How Often Must a Car Be Driven When Left Unused?
2 Answers
It is recommended to start your car at least once every two weeks, ideally once a week. The main issues with leaving a car unused for too long include: the battery may drain and fail to start the car due to lack of charging, and tires may deform from prolonged pressure on one spot. When storing a car for an extended period, keep the following in mind: 1. Clean the exterior and interior thoroughly before storage. Waxing or applying a protective coating can help prevent paint corrosion. 2. Avoid engaging the parking brake for long-term storage, as the brake system can rust from reacting with moisture and oxygen in the air, along with rain erosion. Rust on brake discs and pads may cause them to stick together, impairing braking performance and potentially leading to wheel lock-up upon restart. 3. To prevent tire deformation, inflate tires slightly higher than usual—around 2.8 bar—to maintain proper shape.
Last time I went on a business trip, I left my car in the garage for almost two months, and it wouldn't start when I returned. The mechanics at the 4S shop told me it's best not to leave a car idle for more than two weeks. The biggest killer during long-term parking is the battery—even when the engine is off, it slowly discharges, and it's usually completely drained after three weeks. Tires can deform from constant pressure in one position; my neighbor's car developed bulges from being parked too long. The engine oil settles completely in the oil pan, leaving parts to grind dry, which is very damaging to the engine. Now, if I'm going away for a while, I either have my family start the car for about ten minutes each week to recharge the battery or simply disconnect the negative terminal. If it really has to sit for a month or more, it's best to have a friend drive it around for a bit to circulate the fluids. Otherwise, the repair costs will far exceed the fuel expenses.
