How to Maintain a Car That Has Been Unused for a Long Time?

[DiAaron]

Maintenance methods are as follows: 1. External maintenance: Clean the entire car from top to bottom, front to back, inspect it, repair any defects, and perform a waxing beauty treatment. 2. Engine maintenance: Clean the engine, check the engine oil, brake fluid, and antifreeze, top up if insufficient, replace if expired. If water was used instead of antifreeze during summer, it must be replaced with antifreeze now. 3. Tire maintenance: Check the tires for scratches, bulges, and remove any debris from the treads. Increase the tire pressure slightly compared to summer. 4. Battery maintenance: Check the battery casing for bulges or damage, ensure the battery water is sufficient, and the electrode connections are dry and clean. If green oxides are found on the electrodes, rinse them off with boiling water. 5. Air conditioning maintenance: After a busy summer, promptly clean the air conditioning radiator, replace the air filter, and clean the condenser if possible.

[StMadeline]

Leaving a car unused for a long time can cause problems. Speaking from my own experience, the battery is the most likely to fail. If left unattended, it can be completely drained and ruined within weeks. I recommend starting the engine for about 10 minutes every two weeks to warm up the car, or simply disconnect the negative terminal to prevent power leakage. Tires should not be overlooked either—ensure they are properly inflated to avoid deformation from prolonged pressure. It’s also a good idea to move the car occasionally to shift the tires’ position. The engine oil should be fresh; perform a minor service and replace the oil before parking the car to prevent old oil from corroding the engine. Clean the interior thoroughly and place a few packs of desiccant inside to absorb moisture and prevent mold. Finally, cover the car with a breathable car cover to minimize dust and sun damage. Following these steps, even if the car sits unused for several months, it should start and run smoothly afterward.

[JosiahRose]

I often help people with car repairs, and vehicles left idle for long periods tend to develop various issues. The key is to protect critical components: disconnect the battery to prevent self-discharge; inflate tires above standard pressure to avoid deformation; change engine oil before parking to prevent sludge buildup; fill the fuel tank and add stabilizer to prevent oxidation; periodically press the brake pedal to prevent rust in the braking system. The air conditioning system also requires attention—run it briefly once a month to remove moisture. Don’t forget external protection, such as waxing or using a car cover to shield against UV rays. After cleaning the interior, place activated charcoal to eliminate odors. Regular inspections can save you from costly major repairs.

[SerenityMarie]

The car has been parked for several months, so I'll do some simple maintenance to save trouble. Disconnecting the negative battery terminal is free and easy to do. Inflate the tires a bit higher to reduce deformation risk. Don't leave the fuel tank empty; fill it up to prevent corrosion, or at least keep it half full. Clean the interior and place some bamboo charcoal bags to absorb moisture and prevent mold. Start the engine for a few minutes on a nice day each month to warm it up. Cover it with a breathable cloth or old sheet to keep dust out but leave gaps for ventilation. With this low-cost maintenance, there shouldn't be major issues when driving it again.