Is it okay to drive a car once a week?
3 Answers
It is okay to drive a car once a week. Here is some relevant information about cars: 1. Definition of a car: According to the latest Chinese national standard "Terms and Definitions of Types of Automobiles and Trailers" (GB/T3730.1-2001), a car is defined as a non-track vehicle with four or more wheels, powered by an engine, mainly used for transporting people and/or goods; towing vehicles that carry people and/or goods; or for special purposes. 2. Introduction to domestic car brands: Domestic car brands include Hongqi, Changan, Great Wall, Chery, Geely, Roewe, BYD, etc.
I've been driving for over a decade and always followed this practice: only moving the car once a week, like taking a short trip on weekends. Long-term parking can cause the battery to gradually lose charge, potentially leaving you stranded with a dead engine, especially during significant temperature fluctuations. Fluids settle, increasing engine wear during startup; tires may also deform or develop slow leaks, making highway driving unsafe. I once saw a neighbor's car sit for eight days and had to be towed for repairs, costing over 500 yuan for a battery replacement. So, I recommend regularly starting the engine for a few minutes or investing in a battery charger. Weekly drives also help lubricate internal components and extend your car's lifespan—don't wait until problems escalate.
It's quite common to leave a car unused for a week, but there are a few details to note. The battery is the most prone to discharge component – I've tested the voltage, and it drops rapidly after just a week of inactivity. In the engine lubrication system, oil can settle when idle, causing increased friction during startup. Uneven tire pressure may also affect traction. The solution is simple: start the car once a week and drive a few hundred meters to warm up the systems, or use professional tools to check the voltage. From personal experience, my car failed to start after six days of sitting idle, so now I've learned to take it out for a short drive every Sunday. This reduces unexpected repairs and gives more peace of mind when driving.
