driving much safer. I recommend starting the car regularly to prevent major issues.
