What Issues Should Be Considered When a Car Is Parked for a Long Time?
2 Answers
When a car is parked for an extended period, the following precautions should be taken: Keep the car body clean and dry: Carefully inspect areas prone to water accumulation at the bottom of the car, and promptly remove any standing water. If parked outdoors, cover the car with a car cover to protect it from direct sunlight and rain or snow erosion. Park in a higher location: The car must be parked in a relatively elevated area to avoid becoming a flood-damaged vehicle during rain. Additionally, lower areas tend to be more humid, making the car body more susceptible to rust. Park on a flat surface: The car must be parked on a relatively flat surface to keep the suspension system in its normal position, ensuring even force distribution across all suspension components.
I've been driving for over twenty years, and every time before a business trip or vacation, I have to deal with the issue of long-term vehicle parking. The most troublesome part is battery leakage; leaving the car parked for a month can completely drain the battery, leading to a failed start. I usually plug in a smart charger or disconnect the negative terminal of the battery for convenience. Tires can develop flat spots from prolonged pressure, causing uncomfortable vibrations when driving. It's best to slightly lift the car with a jack to let the wheels hang or at least rotate their positions. Engine oil can settle and degrade, affecting lubrication performance, so it's crucial to start the engine regularly for about ten minutes each month to circulate the oil and prevent rust. Filling up the fuel tank reduces air exposure and corrosion, especially with ethanol-blended gasoline, which oxidizes easily—adding a stabilizer is even better. Brake fluid can absorb moisture and corrode the braking system, so check the fluid level before parking to ensure it's normal. External dust and bird droppings can damage the paint, so covering the car with a protective cover is advisable. After returning, don't rush to accelerate hard; gently test the brakes first to allow the system to recover smoothly and prevent major repairs due to part damage.
