Is it harmful to drive a car only once a week?
3 Answers
The impact is not significant, primarily depending on how long and how fast you drive. Here are the specific details: Speed: If you drive for an extended period at higher speeds, the impact on the car is minimal. A longer driving time allows the car to warm up sufficiently, and higher speeds mean higher engine RPMs, leading to more complete combustion and better utilization of transmission gears (higher gears are used at faster speeds). Duration: If the driving time is short and the speed is slow, the car may not warm up enough, and the engine might not reach its optimal temperature before shutting off. This can lead to increased carbon deposits in the engine. Additionally, less use of higher gears can result in uneven normal wear on the transmission.
A friend of mine used his car in the same way, driving it only once a week for short grocery trips. In less than six months, he found that the car wouldn't start, and the dashboard lights were dim. After inspection, it turned out the battery was severely drained—cars left idle for too long experience automatic battery discharge, which can also cause damage. The engine oil settled at the bottom, making the startup noise as loud as a tractor, and the tires had slight deformations in the pressure-bearing areas, causing a bumpy ride. I've tried driving an old car myself—if I only drove it for 10 minutes in the city each week, the brake discs would rust after rain and squeak. My suggestion is, if you really only drive once a week, at least take it for a 30-minute continuous highway drive to let the engine warm up, charge the battery, and ensure proper lubrication, while also preventing fuel line blockages. Also, park in a dry place and regularly check tire pressure.
As someone who frequently checks vehicle conditions, I've noticed that driving a car only once a week does have negative effects, primarily on the battery and lubrication: prolonged lack of charging leads to self-discharge, shortening the battery's lifespan, and uneven oil distribution in the engine increases startup wear. Other issues include rust on brake discs affecting braking safety, tire deformation causing a bumpy ride, and even aging and cracking of rubber components inside the car. If the driving time is too short, such as just going around the block, the effects are even worse. It's recommended to drive for at least 20 minutes each time you start the car to reach normal operating temperature, which helps in charging and activating components. While this isn't a major issue, neglecting it can accumulate into significant repair costs over time. Simply developing a habit of checking battery levels and tire pressure can make a big difference.
