How Often Should You Start a Car That's Not in Use?
2 Answers
You should start a car that's not in use at least once a week. The effects of long-term car inactivity include: 1. Electronic component malfunctions; 2. Shortened battery life; 3. Premature failure and aging of oil seals, leading to oil leaks; 4. Shortened battery life; 5. Oil oxidation corroding engine components; 6. Brake system aging. Precautions for long-term car inactivity include: 1. Regularly check tire pressure and inflate when necessary, paying attention to tire aging; 2. Park the car in a garage or in a dry, shaded area if possible; 3. Clean and maintain the car before parking it; 4. Thoroughly inspect the interior for items before parking, ensuring no food, beverages, or food packaging waste is left behind.
If a car is left unused for an extended period, it's generally recommended to start the engine once a week and let it run for 10 to 15 minutes. I've had personal experience with this - once when I was on a business trip and forgot to start it, the battery completely died after two weeks, leaving me unable to start the car. I had to call for roadside assistance and spent several hundred dollars replacing the battery. Starting the engine not only charges the battery to prevent drainage but also allows oil circulation to lubricate internal components, preventing rust or seal hardening that could lead to oil leaks. In summer, you can extend this to once every ten days, but in winter it's better to do it every five days to prevent accelerated power loss due to low temperatures. While you're at it, check the tire pressure and coolant level to avoid major issues affecting driving safety later. Since adopting this habit, my vehicle has remained in excellent condition, saving me considerable unexpected repair costs - definitely worth it.
