What to Do If a Car Is Left Unused for a Year?

[VonSteven]

If a car is left unused for a year, the following steps should be taken: 1. Ensure the car body is clean and dry before parking. Carefully inspect areas prone to water accumulation at the bottom of the car, and remove any standing water promptly. After parking, cover the car with a car cover to protect it from direct sunlight and erosion by rain and snow. 2. Perform maintenance, including changing the oil and three filters, before parking. Disconnect the positive and negative terminals of the battery. It is recommended to start the car and charge the battery every three months to prevent battery drain. 3. If parking outdoors, choose a relatively higher spot, as lower areas are more humid and can lead to faster rusting of the car body. 4. Park the car on a flat surface to keep the suspension system in its normal position and ensure even stress distribution across all suspension components. 5. If the car is parked for more than a year, change the oil before using it again.