How often should a car be started if it's not driven for a long time?
3 Answers
If a car is not driven for a long time, it should be started approximately once a week to ensure the proper functioning of various fluids in the engine and the car battery. If the car is not started for an extended period, the engine oil will stop flowing, which can affect the normal operation of the engine after startup and may also cause the car battery to lose charge. The maintenance methods for a car that is not driven for a long time include: 1. Starting the vehicle regularly to prevent engine issues; 2. Cleaning the exterior and interior of the vehicle in advance; 3. Covering the vehicle with a car cover and parking it in a garage or on a flat surface away from direct sunlight to prevent paint damage or fluid leakage; 4. Regularly checking and maintaining the car battery to prevent it from losing charge.
As an experienced driver with several years behind the wheel, I believe it's best to start the engine once a week for about 15 to 20 minutes when the car is parked for extended periods. This prevents battery depletion since batteries gradually discharge, and leaving them too long may result in failure to start, costing several hundred dollars to replace. Additionally, engine oil that doesn't circulate can settle and deteriorate, leading to rust or dryness in components, affecting longevity. Personally, I always check tire pressure before parking, keeping it at the recommended level to avoid deformation and ensure driving safety. For storage exceeding a month, using a battery charger instead of frequent starts saves fuel and is more eco-friendly. In hot summer weather, batteries discharge faster, making regular starts even more crucial to prevent accelerated aging. Parking location matters too—garages are better than outdoors, reducing exposure to moisture. Overall, starting the engine weekly is the safest approach, saving both hassle and money.
From my experience, timely maintenance is crucial when a car is idle. I recommend starting the engine every 10 days or so and letting it run for 10 to 15 minutes. This ensures the battery doesn't drain and prevents unexpected embarrassing situations. I also believe tires should be rotated regularly to avoid deformation from prolonged pressure, which could make tire replacement troublesome later. Extra attention is needed during seasons with significant temperature changes, as battery performance declines faster. I usually record the ignition time in my phone's calendar reminders to maintain this money-saving habit. Checking brakes and fluids before storage is also key to prolonging the car's overall condition. In short, developing these regular habits keeps your beloved car road-ready anytime, ensuring safety and efficiency.
