What should be paid attention to if a car has not been driven for three or four months?
3 Answers
If a car has not been driven for three or four months, attention should be paid to the car's paint, battery, and the shelf life of various fluids. Car paint: If the car is not driven for a long time, it is recommended to park it in a garage to avoid damage from wind, sun, and rain. Parking outdoors may also lead to scratches on the paint from tree branches. Car battery: A car that has been parked for a long time requires some maintenance for the battery. During parking, the battery may lose power or even become completely drained. It is best to start the car at least once a week and let it run for more than 5 minutes to recharge the battery. Pay attention to the shelf life of car fluids: Fluids such as engine oil, brake fluid, and coolant have a limited shelf life. After prolonged parking, these fluids may expire, posing safety hazards if left unchanged. They should be replaced promptly.
Last time I was on a business trip for over four months without moving my car, and when I came back, the battery was completely dead. Now I know better: if the car is parked for that long, you need to take precautions. First, disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to avoid draining and damage, saving you the cost of a replacement. Next, check the tire pressure and inflate it above the recommended value or move the car slightly to prevent deformation and spotting—otherwise, the tires could be ruined. As for fluids, engine oil degrades over time when parked, so it's best to change it before starting the engine to avoid engine wear. Don’t forget to clean and disinfect the interior, and place some moisture absorbers to prevent moldy odors. After starting, drive slowly for a short distance to let everything settle—don’t floor the accelerator right away. Overall, don’t skimp on these small steps to avoid hefty repair costs later.
As a car owner who frequently travels, I often encounter situations where my car is parked for three to four months. My biggest concern is the battery, so I bought a small charger to keep it connected and maintain the charge. Tire pressure is also crucial—I inflate them slightly above the standard value or use bricks to lift the body and prevent deformation. Aging fluids are silent killers; I change the engine oil before parking and check the coolant and brake fluid levels upon restarting. I also clean the interior vents to avoid dust buildup, which can affect health. Before starting the engine, I take it slow—gently turning the key to preheat for a few seconds ensures a smooth start. These small precautions save both hassle and money.
