How Often Should You Drive Your Car?
2 Answers
If it's a new car, it should be driven approximately once a month under normal circumstances; if it's an older car that has been used for 5-6 years or more, it's best to drive it once a week, with a maximum interval of no more than two weeks. Generally, a driving time of thirty minutes is sufficient. The effects of prolonged car inactivity are as follows: Battery Drainage: If a car is left unused for an extended period, the car battery will automatically deplete. When the battery is completely drained, the car may fail to start. Prolonged inactivity can also cause oxidation and deterioration of engine oil, brake fluid, antifreeze, and other car components. Tire Deformation: When a car remains stationary for a long time, the tires bear weight on only one contact point with the ground. This constant pressure makes them highly prone to deformation. Keeping the tires in this position for extended periods accelerates aging and leads to deformation. Engine Component Damage: During prolonged parking, due to gravity, the lubricating oil and engine oil in various engine components flow to the bottom. When the car is started again, the lack of lubrication increases friction between parts, causing potential damage. Additionally, starting the engine becomes more difficult.
I often discuss this issue with fellow car enthusiasts. From a maintenance perspective, it's recommended to drive the car at least once a week. If left parked for too long, the battery may drain due to the slow power consumption of onboard electronics, making it difficult to start the engine; tires can also develop flat spots from prolonged inactivity, leading to imbalance while driving, and even cause the brake system to rust from moisture. Engine fluids may settle, potentially causing internal rust. I make it a habit to spend 20 minutes every weekend driving to a nearby supermarket, keeping the car active and charged. If work gets busy or I'm traveling for more than two weeks, I disconnect the battery terminals or use a maintenance charger to prevent potential issues. Developing this habit not only saves money and reduces repair costs but is also environmentally friendly, ensuring reliable and safe driving. A car is like a living thing—keeping it active and not letting it sit idle saves a lot of hassle.
