How often should an idle car be started?
2 Answers
Idle cars should be started at different intervals depending on the season. During summer and spring, an idle car should be started once every 5 to 7 days, while in autumn and winter, it should be started once every 3 to 5 days. Additionally, after each start, the car should run for thirty minutes to ensure the internal components are properly lubricated. Below are some related details: Operations required for idle cars: When parking an idle car, it is necessary to disconnect the negative terminal of the car battery to maintain its charge and avoid startup failure. It is also advisable to cover the car with a car cover to protect the paintwork. Furthermore, you should check the car's engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, and tire pressure to ensure they are at normal levels. Hazards of long-term idling: Gasoline can degrade over time. When seals age, the car may fail to operate properly, and the contact force around the seals can become uneven. In areas with higher force, the seals may deform more. The longer the car remains idle, the harder it becomes to restore these deformations, eventually leading to permanent deformation and potential oil leaks. The battery may also fail prematurely. Most cars use lead-acid batteries, which automatically discharge when the car is not in use. Under normal conditions, the battery's capacity can decrease by more than 1% per day due to self-discharge. In severe cases, long-term self-discharge can lead to sulfide formation on the electrode plates, affecting the battery's rechargeability and ultimately causing early failure. Electronic components may also malfunction. Automotive electronic components and connectors are designed to be waterproof, moisture-proof, and corrosion-resistant. If these protections fail, malfunctions can occur. For parked cars, the risk of moisture damage to electronic components or connectors increases significantly, and the longer the car remains idle, the higher the probability of failure.
As an ordinary car owner who has been driving for over a decade, I personally make it a habit to start the engine once every week. If a car sits idle for too long, the battery can easily drain completely. Leaving it for one or two weeks in summer isn't a big issue, but in winter or with older cars, they're more sensitive. I choose a fixed day, like Sunday morning, to start the engine for 5-10 minutes, only turning it off after hearing the engine sound normal. This helps recharge the battery, preventing early failure, and also lubricates the engine components. If left unused for too long, not only will the battery lose charge, but the engine oil will also settle at the bottom, causing greater wear during startup and expensive repairs. If planning to park for more than a month, it's best to disconnect the battery's negative terminal or use a maintenance charger—much more worry-free. Developing this habit regularly makes the car more durable.
