Is it okay to start the car once a week?

[BrandonRose]

Leaving a vehicle parked for too long can lead to several issues. Prolonged inactivity affects its ability to maintain normal working conditions, and the time threshold is shorter than most car owners might think. Even if you drive once or twice a week, if each trip is too short in distance and duration, it can still cause certain degrees of damage to the vehicle. 1. The car battery may suffer adverse effects: Modern vehicles rely not only on fuel combustion in the engine for power but also on the electrical energy stored in the battery to operate many onboard electrical devices. This stored energy is generated by the engine-driven alternator. Starting the car only once or twice a week for short durations is insufficient to effectively recharge the battery. Additionally, the battery gradually loses charge while the car is parked, leading to prolonged undercharging. This shortens the battery's lifespan, and when the charge is critically low, the engine may fail to start normally, requiring a jump-start. 2. The paint may get damaged: This primarily applies to vehicles parked outdoors for extended periods. Ordinary dust merely requires extra time during washing, but if leaves, bird droppings, or other contaminants are not promptly removed, they can produce corrosive substances during decomposition, causing irreversible damage to the paint. Such damage cannot be simply wiped away—it requires sanding and repainting, which can be costly. 3. Potential damage to the powertrain: The powertrain's optimal performance relies heavily on fluids like engine oil, which play a crucial role in lubrication and rust prevention. These functions depend on adequate fluid levels and proper coverage of components, a concept known in the industry as 'oil film formation.' If a car remains unused for long periods or is driven only briefly once or twice a week, gravity can cause fluid levels to drop significantly over time. This leaves critical powertrain components inadequately lubricated, increasing the risk of major malfunctions during subsequent extended operation.