Does using the car only on weekends have a big impact?
3 Answers
Using the car only on weekends has a significant impact on the vehicle. Here are the related details: 1. Damage to the engine: If the driving time is short and the speed is slow, the engine may not have enough time to warm up and may not reach the optimal temperature before shutting off. This can lead to increased carbon deposits in the engine. Additionally, less use of higher gears can result in uneven wear of the transmission. 2. Battery damage: Cars typically use lead-acid batteries, which self-discharge when the vehicle is parked. Under normal conditions, the battery's capacity can decrease by more than 1% per day due to self-discharge. More seriously, long-term self-discharge can cause sulfation on the battery plates, affecting the battery's recharge efficiency and ultimately leading to premature battery failure.
Using the car only on weekends can indeed have some impacts. My previous car was also parked like this, and the battery tended to discharge and deplete if left idle for too long, sometimes making it difficult to start, which required calling for roadside assistance—quite a hassle. Additionally, tire pressure becomes unstable; prolonged parking on hard surfaces can cause tire deformation or slow leaks. Furthermore, fluids like engine oil and brake fluid degrade faster when left unused for extended periods, especially in the summer heat, leading to reduced performance. The engine internals are also prone to rust, and if the parking spot is damp, components like pistons may become stiff. I recommend starting the engine once mid-week and letting it run for 10 to 15 minutes to recharge the battery, or even taking a short drive to run errands—this helps maintain the car. Don’t worry about major issues; just a little extra attention will do.
Using the car only on weekends has some impact but it's manageable. My friend's car was left parked like that, and once the battery suddenly died, making us late for our gathering—pretty awkward. Battery discharge is a common issue; leaving it parked for a week leads to significant power loss. Tire problems are also important; reduced tire pressure makes driving unstable, especially at high speeds, posing higher risks. Fluid deterioration speeds up, and changes in oil viscosity may damage the engine. For safety, I suggest adding a timer or starting the car for a few minutes every few days, while also checking the tires. If it's often parked in the garage, keeping a charger handy is simple and worry-free. In the long run, less vehicle wear might save on repair costs, but proper maintenance is even more crucial.
