How often does a car need to be started?
2 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 started and driven for three to five kilometers. This not only charges the battery but also changes the stress points on the tires when parked, which has no negative impact on the car. If the car is left unused for a long time, it can cause damage to the battery. For long-term parking, the following situations should be noted: 1. The vehicle's paintwork. If the car is parked outdoors for a long time, exposure to wind, rain, bird droppings, and dust can corrode the paint and rubber components. If possible, it's best to park the car in a garage. If a garage is not available, using a car cover can effectively protect the paint. 2. The vehicle's tires. If the car is not used for a long time, the tire pressure should be inflated to the maximum value, typically 2.8-3.0 bar depending on the tire model, to prevent damage from underinflation over time. 3. The vehicle's battery. If the car is not used for a long time, the negative terminal of the battery can be disconnected to prolong the battery's self-discharge time. Alternatively, the battery can be charged once every 1-2 months to prevent damage from internal plate detachment.
I think it depends on the situation, but based on my experience, I recommend starting the car every 7-10 days and letting the engine run for at least 10 minutes. Otherwise, the battery can easily drain completely. Once I forgot to start it for three weeks while on a business trip, and when I returned, the car wouldn't start—I had to call a tow truck, which cost me a few hundred dollars. If the engine oil doesn't circulate, it can settle and cause significant damage to the engine internals. Additionally, long-term parking can lead to tire pressure loss or other issues. I make it a habit to start the car once a week, checking the lights and dashboard while I'm at it—it's worry-free and safe. Remember, it's better to slightly move the steering wheel or drive a short distance when starting to keep all components active. In colder environments, start the car more frequently, like every 5 days, to avoid freezing the battery. Overall, regular starting saves money and hassle on major repairs, making it easy to maintain the car's condition.
