How Often Should You Start a Parked Car?
3 Answers
If a vehicle remains unused for an extended period, it is generally recommended to start the engine once a week. For idling without driving, it is advisable to let the engine idle for ten minutes followed by gently pressing the accelerator for two minutes to warm up the vehicle. Hazards of prolonged inactivity: Extended periods of inactivity can accelerate the aging of certain components and tires. For older batteries, prolonged disuse may lead to power depletion, thereby shortening the battery's lifespan. When a car remains unused for a long time, most of the lubricating oil adhering to the components that require lubrication will flow back to the oil pan due to gravity, reducing lubrication at various moving parts. Without the protection of an oil film, metal parts are prone to react with oxygen to form an oxide layer, increasing friction and making it difficult to start the engine. Precautions for long-term vehicle storage: Before storing a car for an extended period, it is essential to keep the body clean. It is best to give the car a thorough wash before storage, but ensure the body is dry before covering it with a car cover. Make sure there is no water on the chassis and that the paint surface is undamaged. Long-term storage can lead to oxidation and rust, especially if the paint is damaged or there is water on the chassis. Whether parking outdoors or indoors, choose a relatively elevated area to park the car, particularly during the summer when humidity is high and rainy days are frequent. Parking in low-lying areas increases the risk of flooding.
I've been driving for almost 30 years and noticed that if a car sits unused for several days, the battery gradually loses charge. Based on my experience, it's best to start the engine every 7 to 10 days and let it run for about 10-15 minutes. This helps recharge the battery and circulate the engine oil, preventing parts from rusting. In cold weather, you need to do this more frequently because batteries drain faster in sub-zero temperatures. Once, I forgot to start my car during a two-week business trip, and when I returned, the battery was completely dead. I had to call for roadside assistance and replace it, which cost me over 500 yuan unnecessarily. If you park in a garage, the issue is less severe, but leaving it exposed outdoors can lead to water accumulation and corrode the wiring terminals. I make it a habit to start the car before running weekend errands and check the tire pressure at the same time—it saves a lot of hassle. For long-term parking, keeping a battery charger on hand is also a good idea for emergencies, so you don't end up stranded on the road.
As a housewife who often drives with kids, I find it troublesome to leave the car parked for too long, especially worrying about a dead battery that won't start. I recommend starting the engine every 6 to 8 days, running it for about 10 minutes to recharge the battery. On weekends when we go grocery shopping, I start the car in advance and listen for any unusual noises. If I forget, the battery might not last more than two weeks, and rainy days make it worse as the wires get damp. My old car is parked outdoors, so I start it frequently to avoid the hassle of battery repairs. Also, I turn on the AC for a while when starting to prevent musty odors from building up, which can affect health. Regularly starting the car during long parking periods helps extend the lifespan of its components—just like maintaining our health, don't slack off, safety comes first.
