How Often Should You Drive a Car to Avoid Battery Drain?
1 Answers
It is recommended to start the vehicle once a week and drive it every two weeks, covering a distance of three to five kilometers each time. When storing a car for an extended period, pay attention to the following: 1. Pre-storage preparation: Clean the exterior and interior of the car thoroughly before parking it. Applying wax or a protective coating can help prevent corrosion of the paint. If possible, store the car in a garage. If parking outdoors, at least cover the car with a car cover to protect it from sun, rain, and damage from falling leaves and other debris. 2. Brake discs: For vehicles parked for a long time, avoid engaging the handbrake tightly. The brake system, when left unused for extended periods, can react with moisture and oxygen in the air, leading to rust on the brake discs and pads. This can cause them to stick together, affecting braking performance. Upon restarting, this may result in wheel lock-up. 3. Tires: To prevent tire deformation, inflate them to a higher pressure than usual, around 2.8 bar, which is a common practice at 4S shops. Additionally, choose a flat surface for parking to minimize tire damage. Parking on uneven surfaces for long periods can cause tire deformation. 4. Battery: Even when not in use, a car battery discharges internally. A good-quality battery may deplete in about three months, while lower-quality ones may discharge even faster. Therefore, start the engine every one to two weeks to prevent the battery from draining completely and to avoid rust inside the engine. If managing the battery is not feasible, consider disconnecting it or removing the battery cables to slow down the discharge rate.
