How Often Should You Start a New Car If It's Not Driven for a Long Time?
2 Answers
If a vehicle is parked for an extended period, it is necessary to start the engine regularly to recharge the battery and prevent it from becoming too low due to prolonged inactivity. Generally, if the car is parked for more than 15 days, you should start the engine and let it run for at least half an hour to recharge the battery, which can help avoid the issue of the vehicle failing to start. Additional information about car engines is as follows: 1. Introduction: The car engine is the device that provides power to the vehicle, acting as the heart of the car and determining its performance, fuel efficiency, stability, and environmental friendliness. Depending on the power source, car engines can be categorized into diesel engines, gasoline engines, electric vehicle motors, and hybrid systems. 2. Classification: Common gasoline and diesel engines are both types of reciprocating piston internal combustion engines, which convert the chemical energy of fuel into the mechanical energy of piston movement to generate power. Gasoline engines have higher rotational speeds, lighter weight, lower noise, easier starting, and lower manufacturing costs. Diesel engines, on the other hand, have higher compression ratios, greater thermal efficiency, and better fuel economy and emission performance compared to gasoline engines.
Having driven for so many years, I can confirm that leaving a new car unused for extended periods is indeed problematic, primarily due to battery depletion and insufficient lubrication of engine components. It's advisable to start the engine at least every two weeks and let it run for 15 to 20 minutes. This helps recharge the battery and prevents a dead battery from affecting startup. Simultaneously, engine oil circulates during operation, preventing parts from rusting or seizing. If possible, a short drive of a few kilometers is ideal to engage the transmission and brake systems for more comprehensive maintenance. Additionally, check if tire pressure has dropped to avoid flat spots that could compromise driving safety. Developing this habit is simple—pick a regular time, like weekends, to get it done. It greatly benefits your vehicle's health.
