Is There No Impact If a New Car Is Left Unused for Several Days?
2 Answers
Leaving a new car unused for 7-14 days has no impact, but it is advisable to start the vehicle for 5-10 minutes every week or two to recharge the battery. Prolonged inactivity of a new car can lead to battery depletion and aging of rubber components. Battery Depletion: During extended periods of inactivity, continuous discharge from the battery can easily lead to depletion. In mild cases, it may affect the next vehicle start-up, while in severe cases, it can directly cause battery damage. Each instance of excessive discharge causes irreversible harm to the battery. Aging of Rubber Components: Rubber components in cars, such as tires and door/window seals, are highly susceptible to premature aging due to exposure to sunlight and humidity changes, leading to reduced performance and shorter lifespan. The aging of rubber components primarily occurs because rubber is an unsaturated hydrocarbon polymer, which readily absorbs oxygen from the air and oxidizes. Additionally, vulcanized rubber has a certain degree of permeability, allowing oxygen to penetrate and cause internal oxidation.
As an ordinary driver, it's generally not a big issue if a new car sits unused for a few days after being brought home. The main concerns are how long it's left unused and the environmental conditions. For example, when I was on a business trip for a week without moving the car, it started up just fine when I returned. If you're worried, pay attention to the battery charge—new cars can slowly discharge over time, especially in cold or humid conditions, which might lead to a dead battery and failure to start. Tires may deform slightly from bearing weight on one spot for too long, but a few days is still okay. Lubricants and other fluids may settle, but short-term storage shouldn't cause malfunctions. If you plan to leave it unused for over a week, it's advisable to start the engine periodically and let it run for a few minutes to warm up and allow the battery charging system to work. In short, don't stress too much—a few days of inactivity usually won't harm the car, but it's better to develop a habit of driving it at least once a month. If you're away on business or vacation and can't do it yourself, ask a friend to start it once to save you the hassle. New cars come with warranties, so just address any minor issues promptly.
