How often should I drive a new car if it's not used frequently?
3 Answers
Drive a new car at least once a week if it's not used frequently. Problems caused by prolonged parking: The battery may drain if not charged regularly, making it difficult to start the car; tires may deform due to uneven pressure distribution when parked in one position for too long. Precautions when restarting after long-term parking: Always allow the engine to warm up at idle speed when using a car that has been parked for an extended period. If the car idles roughly when warming up, it's recommended to rev the engine slightly while stationary. For vehicles parked excessively long, consider entrusting them to someone to drive at least 5 kilometers weekly, ensuring the battery gets charged and all components maintain proper operation.
As an experienced driver, I think if you don't drive your new car often, it's best to take it out for a spin every two weeks or so, running it for at least 20 minutes. My new car was left untouched for a month because I was on frequent business trips, and the battery ended up drained, making it impossible to start. It cost me a few hundred bucks to replace the battery to fix the issue. So now, I make it a habit to drive it every weekend, even if it's just for a short distance, to prevent problems like battery discharge and oil sedimentation. You need to be even more diligent in winter because cold weather drains the battery faster, and leaving it for three weeks can easily cause issues. When parked at home, I also check the tire pressure to avoid deformation from lack of use. This habit not only maintains the car but also allows me to run errands or take my family out for a ride—killing two birds with one stone. Overall, sticking to regular drives saves you from repair hassles.
From a technical perspective, leaving a new car parked for extended periods can lead to various issues. I generally recommend starting the engine and driving a short distance for about 15 minutes each week. The principle is simple: the battery begins to discharge slowly after one or two weeks of inactivity and may completely lose power over time; engine oil can also stratify and settle, affecting lubrication performance; tires may deform and become uneven from prolonged immobility. I've tested this in my home garage—after three weeks without use, the car was difficult to start. Therefore, driving the car every seven days or so is a safe practice to recharge the battery and ensure proper oil circulation. Additionally, regularly check tire hardness and inspect headlight conditions to prevent wiring aging. This not only maintains safety but also extends the vehicle's lifespan. If you truly lack time, find opportunities to take detours during commutes or other trips.
