How often should you start a car that is not being driven?
2 Answers
If a car is not being driven, it should be started once a week to ensure the proper functioning of various fluids in the engine and the car battery. If the car remains unused for an extended period, the engine oil may stop flowing, affecting the engine's performance upon restart and potentially causing the car battery to lose charge. Precautions for long-term car storage include: 1. Park the vehicle on a flat surface to prevent tire damage or fluid leakage; 2. Store the vehicle in a garage to protect the paintwork; 3. Remove the car battery to prevent it from draining; 4. Allow the engine to warm up for about 10 minutes after starting to ensure proper lubrication of all engine components.
As someone who frequently travels for work, leaving my car parked for one or two weeks at a time, I've learned to be smart about regular starts. Generally speaking, starting it once a week or every ten days is ideal, letting it idle for 15 to 20 minutes. This way, the battery gets recharged—otherwise, if left parked too long, the charge drains away, making it hard to start later. In winter, the cold drains the battery faster, and summer heat can accelerate aging, so I recommend checking more frequently. The engine lubrication system also needs occasional movement; otherwise, oil can settle, and parts may rust. Tires can deform if left stationary too long, so after starting, I back up a short distance to help. Developing this small habit saves a lot of trouble. Don’t forget parking conditions—damp areas cause more issues, so a dry spot is better. Simple and practical, spending a little time on prevention beats costly repairs later.
