Do Vehicles Need to Be Started Occasionally During Long-Term Parking?
2 Answers
Vehicles parked for an extended period should have their engines started occasionally, preferably once a week. There are several precautions to take when a vehicle is not driven for a long time. Clean Thoroughly: Before parking the vehicle, it should be thoroughly cleaned and tidied up, ensuring no mud stains remain. Tire pressure should be adjusted to normal levels, and all electrical circuits should be confirmed as turned off. Regular Charging: Disconnect the battery terminals. Before long-term parking, the battery should be fully charged and then disconnected. If the parking duration is very long, the battery should be periodically recharged during the parking period. Keep Dry: Parking in a garage is ideal (if not available, use a car cover) to avoid moisture corrosion from rain and to keep the vehicle dry. Seal the Fuel Tank: The gasoline tank should be tightly sealed. During long-term parking, the octane rating of gasoline decreases as light components evaporate and gum content increases, thereby reducing its anti-knock properties. Therefore, the gasoline tank must be tightly sealed, and exposure to high temperatures should be avoided. It is also advisable not to store gasoline for too long.
I don't drive my car very often, but I make sure to start it up regularly. My main concern is battery drain – if it sits for two or three weeks, the battery charge drops significantly, and it would be troublesome if it couldn't start. Also, the engine oil needs to circulate to lubricate all the components; staying still for too long can cause the seals to age. I've also noticed that tires can deform if they bear weight in the same spot for too long, so every ten days or so, I start the engine and let it idle for about ten minutes, moving the car forward a meter or two to shift the pressure points. Gasoline can degrade over time, so starting the engine helps cycle fresh fuel to replace the old. In the summer, I run the air conditioning for a bit to prevent mold in the ducts, and in the winter, I circulate the antifreeze to avoid freezing. Remember, don't just turn the ignition on and leave – keep it running for at least 15 minutes to be effective.
