How often should a car be started if left unused?
2 Answers
Continuous parking for two weeks requires starting the engine. Paint damage from long-term car inactivity: If a car remains unused for an extended period, the paint is prone to issues. If parked outdoors without a car cover, prolonged exposure to wind, sun, dust, fallen leaves, and bird droppings that are not promptly cleaned can seep in and corrode the paint, causing it to lose its luster and even leading to aging and peeling. Battery depletion from long-term car inactivity: Even when the car is not in use, the battery naturally loses about 1% of its charge daily. If the car remains unused for a long time, the battery cannot recharge, eventually draining completely and resulting in a dead battery that prevents the car from starting. Moreover, prolonged battery depletion shortens its lifespan, affecting overall usability.
I think if a car is left unused for a long time, it really needs to be started regularly. It's best to start the engine once a week or every ten days and let it run for about fifteen minutes. This can prevent the battery from draining completely. Otherwise, when you try to start the car after a long time, you might find it won't start, which can be troublesome. Additionally, if the oil sits for too long, it can settle, leading to poor lubrication at startup and potential damage to the engine internals. Tires can also develop flat spots, affecting their usability, especially if you live in a humid or rainy area where rust prevention is crucial. I've seen many friends return from vacation to find their cars unusable because of this. Developing this habit can save you a lot of hassle in the long run.
