What should be paid attention to when a car is parked for a long time?
3 Answers
Things to pay attention to when a car is parked for a long time include: 1. Clean and maintain the car before parking; 2. Park the car in a garage, or try to park it in a dry and cool place; 3. Regularly check the tire pressure, and inflate in time when the tire pressure is insufficient, paying attention to the aging of the tires; 4. Before parking the vehicle, carefully check the items in the car, and do not leave food, drinks, packaging bags and other food waste. The effects of long-term parking include: 1. Premature failure and aging of oil seals, leading to oil leakage; 2. Shortened battery life; 3. Deformation of the tire contact area due to pressure; 4. Malfunction of electronic components; 5. Oxidation and corrosion of engine oil on machine parts; 6. Aging of the braking system.
Leaving a car parked for too long requires extra attention. I learned this the hard way when I went on a three-month business trip last year and left my car in the yard unattended. When I returned, the battery was completely dead, the tire pressure was low, and I had to ask for help to jump-start it. Here’s my advice: Park in a shaded, dry spot to avoid sun exposure or rain, which can lead to rust issues. Adjust the tire pressure to the recommended level or use wooden blocks to lift the wheels and prevent deformation. Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent it from draining on its own. Clean the seats and carpets inside, and toss in some desiccant packs to prevent mold and odors. Start the engine every two to three weeks and let it run for about 10 minutes to circulate fluids and avoid carbon buildup. Overall, spending a little time on maintenance can save you a lot of headaches and costly repairs later on.
I enjoy tinkering with minor maintenance tasks and prefer doing it myself when the car is parked for a month or so. The ideal location is a garage or a sheltered spot to prevent bird droppings and leaves from damaging the paint. Battery maintenance is crucial—use a multimeter to check the voltage and then disconnect the cables to avoid draining the battery. Adjust the tire pressure to the manufacturer's recommended value, such as 30 psi, as deformation can shorten tire life. Engine fluids are important; change the oil before parking to prevent oxidation and sedimentation. When starting the car periodically, don't just idle—drive it a bit to keep all systems active. Clean the interior and exterior, then cover the car with a dust cover to prevent dust accumulation or small animals from nesting. These simple steps are effective, saving both hassle and money while extending the car's lifespan—perfect for everyday car owners to follow.
