How often should a car parked in an underground garage be driven?
2 Answers
A car parked in an underground garage should be driven once every one or two months. This helps recharge the battery, ensures even tire pressure distribution, and most importantly, allows the engine oil to better adhere to the internal components of the engine, which is crucial for vehicle maintenance. Leaving a car unused for extended periods can cause the lubricants to dry and solidify, reducing their effectiveness in lubricating various car parts, which can lead to long-term damage. It's essential to strictly control the speed when entering or exiting an underground garage, as these areas often feature sharp turns and steep slopes, with many designs having vehicles enter and exit through the same narrow, nearly right-angled turns. Always reduce speed when approaching the garage bottom to prevent skidding on painted surfaces, especially on rainy days, which could cause the car to scrape against walls. When taking a parking ticket, observe the ticket machine's position early, get close enough for easy access, and if the distance is too great, park properly, engage neutral with the handbrake (or P for automatic transmissions), then reach for the ticket to avoid accidents. When descending, use brakes and lights effectively. As a beginner navigating continuous turns in an underground garage, always follow rules, slow down, keep your foot on the brake, and never unbuckle your seatbelt regardless of speed. Use high beams in blind spots to alert oncoming vehicles.
I usually enjoy chatting about cars. It's really not good to leave a car parked in an underground garage for too long without driving it. Although the humidity is lower underground, the battery will still slowly discharge, and it might not start after a month of inactivity. The engine oil inside will settle, leading to insufficient lubrication and increased wear during startup. Tires left stationary for too long can easily deform, especially the front ones. The brake discs may also rust, causing strange noises when first driven, and moisture can corrode electrical connectors. I recommend driving the car at least every two weeks for about 20-30 minutes to recharge the battery and warm up the engine. It's even better to do this more frequently in summer or winter. Don’t forget to check the tire pressure—while underground garage temperatures are stable, it’s always reassuring to check before heading out. This way, you can avoid a lot of future repair troubles.
