How often should a car be started if not in use?
4 Answers
If a car is not in use, it should be started once a week to ensure the proper functioning of various fluids in the engine and the car battery. If the car remains unused for an extended period, the engine oil may stop flowing, affecting the engine's normal operation upon startup and causing the car battery to lose charge. Precautions for long-term car inactivity: 1. Park the vehicle on a flat surface to prevent tire wear or fluid leakage; 2. Store the vehicle in a garage to avoid damage to the paint; 3. Remove the car battery to prevent it from losing charge; 4. Warm up the car for about 10 minutes after starting to allow proper lubrication of engine components.
In my opinion, for a car that remains unused for extended periods, I usually start it every two weeks and let it run for about 15 to 20 minutes. This habit helps prevent the battery from draining completely, as small devices like the anti-theft system still consume power when the vehicle is parked. Starting the engine to recharge the battery is crucial. Additionally, engine fluids need to circulate to avoid solidification or degradation, which could lead to costly repairs later. Tires under prolonged pressure may deform, so moving the car slightly during startup is beneficial. In high-humidity areas, extra care is needed to prevent rust on metal components. Don’t leave it unstarted for over a month, or the battery might die, costing hundreds to replace. Developing this regular routine is simple and hassle-free.
I recommend starting your car at least once a week if it's parked for an extended period, running it for at least 10 minutes. This prevents starting issues since car batteries self-discharge significantly when idle – you wouldn't want to get stranded when suddenly needing the vehicle. Let the engine warm up for 5 minutes after starting to allow oil circulation, which prolongs engine life. In extreme cold or hot weather, more frequent starts are better, say every 7 days. Driving a short distance (even just tens of meters) helps exercise the brakes and drivetrain. Forgetting to start it risks serious consequences – at best requiring a jumpstart, at worst causing engine problems. Keeping it always ready is the smart approach.
If the car is not in use, I start it every 10 days for about 15 minutes as a simple maintenance routine. The main focus is on battery health to avoid replacement costs due to self-discharge—a new battery can cost several hundred dollars. Fluids degrade quickly when left unused for long periods, and starting the engine occasionally helps reduce early wear. This habit is low-cost but highly effective.
