How Long Can a Car Be Parked at Most?
2 Answers
Vehicles should not be parked for more than 20 days. Prolonged parking can affect the normal driving functions of the car, and other car parts may also be damaged due to inactivity. Hazards of prolonged vehicle parking: Leaving a vehicle parked for too long can lead to battery drain, inability to start the car, tire deformation, partial rusting of the vehicle, and oxidation and deterioration of fluids. Each time the vehicle is started, it should run for at least half an hour, and after moving the vehicle, drive a safe distance. Precautions for long-term vehicle parking: Inflate the tires to standard pressure before parking; store a small amount of gasoline in the fuel tank to protect it from corrosion; disconnect the battery's negative terminal to avoid power leakage and battery drain; release the handbrake and use triangular blocks to secure the tires to prevent the car from sliding; regularly inspect the car and change the oil in time; choose a flat surface for long-term parking, preferably in a location monitored by cameras, away from garbage piles or grassy areas, and ensure the steering wheel is straight to avoid stress fatigue on rubber components related to steering.
As a car owner who frequently travels for work, I once left my car parked for 3 months without moving it, and the battery ended up completely dead. I had to call a friend to help jump-start it. When I took it to the repair shop for inspection, they told me the tires had slightly deformed and the engine oil had settled, requiring maintenance. Professional advice is not to leave a car parked for more than a month, as small issues can accumulate into major problems. It's best to start the engine and let it idle for 10-15 minutes every 1-2 weeks or take it for a short drive to prevent component aging. Environmental factors also have a big impact—if parked in a damp place, the chassis is prone to rust, and leaving it in high-temperature open areas accelerates tire deformation. I always advise friends planning long-term parking to find a reliable garage or use a car cover for protection, to avoid last-minute frustrations and high repair costs.