What to Do If a Car Hasn't Been Driven for a Long Time?
4 Answers
Precautions for a car that hasn't been driven for a long time: 1. Pay attention to protecting the paint surface of the car body: Leaves, dust, broken branches, etc., can damage the paint or even cause rust. Before long-term parking, give the car a thorough cleaning, wash it, and apply wax to protect the paint, which helps prevent corrosion and oxidation. 2. During the idle period, it's best to check the battery every two weeks. For example, check the height of the electrolyte. Generally, the electrolyte level should be 10-15mm above the plates. If it's insufficient, add distilled water promptly. Start the car for 5-10 minutes every one or two weeks to charge the battery, and also check for any other issues with the vehicle. 3. Tires may lose air during long-term parking. There are two main reasons for this: Human factors: In unattended parking lots or residential areas, someone might remove the valve core or puncture the tire. Natural factors: If the tires have been used for a long time, the valve core may age; repaired tires may develop leaks over time; or the wheel rim may be dented, causing a gap between the rim and tire, leading to air loss. 4. Rubber components, such as window seals, drive belts, and some hoses inside the car, are made of rubber. Exposure to wind, sun, and especially sunlight and low temperatures can accelerate rubber aging. Contact with gasoline or oil can cause rubber to swell, loosen, and lose elasticity. 5. When the car is idle for a long time, avoid leaving food or drinks inside. Opened food and drinks can mold within three or four days, causing air pollution inside the car.
If a car is left unused for a long time, I found that the battery suffers the most—it self-discharges and gradually fails. My old car was parked for three months without moving, and when I tried to start it, the battery couldn’t turn the engine and ended up dead. Tires can also flatten and deform due to insufficient pressure and prolonged weight. Engine oil absorbs moisture and deteriorates over time, reducing lubrication and potentially causing engine wear. The solution I’ve found effective is to start the engine every two weeks and drive for about twenty minutes to warm it up, recharge the battery, and evaporate moisture. Maintain proper tire pressure and check/inflate monthly. For long-term storage, it’s best to disconnect the battery’s negative terminal or use a smart charger to maintain charge. Wiper blades age quickly, and outdoor parking increases rust risk—use a car cover to protect against dust and water. In short, an unused car needs regular care to prevent minor issues from becoming major problems, saving repair costs.
Uncle Wang's car has been parked in the community for half a year without being driven, and when he wanted to use it, the tires were flat and the battery was dead. I told him that a car needs regular maintenance when not in use. For my own car when it's parked, I have my children start the engine once a week, letting it run for about fifteen minutes is enough. The tire pressure should be checked and inflated every two months to prevent deformation. If the battery isn't in use, disconnect the cables to save money, otherwise, sulfation can damage it. Older cars are prone to oil deterioration and water accumulation, so driving them occasionally can help. Pests can be a nuisance; a neighbor's car had its wires chewed through by mice, and the repair was costly, so I always use a car cover. Parking in a garage reduces humidity and minimizes rust. A parked car actually requires more attention; my advice is to either use it more often or maintain it properly without being lazy.
Modern cars have complex electronic systems, and even the anti-theft light consumes power when parked, leading to fast battery discharge. I use a charger plugged into the cigarette lighter to automatically replenish power, which is convenient and efficient. Tires can deform at pressure points when stationary for long periods, causing vibrations when driving. It's best to move the car every two weeks and maintain proper tire pressure. The ECU (Engine Control Unit) might lose data, so regularly starting the engine for five minutes helps refresh it. Oil that sits too long can absorb moisture and corrode piston rings; warming up the engine for ten minutes helps evaporate the moisture. Adding fuel stabilizer during long-term storage can delay fuel degradation. Cars that are rarely driven require smarter maintenance—more movement keeps them healthy.
