How Long Can a Car Be Parked Before It Has Difficulty Starting?
2 Answers
If a car is parked for about half a year, it may experience difficulty starting. If the car is left unused for an extended period, it is best to start it once a month and let it run for half an hour each time to recharge the battery. A car battery is a consumable part, and the more frequently a car is driven (especially on long trips), the longer the battery's lifespan tends to be. Conversely, cars that are frequently parked and often discharge without sufficient recharging tend to have shorter battery lifespans. Below are some related details: Reasons for starting difficulty: After a car has been parked for a long time, difficulty starting is usually due to a depleted battery. The primary cause of battery depletion is the age of the car battery. Typically, a car battery has a lifespan of two to three years. If the battery exceeds this lifespan, the car is highly likely to experience battery depletion after just two or three days of inactivity. Solutions: The best way to prevent battery depletion in a car that is parked for long periods is to start it regularly, allowing the car's built-in alternator to recharge the battery.
Last time I was on a business trip and left my car parked for almost a month. When I came back, it wouldn't start and I had to get a jump start to get it going. The biggest issue with leaving a car parked for too long is battery drain. The battery slowly discharges on its own, especially after one or two weeks when the power level drops sharply. Additionally, the engine oil settles, leading to insufficient lubrication in the engine, which increases piston resistance when starting. Tires can also develop slight deformations from prolonged contact with the ground, making the ride feel off. Now, if I know I'll be parking my car for an extended period, I always disconnect the negative terminal of the battery or use a charger to maintain the charge. In hot weather, gasoline evaporates quickly, causing unstable fuel pressure in the tank, so I also make sure to fill up the tank before parking it.