How often should a sedan be started if it's not driven for a long time?

2 Answers
KathrynDella
07/24/25 7:23am
Under normal circumstances, if a car hasn't been driven for a week, it should be started for 10-15 minutes. This not only charges the battery but also checks for any abnormalities in the engine. It's important to let the vehicle run for a sufficient amount of time; otherwise, the battery may not recharge enough to compensate for the power used during ignition. Here are some precautions for cars that are not driven for extended periods: 1. Always park the vehicle on a flat surface to prevent tire deformation due to uneven pressure and ensure that the fluids inside the car remain balanced and functional. 2. If possible, park the car in a garage to protect the paint from damage. 3. Start the car once a week, and if possible, take it for a short drive to keep it in good condition. If this isn't feasible, consider disconnecting the car battery to prevent it from draining over time. 4. After starting a car that hasn't been driven for a long time, it's advisable to let it warm up for about 10 minutes to ensure all engine components are properly lubricated and functioning correctly.
Was this review help?
20
2
Share
DiArianna
08/11/25 3:04am
I understand this issue deeply because I often travel and leave my car idle. When a sedan is parked for a long time without moving, the battery will gradually discharge, the engine oil will settle causing increased engine wear, and the tires may even deform. Generally, it's recommended to start the car every 1 to 2 weeks and let it run for 15 to 20 minutes. In winter or humid environments, increase the frequency to once a week to prevent moisture damage to the electrical circuits. Don't just let it idle when starting—drive a short distance to get the transmission and brakes moving, and check that the tire pressure isn't too low. Before storing, fill up the fuel tank to reduce moisture and consider using a battery charger for extra peace of mind. In short, stick to a maintenance routine every 10 to 14 days to avoid a dead battery or seized engine, otherwise, the repair costs can be hefty.
Was this review help?
15
1
Share
Expand All
More Forum Discussions

What Causes Rear Axle Noise?

Rear axle noise faults can be attributed to the following reasons: 1. Uneven meshing clearance: When the vehicle is in motion, the drive axle emits intermittent "clunk, clunk" noises that increase with speed. This is caused by warping of the conical driven gear, loose connecting screws or rivets, deformed mating surfaces, impact damage, or debris causing misalignment during movement, or uneven meshing between the cylindrical driven gear and the driving gear, resulting in uneven tightness during operation and producing noise. 2. Bearing noise: While driving, the drive axle produces a chaotic, continuous sound. If the sound is a continuous "click, click" that intensifies with speed, it is due to fatigue spalling of the bearing raceway or rollers, or damaged bearing cages. If the sound is a chaotic "rattle, rattle," it indicates excessive bearing clearance. 3. Differential noise: When the vehicle moves straight, there is a "squeak" sound that changes to a "hum, hum" during turns, caused by insufficient clearance in the planetary gears. During turns, a "pop, pop" sound occurs but disappears when driving straight, indicating seized planetary gears on the cross shaft, damaged or broken teeth on the planetary gears, or mismatched planetary and axle gears, causing resistance during gear movement. 4. Axle and axle housing noise: If the axle or axle housing is bent and rubs against each other, intermittent "clank, clank" sounds occur while driving. Severe rubbing results in a "thud, thud" impact noise.
4
2
Share

Can Car Batteries Still Be Repaired?

Automobile batteries can be repaired when they are disconnected from power. Here is some extended information: 1. When charging a battery, it is best to remove it from the vehicle frame and keep it away from heat sources and open flames, as the charging process can easily produce flammable and explosive gases. Any slight mishandling during this operation can easily lead to an explosion. 2. For water-based batteries, it is also necessary to check the liquid level. Adding voltage when the liquid level is too low can easily damage the battery. Additionally, during the charging process of a water-based battery, the six caps on the battery must be removed to facilitate better gas venting.
17
2
Share

Where can the National V and National VI standards be identified?

You can check the [Vehicle Factory Certificate] or the [Vehicle Environmental Standard List]. For used cars, you can query the vehicle's model number on the environmental protection website. Here is additional information: 1. When purchasing a new car, there is usually an accompanying environmental information sheet that includes the vehicle identification number (VIN) and the emission standard the car complies with (National V or VI). Consumers should review this carefully. The National V emission standard is marked with a "V", while the National VI emission standard is marked with a "Ⅵ", both using Roman numerals. 2. The implementation of strict emission standards by the government helps regulate automakers. As environmental pollution becomes increasingly severe, countries worldwide have established emission standards to ensure compliance, which plays a positive role in protecting the global environment.
13
2
Share

What is the manual transmission C license category?

Manual transmission driving license is categorized as C1. Below are the specific details about the C1 driving license: 1. The C1 driving license is one of the categories of motor vehicle driving licenses. According to the "Regulations on the Application and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses," the C1 license allows driving small and mini passenger vehicles, light and mini cargo vehicles; light, small, and mini special operation vehicles; and small passenger vehicles with a seating capacity of 9 or fewer. Based on these standards, a C1 license holder cannot drive vehicles with more than 9 seats. 2. The examination subjects include four items: traffic regulations and related knowledge, field driving, road driving, and safe and civilized driving common sense.
7
2
Share

What is the starting current of an ordinary car?

Generally, the starting current of a car ranges between 100 and 300 amperes. If the engine has a larger displacement, the starting current will correspondingly increase. Here is some additional information: 1. The greater the load on the starter motor, the higher the current output from the battery. The load on the starter motor comes from the compression degree of the piston on the intake air during engine operation. The compression ratio of gasoline engines usually does not exceed 11, while that of diesel engines can reach over 20. Therefore, diesel engines require a higher current when starting. 2. The starting current (CCA) index refers to the minimum current obtainable under specific conditions at -17.8°C and -28.9°C. This index links the starting capability of the battery with important variables such as engine displacement, compression ratio, temperature, starting time, the technical state of the engine and electrical system, and the minimum operating voltage for starting and ignition.
4
5
Share

How to Turn on Car Wipers?

Here is how to use car wipers: 1. Detailed explanation of up and down operation methods: Pushing the wiper lever upwards will make it bounce back automatically, and the wiper will work once. Pushing it downwards has three different speed settings. 2. Detailed explanation of front and back operation: Pulling the wiper lever towards the driver will make the front wipers spray water and wipe once. 3. Operation method for the rear wiper: When the rear windshield is obstructed. The rear wiper has three speed settings: slow, medium, and fast. When the rear windshield is obstructed, you will lose part of your rear visibility while driving or reversing, significantly reducing driving safety. Therefore, the rear wiper is equally important. Here is additional information: 1. Different types of vehicles may have slightly different wiper operation methods. It is important to familiarize yourself with and master the wiper operation of your specific vehicle beforehand. 2. Regardless of the vehicle's grade, the wipers will have different speed settings for the oscillation frequency. Each speed setting has its purpose, and we can choose the appropriate wiper speed based on actual conditions and personal preference.
13
0
Share
Cookie
Cookie Settings
© 2025 Servanan International Pte. Ltd.