Can a Car That Hasn't Been Moved for Three Years Still Run?
2 Answers
A car that hasn't been moved for three years can generally still run, but this will severely affect the vehicle's service life. Here are the consequences of long-term vehicle inactivity: Accelerated aging of internal components: Long-term inactivity can cause deformation, aging, and easy damage to oil seals in various parts of the car, leading to oil leaks; shortened lifespan of friction components; reduced battery capacity and lifespan; electronic components prone to malfunctions. In simple terms, the aging speed of vehicle components is much faster than that of normal driving. Vehicle systems and tires are affected: The longer a car remains idle, the more difficult it is for the deformation of the tire contact area with the ground to recover, leading to tire deformation. Idle vehicles can also adversely affect the braking system, steering system, and fuel supply system.
Last week, I finally took my vintage car, which had been sitting idle for three years, to get it processed. The battery was completely dead, with no power left at all, requiring a jump start. The engine oil had turned thick and dirty, clogging the engine like syrup, causing it to sputter upon ignition, which scared me into shutting it off immediately. The tires were completely flat, with cracks on the sidewalls, and even after inflating them, I had to test whether they were still strong enough. Worse yet, the brake discs were severely rusted, causing abnormal shaking when starting, nearly leading to a loss of control. I advise against attempting to drive it directly—the risk is too high. Instead, tow it to a professional repair shop first to check the fluids, electrical system, and suspension. After sitting unused for three years, internal parts are prone to aging, and delaying repairs could double the maintenance costs.
