What Should Be Noted When a Car Is Parked for a Long Time?

[VanPiper]

Precautions for long-term car parking: Choose an appropriate parking environment: If the car is parked outdoors, try to park it in a relatively safe place, such as a parking lot within the community or a place monitored by cameras. It is recommended to cover the car with a car cover and secure it properly. Check the tire pressure of all four tires: It is advisable to inflate the tires slightly above the nominal tire pressure. Never let the tire pressure be too low, as excessively low pressure can cause the tires to be permanently damaged due to prolonged compression, leading to complete failure. Pay attention to the battery charge: The most significant damage from long-term parking is to the battery. Since the car uses a maintenance-free battery, the charge should not fall below its lower limit. If it does, crystallization inside the battery can easily occur, causing the battery to fail. Therefore, it is recommended to fully charge the battery before long-term parking. Avoid storing too much fuel: If there is too much fuel in the tank, the volatilization of combustible substances in the gasoline will increase the formation of gum, which can slightly affect subsequent vehicle use. Therefore, it is better to store less fuel and refill the tank when you return to use the car.

[LaMax]

Long-term parking is no trivial matter, and I've learned quite a bit from experience. Parking location is crucial—find an indoor garage or shaded area to avoid direct rain and scorching sun, which prevents body rust and paint aging. Battery drain is a major issue; I start the engine every two weeks, letting it idle for 10 minutes to recharge, or use a battery charger to maintain voltage. Watch out for tire deformation—check and adjust tire pressure to a slightly higher value, or shift wheel positions to balance weight distribution. Don’t neglect oil lubrication either; change the engine oil and brake fluid before parking to prevent degradation from affecting engine and brake performance. Clean the car body and apply wax, then cover it with a dust-proof sheet to keep it dry. Regular inspections also help prevent rodents from chewing wires. These steps might sound tedious, but sticking to them can extend your car’s lifespan by over 3 years and save on repair costs.

[CoreyLee]

As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, I believe the key to long-term parking lies in maintaining the mechanical components. The battery is most prone to depletion, so I recommend either disconnecting the positive terminal or using a smart charger to keep it fully charged. Tire pressure should be checked regularly and adjusted to a slightly higher value to reduce flattening. The oil lubrication system can oxidize, so it's best to change the engine oil and coolant before parking, and start the engine for 5 minutes each month to lubricate the internals. Brake discs and calipers are susceptible to rust, so lightly pressing the brakes a few times can clean the surfaces. Park in a dry place, such as a garage, and place some desiccants inside the car to prevent musty odors. Safety-wise, don't overlook the battery's charge; address starting difficulties promptly. These routine actions will ensure the vehicle runs smoothly when it's back in use.

[Ruth]

As a young car owner who often travels and leaves the car parked for long periods, here are a few simple tips: Park on a flat and secure spot to prevent sun damage to the interior. The battery is crucial—regularly plug in a charger or start the car for a few minutes to recharge, avoiding the need for emergency calls. Keep an eye on tire pressure, slightly deflating them to reduce deformation risks. Don’t forget about oil lubrication; run the engine briefly when starting. Clean the car body and use a cover to easily prevent moisture and dust buildup. With these small maintenance steps, your car will be ready to drive when you return.