How often should a car be started if it's not driven for a long time?
1 Answers
It is recommended to start a car every two weeks if it's not driven for a long time. Here are some tips about long-term car storage: Recommendation to start every two weeks: This prevents the lubricants in the vehicle from affecting the car due to prolonged inactivity. When a car remains unused for extended periods, most of the lubricant that should be coating the moving parts will flow back to the oil pan due to gravity, reducing lubrication effectiveness at various moving components. Additionally, the battery may lose charge, causing sulfation of the plates and shortening its lifespan. How to store a car for long periods: Before parking the car, both the exterior and interior should be thoroughly cleaned. Applying wax or a protective coating can help prevent paint corrosion. If possible, store the vehicle in a garage. If parked outdoors, at least use a car cover to protect against sun, rain, and debris like fallen leaves that can damage the paint. For vehicles parked long-term, avoid engaging the parking brake too tightly. The brake system can chemically react with moisture and oxygen in the air when idle for long periods, combined with rainwater erosion, causing rust on brake discs and pads. If they stick together, this can impair braking performance and may lead to wheel lock-up upon restarting.