Does Driving Once Every 15 Days Have Any Impact?
3 Answers
When a vehicle remains idle for extended periods, the contact pressure around the oil seals becomes uneven. The direction with higher pressure experiences greater deformation of the oil seal. The longer the vehicle remains stationary, the harder it is for the deformation to recover, eventually leading to permanent deformation of the oil seal, which can easily result in oil leaks. The effects of long-term vehicle idleness and the characteristics of lead-acid batteries are as follows: Effects of Long-Term Vehicle Idleness: When a vehicle remains idle for extended periods, the contact pressure around the oil seals becomes uneven. The direction with higher pressure experiences greater deformation of the oil seal. The longer the vehicle remains stationary, the harder it is for the deformation to recover, eventually leading to permanent deformation of the oil seal, which can easily result in oil leaks. Characteristics of Lead-Acid Batteries: Vehicles typically use lead-acid batteries, which are prone to self-discharge when the car is not in use. Under normal conditions, a battery can lose more than 1% of its capacity per day due to self-discharge. More seriously, prolonged self-discharge leads to the formation of sulfides on the electrode plates, which affects the battery's ability to recharge effectively and ultimately causes premature battery failure.
I've learned the hard way when driving my car infrequently. Starting it only once every 15 days, the biggest headache is always the battery – after sitting for two weeks, it's often completely drained, making that dreaded whining sound during startup, forcing me to seek a jump-start. Tires also suffer; left unused for long periods, they deflate or even deform, leading to terrible wobbling when driven again, requiring a trip to the shop for rebalancing. Engine oil that sits too long can sediment and thicken, reducing lubrication effectiveness and potentially accelerating wear over time. The braking system and coolant are also significantly affected. My advice is to start the car regularly, even if just for short 3-5 km trips, to maintain component mobility and avoid costly major repairs. Parking conditions matter too – ideally in a garage sheltered from sun and rain to minimize rust and debris buildup.
Friend, driving only once every two weeks is really not a good thing. I once had a dead battery and couldn't start my car when I was in a hurry to go out that day. In the end, I had to call a tow truck, which was such a hassle. Tires also tend to have issues—when parked for too long, uneven tire pressure makes them more prone to punctures or leaks. Internal components like engine oil and the fuel system can oxidize and deteriorate, and over time, the engine may start shaking more severely. It's best to develop a habit of driving for at least ten minutes within two weeks to keep the fluids circulating. Also, remember to check the battery status regularly to avoid spending hundreds on a replacement. Oh, and when parking, choose level ground to prevent corrosion caused by high humidity during the rainy season. Simple maintenance saves both hassle and money!
