What Causes a Car to Fail to Start After Long Periods of Inactivity?
2 Answers
Reasons why a car fails to start after long periods of inactivity: 1. The battery is depleted and cannot power the starter motor, ignition coil, and fuel pump. In this case, an external battery is needed to jump-start the vehicle. 2. Gasoline has a shelf life of only about one month. After three to four months, the gasoline will have evaporated and deteriorated, making it unusable. Additionally, the engine oil should be replaced because used oil can also deteriorate after five to six months. If the vehicle will be inactive for an extended period, first park it in a safe location, lock it using the remote, and then disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. Note that after disconnecting the battery, the remote locking function will be disabled, and the key will be required to unlock the doors when restarting the vehicle.
Last month I was on a business trip for two months without driving my car. When I returned and turned the key, all I heard was clicking sounds but the engine wouldn't start. I was desperate until my car-savvy friend explained it was a dead battery - when cars sit idle for long periods, the battery gradually discharges itself, especially with older vehicles or in cold winter temperatures when it happens faster. My 5-year-old car's battery performance had already declined, making it even less resilient. Additionally, gasoline can evaporate or degrade over time, particularly ethanol-blended fuel which absorbs moisture and corrodes the fuel tank, leading to clogged fuel lines and starting difficulties. So I learned a trick: before long-term parking, either keep the fuel tank full to minimize oxidation or simply disconnect the battery's negative terminal. As a last resort, buy a portable charger and start the car every two weeks for a 20-minute drive to recharge. Don't underestimate this issue - my colleague's car developed severe spark plug carbon buildup from prolonged parking, causing violent engine shaking upon startup that nearly required major repairs.
