How long does it take to start a car that hasn't been driven for a long time?
2 Answers
It takes about 5 minutes to start the engine. If a car hasn't been driven for a long time, the battery may be insufficiently charged. Warming up the car can help recharge the battery. There are three key points to note when leaving a car unused for an extended period: 1. Preparation before parking: Clean the exterior and interior of the car thoroughly before parking. Applying wax or a coating can help prevent corrosion of the paint. 2. Brake discs: For vehicles parked for a long time, it's best not to engage the handbrake too tightly. 3. Tires: To prevent deformation of the tires, the tire pressure should be slightly higher than usual. Increasing the tire pressure to around 2.8 can minimize damage to the tires.
When starting a car that has been parked for a long time, the duration can vary significantly depending on the vehicle's condition. Take my old car for example—last year it sat idle for three months, and it took me three attempts to get it started, with each try producing a grinding sound for seven or eight seconds before barely firing up. The battery is the most prone to draining, especially for cars parked outdoors, which might lose all power in just a week. Additionally, gasoline deteriorates over time, causing fuel pump issues and prolonging startup. Engine oil loses its lubricating effectiveness, making the engine struggle a bit more. A friend once mentioned his car, parked for half a year, took over ten seconds to start even with a jump starter. The worst scenario is when spark plugs get clogged with carbon deposits—then it’s not about time, but the engine simply won’t start. If startup takes longer than ten seconds, stop forcing it; first check the battery voltage, and if that doesn’t help, call for professional roadside assistance. For long-term parking, I recommend starting the engine at least every two weeks and letting it warm up for ten minutes—it’s far more reliable than emergency fixes.
