How often should you at least drive a car that's been sitting idle?
2 Answers
If it's a new car, you should drive it at least once a month. Here is relevant information about car storage methods: 1. For long-term parking, it's best to keep the car in a garage: The car's paint is like human clothing. The first priority when storing a vehicle for extended periods is protecting the paint surface, as fallen leaves, dust, and even rain or snow can damage the paint. During holidays, fireworks can easily hit the paint surface, exposing the metal body and easily causing rust. 2. Appropriately increase tire pressure: After a vehicle sits idle for an extended period, the four tires' contact points are prone to pressure-induced deformation. The longer the parking duration, the harder it is for the deformed areas to recover, eventually rendering the tires unusable. If not replaced promptly, driving at high speeds can cause body vibrations, creating driving hazards.
I remember driving for decades, and cars need to be driven regularly when parked, otherwise they develop problems. The battery is the biggest issue; leaving it unused for a week or two can easily drain it, making it difficult to start. If parked for too long, tires can deform under pressure, making driving unstable and potentially leading to blowouts. Engine oil that doesn’t circulate can settle and deteriorate, reducing lubrication effectiveness and causing internal wear. Once, I was away on a business trip for three months, and when I returned, the car wouldn’t start. In the end, I had to replace the battery and clean the engine system, costing me a lot of unnecessary money. My advice is to drive the car at least every two weeks, for about 20-30 minutes each time, to recharge the battery, keep the mechanical parts active, and extend the car’s lifespan—saving money and giving peace of mind.
