How Often Should a Sedan Be Driven?
3 Answers
It is recommended that a sedan should not be parked for more than three weeks without being driven. A drive of about twenty minutes is sufficient. Prolonged inactivity can cause damage to the battery, electronic circuits, and structural components of the car. Below are specific explanations: First, the battery is the most vulnerable when a car is left unused for an extended period. A normal battery, stored without any load, must be recharged every three months. Moreover, even when the car is turned off, there is still some power consumption. Over time, the battery will gradually discharge on its own until it becomes unusable. Therefore, the car should be started periodically to recharge the battery. Modern cars are equipped with numerous electronic circuits. In humid environments, these circuits can develop mold or rust, increasing the risk of short circuits. Cars are made up of structural components, especially the engine and transmission. There is always some degree of stress or pressure between these parts. If concentrated on a single point for too long, deformation and improper fitting can occur. How to Store a Car Battery: Disconnect the two electrodes from the battery. It is important to note that when removing the positive and negative electrode cables from the terminals, the negative cable should be disconnected first, or the connection between the negative terminal and the car chassis should be removed. Then, remove the other end marked with the positive terminal. Car batteries have a limited lifespan and need to be replaced after a certain period. When replacing, follow the same order as above. However, when reconnecting the cables, the order is reversed: connect the positive terminal first, then the negative.
I have a friend who works in sales and travels frequently. His car often sits idle, and within less than a month, the battery completely died, making it quite troublesome to call for a tow truck and repairs. Now I've learned my lesson—even if I don't use the car regularly, I make time each week to take it out for a short drive, like going to the supermarket or cruising for about ten minutes. This keeps the engine and air conditioning system active, allows the oil to circulate and prevent thickening, and ensures the tires bear even pressure to avoid deformation. Long-term parking can lead to rapid battery drain, rusting of brake components, high risk of battery corrosion, and even moisture damage to the headlight wiring, causing malfunctions. Experts recommend driving the car at least once every 7 days, covering around 10 kilometers to maintain vehicle vitality—saving money and providing peace of mind.
Leaving a car unused for extended periods can cause multiple issues. The battery may naturally discharge, potentially leaving it dead and unable to start the car in just one or two weeks. The part of the tires in contact with the ground can deform under pressure, leading to uneven wear. Engine oil that doesn't circulate can oxidize and degrade, affecting engine longevity. Brake discs may rust, resulting in sluggish braking. Coolant can settle, reducing its efficiency. I recommend driving the car for about 30 minutes or covering a distance of 10-20 kilometers every 10 days or so. If you're truly pressed for time, using a battery charger for maintenance or lifting the tires to prevent deformation can help. Simple maintenance can significantly extend the overall lifespan of the car.
