How often should a car be driven when parked for long periods?
3 Answers
Cars should ideally be driven at least once a month under normal circumstances; for vehicles aged 4-5 years, it's recommended to drive them at least once a week. Prolonged parking can lead to tire aging, deformation, and battery drain. Therefore, it's best not to leave a car unused for too long; driving it for about half an hour every week is advisable. Below are some daily maintenance tips for cars: 1. Check the engine oil level: When the engine is cold, remove the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, then pull it out to check. The oil level should be between the upper and lower marks. For a hot engine, turn it off and wait until all the oil has drained back into the oil pan before measuring. 2. Check the coolant level: When the engine is cold, the radiator should be full, and the level in the expansion tank should be between the marked lines. When the engine is hot, the coolant level should be slightly above the upper mark.
As a friend who has been driving for over a decade, I recommend driving your car at least once a week. If left parked for too long, the battery will naturally discharge and lose power, especially during extreme summer or winter weather. Leaving it idle for too long might require you to find someone to jump-start it, which can be quite troublesome. Additionally, the engine oil may thicken or oxidize if it doesn't circulate, affecting subsequent starts—just driving for about ten minutes to warm it up is enough. Tires can also deform if left in the same position for too long, compromising safety. Moving the car slightly or driving a short distance occasionally can prevent this. Furthermore, electronic systems like the anti-theft device can drain power, so regular starts help avoid these hidden issues. Overall, driving once a week is a good habit that balances maintenance and convenience. Try not to leave it unused for more than two weeks to avoid minor issues turning into costly repairs.
From my daily driving experience, it's quite appropriate to drive the car once a week when parked in the garage. For example, I usually start the car and let it run for ten to fifteen minutes before heading to the supermarket on Saturday mornings. This helps keep the battery charged, preventing it from failing to start when needed next time. While the engine is running, it circulates the lubricating oil, preventing parts from rusting or seizing up. If left unused for a longer period, say a month, the tires may develop flat spots, affecting traction, and the brake system could become sticky, increasing the risk of accidents. Another point is that infrequently used components like the air conditioning ducts or electronic control units can accumulate dust or malfunction. Based on these factors, I recommend not being lazy—regular driving is a simple and worry-free way to maintain the car, especially for older models, which require more frequent use.
