How often must a new car be driven?
2 Answers
New cars should be driven at least once every 15 days. It is recommended to start the car once a week and drive it every half month, covering a distance of 3-5 kilometers. The main issues with leaving a car unused for too long are: the battery may lose charge if not recharged regularly, making it difficult to start the car; and the tires may deform due to uneven pressure if left in one position for too long. Key points to note when parking a car for an extended period include: 1. Clean the car body and interior thoroughly before parking. Applying wax or a protective coating can help prevent corrosion of the paint. 2. Avoid engaging the handbrake too tightly. The braking system can rust over time due to chemical reactions with moisture and oxygen in the air, as well as rain erosion. 3. To prevent tire deformation, inflate the tires to a higher pressure than usual, around 2.8 bar. Park on a flat surface to minimize tire damage. Parking on uneven surfaces for long periods can also lead to tire deformation.
I'm the kind of person who really enjoys studying car maintenance, and I often discuss this topic with a group of car enthusiasts. If a new car is left unused for a long time, the battery can easily drain because you start it but don't use it much, and the power slowly depletes. Leaving it idle for just two or three days might cause trouble. Even worse are the tires—if the rubber stays compressed at one spot for too long, leaving it parked for two or three weeks could lead to deformation, making the ride bumpy and uncomfortable. Then there's the engine oil and coolant—if the car isn't driven, they can settle at the bottom, and the pistons inside the engine might even get slightly stuck. Over time, starting the engine could become difficult. So, I recommend driving the car at least once every two to three weeks for about 20 to 30 minutes to warm up the engine and keep fluids circulating. This can save you a lot on repair costs, especially in winter when you need to be extra careful to prevent internal parts from freezing and getting damaged. In short, don’t be lazy—make it a habit to drive it occasionally, as it’s really good for the car.
