What Issues Should Be Noted When a Car Is Not Driven for a Long Time?

[LaMargaret]

Here are the points to note when a car is not driven for a long time: 1. It is advisable to slightly increase the tire pressure when the vehicle is parked for an extended period. After a long period of parking, the four tires' contact areas are prone to compression deformation. The longer the parking duration, the harder it is for the deformed areas to recover, which may eventually render the tires unusable. 2. Pay attention to the car's paint surface during long-term parking. Before parking, it is recommended to clean and maintain the car, applying wax to help prevent oxidation of the body. 3. The parking location also requires attention. Try to park the vehicle in a garage, which not only avoids exposure to sunlight and wind but also effectively prevents damage from fallen leaves, raindrops, sand, and stones.

[LaJuliana]

As someone who travels frequently for work, I always take preventive measures when leaving my car unused for extended periods, such as several months. First, I pay attention to the battery condition. A complete discharge can damage the battery, so I disconnect the negative terminal to prevent this. For the tires, I check and adjust the tire pressure to the recommended level to avoid deformation and costly replacements. I also fill up the fuel tank because condensation in an empty tank can cause the gasoline to degrade, affecting the next startup. Parking in a dry, indoor location is ideal; if a garage isn't available, I use a car cover to protect the body from dust and UV damage to the paint. Cleaning the interior is equally important—I open the windows to ventilate, otherwise, the seats and carpets can develop mold and odors. Finally, I ask family members to start the car once a month and let it run for about 10 minutes to lubricate the engine components. These small tasks don't take much time but ensure the car remains in like-new condition when I return, saving me from potential repair hassles.

[StAnna]

I have a habit of preparing maintenance details whenever I plan for long-term parking, such as during vacations. First, I check the engine oil condition because prolonged parking can cause oil oxidation and degradation, so I either change the oil or add a stabilizer before parking to extend its lifespan. The braking system also can't be neglected—rust on the brake discs can affect braking performance, so I lightly press the brakes a few times to keep the components active. For the tires, it's best to lift them or use wooden blocks to avoid flat spots. To prevent battery drain, I either disconnect the terminals or install an automatic maintainer. For the air conditioning system, I use a dehumidifier to prevent mold growth. After parking, I record the date and set a monthly self-check reminder on my phone. These small actions help keep the vehicle in good condition, so I can hit the road immediately when needed.

[McRachel]

My approach to parking issues is quite straightforward: The primary concern is preventing battery drain, so disconnecting the negative terminal is a must; maintain proper tire pressure to avoid costly repairs from tire deformation; arrange for someone to start the car every two weeks to warm it up, just a few minutes will do; choose a safe parking spot and cover the car to protect against dust and rain; upon return, inspect the exterior and engine before driving. These basic precautions are sufficient.