What Should You Pay Attention to When a Car Is Not Driven for a Long Time?
4 Answers
When a car is not driven for a long time, attention should be paid to appropriately increasing tire pressure and periodically charging the vehicle's battery. Appropriately increasing tire pressure: Car tires are made of rubber and can deform. When a vehicle is left unused for an extended period, the contact area between the tires and the ground remains fixed, leading to increased risk of cracking and deformation on the stressed tire surface. Therefore, to ensure tire health, it is advisable to slightly increase the tire pressure before parking the car to reduce the contact area between the tire and the ground. If possible, the owner should periodically start the car, turn the steering wheel, and change the tire position to redistribute the stress on the tire surface. Periodically charging the vehicle's battery: The car battery is a crucial component. If the battery runs out of charge, the vehicle may fail to start, affecting the owner's normal use. Even when the car is not in use, the battery continues to discharge. Therefore, it is recommended to start the car every one to two weeks, either idling in place or driving for a short distance.
I know many people worry about problems arising from leaving a car unused for long periods, and I've had multiple experiences parking like this myself. First, the battery issue must be addressed—I always keep it connected to a charger or simply disconnect the negative terminal to avoid a dead battery upon return; a drained battery leads to costly and troublesome repairs. Tires are also prone to deformation, so I inflate them to the recommended pressure or even lift the car with a jack or use stands to prevent flat spots. Engine oil doesn’t last forever, so I usually replace the old oil before parking and add fresh oil to maintain good condition. It’s best to fill up the fuel tank and add a stabilizer to prevent oxidation or water buildup. The interior should be thoroughly cleaned, with seats aired out and a few moisture-absorbing bags placed inside to avoid mold growth. Park on a dry, level surface—ideally in a garage or under a car cover to shield it from sun and rain. I start the engine every two weeks, letting it run for about 10 minutes to ensure smooth operation. Following these steps carefully makes restarting the car much easier later on.
Hey, as someone who's driven for years, I've got a practical routine for long-term parking. The main focus is protecting the battery: I either disconnect the negative terminal or hook up a maintenance charger to avoid draining it. Tires need proper inflation, around 35-40 PSI, or they'll deform over time; if parked over a month, I use jack stands to relieve pressure or move the car periodically. I change the oil before parking to prevent engine corrosion. After filling the fuel tank, I add stabilizer to prevent gunk formation. Cleaning the interior is crucial—I wipe down seats and floors, placing desiccant packs to absorb moisture. A garage is the safest parking spot; if unavailable, I use a car cover against dust and rain. Every weekend, I start the engine for 5 minutes to keep components moving. This simple, effective method saves a ton of future repair headaches.
After my car had issues from sitting idle for several months, I now pay attention to the following points: Disconnect the battery cables or use a charger, as battery drain is the biggest enemy. Maintain tire pressure at the manufacturer's recommended value, e.g., if it says 30, inflate to 30, as prolonged parking can cause bulges or flat spots. Change the engine oil with fresh oil in advance, as old oil deteriorates over time and can harm the engine. Fill the fuel tank and add a stabilizer to prevent condensation. Park on a level surface, avoiding slopes; it's best to use a car cover for exterior protection. For starting, I regularly start the car every two to three weeks for about 10 minutes to keep the engine running and prevent seizing. Clean the interior and place moisture absorbers inside to reduce musty odors. These steps don’t take much time but ensure the car is always ready to use.
