What to Do If a Car Is Not Driven for a Long Time?

[OJune]

If a car is not driven for a long time, the following measures should be taken: 1. Prevent the oxidation of the 'four fluids': engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, and windshield washer fluid. 2. Battery charge: If the car is left unused for more than two months, disconnect the negative terminal of the battery; only the negative terminal needs to be disconnected, and the positive terminal should remain untouched. 3. Chassis protection: Park the car on a flat surface to ensure proper tire pressure and prevent localized deformation of the tires during prolonged parking. 4. Rust prevention for the body: Address any damaged paint on the car body, even minor damage, to prevent rust from spreading.

[ElliotLynn]

As a technician with over a decade of car repair experience, I've seen many vehicles develop issues after long-term parking. Let me tell you, you must disconnect the battery before parking, otherwise it'll be completely drained in less than 3 months. Park in a dry, shady spot - avoid parking under trees as bird droppings and tree sap can damage the paint. Inflate the tires to full pressure, preferably 0.5 psi higher than normal, otherwise deformation becomes a major safety issue when driving. Always choose a breathable car cover - one client used plastic sheeting and the paint grew mold underneath. Don't leave the tank half empty either; fill it up to prevent rust in the fuel tank. When driving after long storage, remember to go slow - the brakes might feel spongy at first and require several pumps to return to normal.

[LeCassidy]

My car was parked in the underground garage for half a year, now let me share some practical experience. Disconnecting the negative terminal of the battery is the most effective - it started right up after reconnecting when work resumed. Placing cardboard under all four tires is a must-do, as prolonged pressure can deform the rubber. Before sealing the doors and windows, toss two packs of desiccant inside the car, otherwise the mildew smell can be overwhelming. If possible, remotely start the engine for 10 minutes weekly - a friend who borrowed my garage did this, and the engine ran exceptionally smooth when work resumed. Pay special attention to the brake discs; ease into the first hard brake after resuming use - I almost hit a wall last time. Change the engine oil immediately after resuming use, as it degrades during prolonged parking.

[DiGeorge]

Last car club statistics showed that over 90% of idle vehicle issues stem from the battery. Here's a money-saving tip: Buy a solar charging panel to place behind the windshield - a hundred bucks solves your power loss anxiety. Remember to empty the cabin! Even half a bag of chips can attract mice to chew wiring. Tires must be kept off the ground - I use four rubber pads (sold on Taobao). After long storage, don't rush onto highways - gently drive 20km first to reactivate the lubrication system. Last week helping a neighbor restart an old car, replacing cracked belts cost 500 yuan.

[MacAlina]

Full maintenance is essential if parking for over a month. Treat interior leather with conditioner, especially steering wheels and seats—once cracked, they're irreparable. Replace engine oil and filter before leaving; old oil corrodes engines. Sprinkle baking soda between windshield layers to prevent fogging. Nitrogen-filled tires outperform air-filled ones with more stable pressure. Check headlights upon return—a fellow driver discovered bulb nests by insects during night driving. Avoid blasting AC to prevent bacterial growth from residual moisture in ducts. Ensure fire extinguishers are within validity period!

[SanArabella]

As a car enthusiast, extra care is needed during idle periods. Choose elastic fabric car covers to prevent wind abrasion on paint. Seal sunroof edges with adhesive strips to avoid rainwater damage to electronics. For cars with electronic parking brakes, disconnect the battery - some BMW models have experienced control unit burnout from prolonged battery drain. Add half a bottle of fuel stabilizer to gasoline; tested to maintain fuel system performance for 12 months. Inflate spare tires fully, and carry emergency jump starters during the first week back in use. Crucial reminder: For the first post-storage wash, always use warm water with pH-neutral detergent - hardened insect residue becomes permanent with cold water washing.