How Often Should You Start Your Car?
4 Answers
A car should be started approximately every two weeks. The effects of not starting it for a long time include: 1. Premature failure, aging, and oil leakage of oil seals; 2. Shortened battery life; 3. Deformation of the tire contact area due to pressure; 4. Malfunction of electronic components; 5. Oxidation and corrosion of engine parts by oil; 6. Aging of the braking system. Precautions for long-term parking of a car include: 1. Clean and maintain the car before parking; 2. Park the car in a garage or in a dry and cool place as much as possible; 3. Regularly check the tire pressure and inflate in time if the pressure is insufficient, paying attention to the aging condition of the tires; 4. Before parking the vehicle, carefully check the items inside the car and do not leave food, drinks, or food packaging waste.
As an experienced driver, I recommend starting the engine and letting it run for about ten minutes weekly if the car is parked for a long time. This effectively charges the battery and prevents it from draining. I remember last time when I was on a business trip for ten days without touching the car, the battery completely died, forcing me to call a tow truck—cost me a fortune. Now I’ve developed a habit of starting it every Monday—simple, hassle-free, and it protects the engine’s internal lubrication. High temperatures in summer are less of an issue, but in winter, extra caution is needed because cold weather accelerates battery self-discharge, which may lead to starting difficulties. Whenever I start the car, I also take the opportunity to check tire pressure and oil levels to prevent minor issues from turning into major headaches.
From my understanding of automotive electrical systems, modern vehicle batteries have a self-discharge rate of approximately 1% per day. If the vehicle remains parked for over a week, it's essential to start the engine promptly for charging. Through practice, I've found that starting the engine once a week for about 10 minutes is ideal—it activates the alternator to replenish the battery while promoting oil circulation to lubricate the engine. Prolonged inactivity can lead to component rust or fuel system blockages, resulting in costly repairs. Considering weather factors such as the rainy season or harsh winter, you may moderately increase the starting frequency to ensure system stability and reliability. Don't forget that taking the car out for an occasional drive is even better.
I don't drive much at my age, and the car is mostly parked idle in the garage. Here's a handy tip: Starting the engine once a week for five minutes is sufficient. The main thing is to prevent the battery from completely draining, which would make the next startup troublesome. Additionally, it's important to regularly check the tires for leaks to prevent potential issues. Once you get used to it, it becomes quite effortless.
