Is it okay to leave a car parked for a month in summer?

[DelEmerson]

Leaving a car parked for a month without driving can have several negative effects on the vehicle. First, the battery may lose charge. Second, the handbrake may become loose. Third, the fluids may deteriorate. Fourth, the tires may deform. If a tire remains in contact with the ground at a single point for an extended period, it can deform, leading to instability while driving. Below are some precautions regarding tire purchase and usage: 1. When purchasing tires, always check the production date: Avoid buying tires with old production dates, as rubber deteriorates over time even when unused. 2. Regularly inspect tire pressure and the tire surface for damage during daily use: The sidewalls of tires are particularly vulnerable, and if punctured or cut, they cannot be repaired. It is recommended that owners replace their tires every four years, even if the mileage is low during that period.

[DiLyla]

Leaving the car parked for a month in summer? I did that last time I was on a business trip and ended up paying the price. The battery was the first to give out—it drains especially fast in high temperatures, and when I got back, I couldn’t even open the door. The tires also got deformed, with the right front one going flat the most noticeably. The mechanic said that’s what happens when they’re under pressure in one spot for too long. Even worse was the paint—parked under a tree, it got covered in sap and bug residue, and when I washed it, I found spots where the paint had already corroded. There was also the issue of the engine oil breaking down, causing the engine to rattle when starting. If you really have to park it like this, it’s best to disconnect the battery’s negative terminal, inflate the tires to 3.0, cover the car with a car cover away from trees, and remember to change the oil before driving long distances after you return.

[CamillaFitz]

My colleague went on vacation last month and parked his car outdoors. When he came back, he couldn't stop complaining. The intense sun exposure completely ruined the interior—the leather seats cracked like tortoise shells, and the plastic parts on the dashboard warped. The battery was completely dead, and it wasn't until he called for a jump-start that he discovered the circuit board had short-circuited due to moisture. The wiper blades were stuck to the windshield and snapped when pulled. I reminded him to park in an underground garage next time, leave a few packs of desiccant in the car, remove all valuables, and crack the sunroof slightly for ventilation. Most importantly, he should find someone to start the car for 20 minutes each week to charge the battery and rotate the tires to prevent deformation. High temperatures are just too harsh on cars.

[DelEloise]

Residents in old neighborhoods without garages know this pain all too well. Leaving your car parked outdoors for a month during the hottest summer days, the soda cans inside exploded, leaving sticky syrup all over the carpets. Even worse were the fuel line issues—gasoline evaporation created gummy deposits that clogged the fuel injectors. It took five or six attempts to start the car upon return, with black smoke billowing from the exhaust. The brake discs rusted like unearthed artifacts, and the first press of the brake pedal had no effect at all. It's recommended to fill up the tank and add some fuel additive before parking, lift the wipers to prevent sticking, and clear the trunk of flammable items. If possible, jack up the car to keep the tires off the ground for the most hassle-free solution.

[Pete]

The parking lot attendant in my residential area told me that cars parked for long periods during summer are most prone to seal aging. High temperatures cause rubber to harden and crack—his car leaked during last year's rainy season, flooding the floor. The battery terminals even grew a layer of green copper corrosion, requiring extensive scraping to restore power. Later, he learned his lesson: before parking, he thoroughly washes and waxes the car, paying special attention to door seam seals; applies tire glaze to prevent cracking; removes all tools from the spare tire compartment to avoid rust after a month of confinement. Now, he even drips two drops of engine oil into the dipstick hole, claiming it slows oxidation. These little tricks work quite well.