Is There a Problem If a Car Is Not Driven for a Month?

[DeGarrett]

If a car remains parked for an extended period, it is recommended that the owner starts the car every week to ensure the battery maintains sufficient charge. If the car is not used for a long time, the battery will lose power due to its natural self-discharge. It is worth noting that if the car is left unused for an extended period, the electronic parking brake or the traditional handbrake cable will remain in a tense state, which over time may loosen and affect the normal operation of the handbrake. Leaving a car unused for a long time can also affect the fluids inside, especially the engine oil. Once exposed to air, the oil oxidizes and deteriorates. If the car is not used for an extended period, the performance of the oil will degrade.

[DelCarmen]

I've been traveling frequently for work these years, leaving my car parked for weeks at a time. Last time it sat for a month, and when I returned, the engine wouldn't start—the battery was completely dead. The tires developed small bulges from the prolonged pressure, making driving bumpy. Parking under trees was worse—the car was covered in bird droppings and fallen leaves, ruining the paint. Now I've learned my lesson: I disconnect the battery cables before parking, use a car cover, and inflate the tires to 3.0 bar. It's best to ask a friend to drive it around for 10 kilometers every two weeks to keep the engine running and fluids circulating, preventing deterioration. Rainy days require extra caution, as rusted brake discs sticking can be troublesome. If possible, parking the car on garage lift stands with the tires off the ground is even more worry-free.

[SanAbigail]

A few days ago, my neighbor went abroad for vacation, and the car was parked in the community for over a month. When I went to help check it, the battery voltage had dropped to only 8 volts. Upon opening the hood, I found that mice had made a nest in the air filter, and the wires were chewed to expose the copper strands. Water had accumulated in the spare tire well, and the rubber had started to crack. The most troublesome issue was that the brake fluid had absorbed moisture, turning cloudy and white, increasing the emergency braking distance by over two meters. It's recommended to clean up food residues inside the car before parking it and place a few packets of desiccant to absorb moisture. It's best to start the engine once a month and let the coolant temperature reach 90 degrees before turning it off. This helps evaporate water accumulated in the exhaust pipe and allows the engine oil to lubricate the turbocharger. On rainy days, remember to check the sunroof drainage holes, as blockages can cause leaks under the driver's seat.

[MacAutumn]

Last time I was hospitalized for a month, my car was parked in an open parking lot under the sun. When I retrieved it, the plastic parts on the center console had deformed from the heat, and cracks appeared on the dashboard. The leather seats became stiff and wrinkled, and the air conditioner emitted a musty smell. The battery was dead, so I had to call for roadside assistance. Later, I discovered the engine oil had emulsified, resembling yogurt. Now, I always park in underground garages or shaded areas, leaving the windows slightly open for ventilation. I cover the steering wheel with a reflective cover and the seats with pure cotton fabric. If the car sits for more than three weeks, I add fuel stabilizer to the gas tank to prevent gasoline gum from clogging the fuel injectors. Actually, occasional short drives are sufficient—my home is just three kilometers from the supermarket, so driving there monthly for groceries keeps the car in good condition and saves hassle.