What are the effects of a car being parked for half a year?
4 Answers
Parking a car for half a year can have the following effects: 1. Tire deformation. When a car is parked for a long time, the tires will gradually lose air, and the part of the tire between the rim and the ground will be compressed for an extended period, leading to deformation and damage. 2. Battery depletion. Some systems in the car continue to operate while parked, requiring power from the battery. When the battery is not recharged, the power will be drained, and over time, the car may not start. Additionally, prolonged power loss can damage the battery. 3. Gasoline evaporation. The car's fuel tank is designed with ventilation pipes to maintain air pressure. When the vehicle is parked for a long time, gasoline can evaporate through these ventilation pipes. 4. Increased corrosion of brake discs, chassis, and other components. Without proper maintenance during long-term parking, exposed metal parts are more susceptible to corrosion.
Last time I parked my car for six months without moving it—completely by accident—and as soon as I opened the door, I smelled mildew, with spots even appearing on the seats. The battery was the worst; it died completely, and I had to call roadside assistance to get it started, costing me extra money. The tires were also deformed, causing the car to wobble when driven, so I had to replace them for safety. The engine oil had turned sticky, and as soon as I started the car, I heard strange noises—it almost damaged the engine internals. The brake discs were covered in rust, producing a screeching sound every time I braked, requiring cleaning or part replacement. As for the interior, the carpet and AC ducts had mold, emitting a foul odor that lingered even after driving for half an hour. My advice is to start the engine periodically and drive it around if parked for long, or find a shaded spot to avoid these issues, especially to protect the tires and battery lifespan.
After leaving the car parked and unused for half a year, I learned firsthand how significant the impacts can be. First, the battery tends to drain quickly—even after a full charge, it lasts only a few days, and the engine stalls immediately upon ignition, often requiring a battery replacement. Tire pressure drops or the tires may even deform, leading to cracks along the edges, posing risks when driving at high speeds. Rust in the braking system is a common issue; once the brake discs and calipers corrode, braking efficiency weakens, necessitating professional rust removal and maintenance. Engine oil deteriorates and sludge builds up, reducing lubrication effectiveness and accelerating wear on components. Additionally, mold can develop inside the car, with spots appearing on seats and air vents, affecting respiratory health—cleaning can be quite troublesome. To prevent these issues, it's recommended to start the engine for a few minutes weekly or disconnect the battery's negative terminal—simple and cost-effective solutions. Addressing these small problems early can save you from costly repairs later.
I left my car parked for half a year, and the most annoying thing is that it won't start. The battery is completely dead, so I have to find someone to jump-start it. The tires have also gone flat, making the drive unstable. The engine oil has deteriorated, turning black, and if not changed in time, it can damage the engine while driving. The brake pads have rusted, squeaking when they rub, and sometimes they even fail. The air conditioner blows out musty air, and the seats have grown mold, requiring a thorough cleaning. In short, when a car sits idle, all kinds of problems arise—it's best to drive it at least once a month to avoid these issues.
