What causes a car not to start after being unused for a long time?
4 Answers
Automotive coolant and antifreeze have the following differences: 1. Antifreeze has a freezing point and provides antifreeze effects, preventing the radiator from freezing in winter. Common antifreeze ratings include -16°C, -25°C, -35°C, and -45°C (used in extremely cold regions). 2. Coolant has a freezing point of only 0°C and is only suitable for use in southern regions or provinces where it does not snow in winter. A freezing point of 0°C means that if the local temperature drops below 0°C, coolant should not be used. Precautions are as follows: 1. If you are a car owner in the south using coolant and plan to drive to northern regions, you should switch to antifreeze before making the trip. 2. If antifreeze is not replaced in time, the radiator may freeze. For vehicles frequently traveling across different regions, using antifreeze is recommended.
When you leave your car parked for too long without starting it, the most common reason is a dead battery. If the car isn't driven for an extended period, the electrical components can slowly drain the battery, especially due to self-discharge, which may deplete it completely within a few weeks. I once experienced this myself after a three-month business trip—my car wouldn't start, and I found the battery completely drained. Other factors include oxidation of contacts due to humidity, which disrupts electrical conductivity; gasoline degradation and evaporation, affecting the combustion system; or even rust on tires or brakes, though these aren't direct causes. To prevent this, it's advisable to start the car regularly and drive for about ten minutes or disconnect the battery's negative terminal. If the car still won't start, try jump-starting it with help from family or using an emergency power source. If that fails, contact a repair shop for inspection.
Common issues with a car not starting often lie in the electrical system. The battery is the primary culprit: left unused for too long, it drains automatically, leaving no power supply for ignition. I remember my uncle's car had this problem—a brand-new battery was ruined after sitting idle for months. Next is contact corrosion: humid air can cause rust at connection points, interrupting the current. There's also the issue of engine oil solidifying or evaporating, especially in cold regions. For prevention, starting the car for ten minutes each month to recharge can prevent 90% of the trouble. If the car won't start, try jumper cables or a charger first—never force repeated ignition attempts, as this can damage more components.
A car that hasn't been started for too long often fails to crank, mostly due to a depleted battery. My neighbor frequently goes on road trips and always complains about the car not starting upon return. When left idle for extended periods, the battery self-discharges significantly, draining completely in just a few weeks. Additionally, the fuel system can also act up, with old fuel evaporating or impurities clumping together, clogging the fuel injectors. To prevent this, parking in a garage or using a car cover can reduce moisture corrosion. If the car really won't start, borrowing a portable jump starter for a quick boost or getting someone to push-start the car can serve as simple emergency solutions.
