How Long Can a Car Sit Without Being Driven Before It Gets Damaged?
2 Answers
If a car is not driven for a month, it will start to show negative effects. If left undriven for more than three months, the impact can be severe. Potential damages from prolonged inactivity include: Damage to the engine and transmission; oxidation and corrosion of engine oil on mechanical parts; negative effects on the braking system; accelerated aging of electronic components due to moisture; battery damage; and deterioration of the car's paint. Precautions for long-term vehicle storage: First, protect the paint; ensure tires are properly inflated before storage; after long-term parking, check all vehicle fluids; and avoid leaving valuables, food, or drinks inside the car during extended storage.
Having driven for twenty years, I've noticed that leaving a car idle for too long can cause quite a few issues. Typically, if the car isn't moved for over two weeks, the battery starts to lose charge, especially noticeable in winter. The engine oil gradually settles to the bottom, leading to insufficient lubrication inside the engine and increased wear during startup. Rubber components like tires can deform and lose their roundness if left in one position under pressure for too long. If parked outdoors, brake disc rust is particularly annoying, causing squeaky noises when driving. Once, after a month-long business trip, I returned to find the windshield covered in tree sap and bird droppings, which had even corroded spots into the paint. Now, I make sure my family starts the car for about ten minutes each week and takes it out for a short drive of a few hundred meters—it's really good for the car.
