What Happens If a Car Isn't Serviced for a Year?

[LeCayden]

If a car isn't serviced for a year, it can lead to abnormal wear and tear on the vehicle and engine, increasing the likelihood of vehicle malfunctions, accelerating engine wear, and raising maintenance costs. The hazards caused by prolonged vehicle inactivity are as follows: 1. Paint is prone to oxidation and aging: If the car is parked in an open-air parking lot, prolonged exposure to strong sunlight can cause the paint to fade, oxidize, and even crack. Automotive paint contains large amounts of resins, metals, and other substances that make it susceptible to oxidation. Especially under harsh environmental influences such as UV rays, acid rain, bird droppings, and dust, the paint is more likely to oxidize and age. Additionally, it's important to prevent scratches from other objects or vehicles, as well as intentional vandalism. 2. Severe engine wear: It's commonly believed that only frequently used engines suffer damage, but automotive experts reveal that prolonged inactivity can cause the lubricating oil film on the engine cylinders and piston surfaces to deteriorate due to exposure to oxygen and corrosive acids and alkalis in the air. This deterioration forms a gummy substance, losing its lubricating properties. The longer the vehicle remains inactive, the worse the deterioration becomes. When the engine is restarted, dry or semi-dry friction occurs between the cylinders and pistons, accelerating component wear. Moreover, starting resistance increases significantly, making it difficult to start, and prolonged inactivity can completely ruin the engine. 3. Tire deformation: Unlike bicycles, cars are made of heavy materials like steel, making them quite heavy. When a car is parked, its weight is supported by the four tires' contact points with the ground, causing localized compression and deformation. The longer the car remains inactive, the harder it is for the deformed areas to recover, altering the tire's weight distribution and creating uneven rolling radii, leading to imbalance. Once the car reaches high speeds, it can cause body vibrations, affecting ride comfort, accelerating tire wear, and introducing safety risks.