How often should I start the car if it's not being driven?
3 Answers
If the car is not being driven, it should be started at least once every two weeks. After starting the engine, shift gears and drive the car for a short distance, which is beneficial for both the vehicle and the battery. When a battery does not receive a charge for an extended period, the sulfation process of the battery plates accelerates, increasing internal resistance and reducing battery life. When a car remains idle for a long time, most of the lubricating oil that should be coating the moving parts will flow back into the oil pan due to gravity, reducing lubrication in critical areas. Without the protective oil film, metal parts are prone to react with oxygen, forming an oxide layer that increases friction and makes starting the engine difficult. Additionally, due to the self-discharge effect of the battery, the terminal voltage may drop below 85%, potentially causing irreversible damage to the battery.
If the car is left unused, I start the engine once a week and let it run for 10 to 15 minutes to prevent the battery from completely draining. A car battery is like a phone—it self-discharges when left idle, and over time, it won’t even start the car, requiring a jump-start or replacement. It’s slightly better in summer, but winter is worse because low temperatures accelerate discharge, so I make it a fixed weekend routine. Besides charging, this also lubricates internal engine parts to prevent rust and seizing. Occasionally, I take the car out for a short drive to rotate the tires and prevent deformation, while also keeping the brake discs from rusting. During last year’s pandemic lockdown, I got lazy and left it untouched for nearly three weeks—the battery died, costing me hundreds to replace. Since then, I’ve never slacked off. Storing the car in a garage is better than leaving it outdoors, but regular startups are non-negotiable—it’s both safer and saves money.
Maintaining battery health is my top priority. Car batteries lose charge quickly when idle, so I start the engine every five to seven days and let it run for about twelve minutes to recharge. In extreme weather conditions like scorching summers or freezing winters, I shorten the interval to every three to four days to ensure charging efficiency. If the car is parked for an extended period, such as over two weeks, I disconnect the negative terminal to conserve power. Once, I left my car unattended for a month during a business trip, and the battery was completely dead upon my return, forcing me to replace it—wasting both time and money. Now, I also take the opportunity to check tire pressure to prevent flat spots, as overall vehicle maintenance shouldn’t be neglected. Keeping this routine helps avoid unexpected issues and extends the car’s lifespan.
