How Often Should a Car Be Started If Not Driven for a Long Time?
2 Answers
If a car is not driven for a long time, it should be started approximately once a week. The reasons are as follows: 1. When the car is not used for an extended period, the lubricating oil will flow back to the oil pan due to gravity, reducing the lubrication effect on various moving parts; 2. Without the protection of an oil film, metal parts are prone to react with oxygen, forming an oxide film, which increases friction and makes starting difficult; 3. If the battery does not receive a charge for a long time, the sulfation process of the battery plates will accelerate, increasing the internal resistance of the battery and reducing its lifespan; 4. The battery will undergo self-discharge, lowering the terminal voltage to below 85%, which can render the battery irreparable.
As a car enthusiast, I get very nervous whenever my car sits idle for too long, so I've developed a habit of starting it once a week. Specifically, I find some free time on the weekend to start the engine and let it run for about 15 minutes. This not only charges the battery and keeps it active (since batteries gradually discharge over time and may become unable to start the car), but also helps lubricate the internal engine parts—oil that sits too long can settle and separate, leading to poor lubrication. Tires are another issue; leaving them stationary for extended periods can cause flat spots, affecting driving performance. It's best to drive the car around for 5-10 minutes after starting it to get all the components moving. Once, I forgot to start it for three weeks, and the result was a dead battery that cost me over 500 bucks to replace. Now, I've learned my lesson and set a phone reminder. In short, a car is like a pet that needs regular care—don’t skip the maintenance, or the consequences will be costlier.
