How Long Can a Car Be Parked Before It Needs to Be Started?
4 Answers
If a car is parked for about a week, it should be started once. If parked for about half a month, the car should be driven for three to five kilometers. This not only allows the battery to charge but also changes the stress points on the tires, which has no negative impact on the car. If the car is left unused for an extended period, it can cause damage to the battery. Below is additional information: Effects of long-term inactivity: When a car is left unused for a long time, the paint can easily develop issues. If parked outdoors without a car cover, prolonged exposure to wind, sun, dust, fallen leaves, and bird droppings that are not cleaned promptly can seep into and corrode the paint, leading to dullness and even aging and peeling.
I've found that leaving a car parked for too long is indeed a problem. Generally, it's recommended that if the car is parked for more than a week, it's best to start the engine and let it run for about 15 minutes. This can prevent the battery from self-discharging and running out of power, which could lead to failure to start. The battery in the car will naturally discharge slowly over time, especially in older vehicles, where the power drops too quickly after prolonged periods. Additionally, fluids like engine oil can settle, and without circulation, they may corrode internal engine components. If tires remain in the same position for too long, they can deform, affecting safety. Extra caution is needed during winter or the rainy season, as humid environments accelerate corrosion. I made this mistake myself—left the car unattended for two weeks, and the battery died, costing me a few hundred dollars to replace. Regularly starting the car or taking it for a short drive is the best way to protect it.
There are many cars parked in our residential garage, and some neighbors couldn't start their cars after returning from a month-long business trip. Based on my experience, it's best not to leave the car unused for more than 10 days. Prolonged parking can cause severe battery drain, especially since modern vehicles have various electronic systems that consume power in standby mode. It's also important to check if the engine oil has aged and stratified, leading to insufficient lubrication and startup wear. Personally, I make it a habit to start the engine every weekend, letting it warm up for about 10 minutes, while also checking if the tire pressure is normal. If I know the car will be parked for an extended period, I disconnect the negative terminal to prevent battery drain. This trick is quite practical—it saves the hassle of calling a tow truck and helps maintain the vehicle's health.
Parked for too long? I recommend starting the engine once a week to warm it up and maintain battery vitality. Prolonged parking can easily drain the battery and cause fluid sedimentation. Running it for a few minutes after starting is sufficient, but it's best to take a short drive to circulate the systems. Pay attention to temperature effects on starting frequency.
