What should be done when parking a vehicle for an extended period?
2 Answers
When parking a vehicle for an extended period, the following steps should be taken: 1. Clean and maintain the vehicle before parking; 2. Park the vehicle in a garage or, if possible, in a dry and shaded area; 3. Regularly check the tire pressure, and inflate the tires promptly if the pressure is insufficient, paying attention to signs of tire aging; 4. Before parking, thoroughly inspect the interior of the vehicle to ensure no food, beverages, or packaged food waste is left behind. The effects of long-term parking on a vehicle include: 1. Premature failure and aging of oil seals, leading to oil leaks; 2. Shortened battery life; 3. Compression and deformation of the tire contact area; 4. Malfunctioning of electronic components; 5. Oxidation and corrosion of engine parts by oil; 6. Aging of the braking system.
I have my own experience with long-term parking: First, fill up the fuel tank to prevent rust, and add fuel stabilizer to avoid deterioration. The battery is most afraid of losing charge, so I either disconnect the negative terminal or use a smart charger to top it up monthly. Inflate the tires to about 20% above the standard pressure to prevent deformation, and if possible, use a jack to lift the car off the ground. Be sure to remove all food and drinks from the car to avoid attracting insects or rodents, and place some moisture absorbers inside for peace of mind. Parking in an underground garage is better than outdoors, at least protecting against sun damage and bird droppings. Don’t lock the steering wheel, and apply the handbrake lightly—using wheel chocks is more reliable. Remember to start the car every two months and drive for about ten minutes to keep everything moving.
