What should be paid attention to when a car is parked for a long time?
2 Answers
When a car is parked for a long time, the following points should be noted: Keep the car body clean and dry before parking: Carefully check the parts of the car that are prone to water accumulation at the bottom, and remove any accumulated water in time. If parked outdoors, cover the car with a car cover to protect it from direct sunlight and erosion by rain and snow. Park the car in a higher position: The car must be parked in a relatively high place to avoid becoming a flooded car when it rains; in addition, lower places are relatively more humid, and the car body is more prone to rust. Park the car on a relatively flat surface: The car must be parked on a relatively flat surface to keep the suspension system in its normal position and ensure even force distribution on each suspension. If parked on an uneven surface, one of the suspensions may deform, and maintaining this posture for a long time can cause permanent deformation of the suspension system, leading to misalignment of the car wheels.
When the car is left unused for a long time, the first thing I address is the battery issue because prolonged inactivity can completely drain its power, making it difficult to start next time. So, I always disconnect the negative terminal of the battery—just a simple pull does the trick. Tires are also crucial; staying in one position for too long can cause them to flatten or deform. I usually inflate them to about 10 psi above the recommended pressure to help maintain their shape. Engine oil doesn’t last forever, so it’s best to replace the old oil with fresh oil before parking to protect the engine internals. Don’t forget to clean the interior—food residues and dust can attract mice and ants, which can chew on wires and cause headaches. I make it a habit to fill up the fuel tank to prevent condensation and rust due to excess air space. Park indoors or under a carport to avoid direct sunlight and rain exposure, and start the car every two weeks to let it idle for about 20 minutes to keep the mechanical parts running smoothly. These steps take a bit of time but aren’t difficult, and they can significantly extend the car’s lifespan.
