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