How often should a parked car be started?
2 Answers
Vehicle should be started every fifteen days if left parked. Negative effects of prolonged parking: Leaving a vehicle parked for too long can lead to battery drain, inability to start, tire deformation, rust formation, and oxidation/deterioration of fluids. Precautions: Each startup should last at least half an hour, followed by driving a safe distance after moving the vehicle. When parking long-term, keep the body clean and dry, park on elevated level ground, disconnect the battery's negative terminal, inflate tires to maximum pressure to ensure smooth restart when needed.
I've seen many cars develop issues from sitting idle too long. My neighbor's car sat unused for two months and the battery drained completely, leaving it unable to start. Generally, I recommend not letting a vehicle sit idle for more than a week without starting it. It's best to take the car for a short drive – 15-20 minutes is sufficient. This helps recharge the battery to prevent drainage and lubricates engine components to avoid rust. Pay attention to the tires too, as prolonged parking without movement can cause deformation. Additionally, checking the freshness of fluids is advisable. If driving isn't convenient, at least start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes. Based on experience, problems are more likely to occur after two weeks of inactivity. Remember to handle this regularly to avoid trouble.