What to Do If a Car Is Not Driven for a Long Time?
3 Answers
Here are the methods to handle a car that is not driven for a long time: 1. Clean and maintain the car before parking it; 2. Park the car in a garage or in a dry and shaded area as much as possible; 3. Regularly check the tire pressure, and inflate the tires in time if the pressure is insufficient, paying attention to tire aging; 4. Before parking the vehicle, carefully inspect the interior items and do not leave food, beverages, or food packaging waste. The effects of not driving a car for a long time include: 1. Premature failure and aging of oil seals, leading to oil leaks; 2. Shortened battery life; 3. Deformation of the tire contact area due to pressure; 4. Malfunctions in electronic components; 5. Oxidation and corrosion of engine parts by oil; 6. Aging of the braking system.
Leaving a car unused for long periods can indeed be a headache. I used to travel frequently for work, leaving my car parked for months at a time, so proper preparation is essential. First is the battery issue – over time, the battery will drain completely. You should either remove it for charging or use a smart charger to maintain the charge. Tires shouldn't stay under constant pressure as they may develop flat spots or deform. It's best to lift the car with a jack or use blocks to keep the tires off the ground. Engine oil and coolant may deteriorate, so changing them before long-term storage is advisable. Fill up the fuel tank to minimize rust caused by air moisture. I also recommend using a car cover to protect against dust and bird droppings, and starting the engine for about ten minutes weekly to keep the mechanics lubricated. Long-term inactivity can cause significant damage – I've seen people neglect these steps and end up paying thousands in repairs, which just isn't worth it.
Leaving a car unused for long periods can lead to a host of problems. Last time I went abroad for six months, my car developed issues. The most basic thing is to preserve the battery—either disconnect the negative terminal or buy a car battery charger to top it up periodically. Tires also need attention; flat spots can be annoying. A simple solution is to move the car occasionally or use special pads to distribute the pressure. Fluids like engine oil and coolant can oxidize over time, so replacing them with fresh ones provides more peace of mind. Don’t leave the fuel tank empty; filling it up and adding a stabilizer is safer. A car cover can protect against dirt and scratches, and if possible, parking in a garage is ideal. Don’t skip starting the engine monthly—let it run for about ten minutes to lubricate the components. Neglecting these steps when leaving a car unused long-term can result in repair costs far exceeding minor maintenance efforts. My neighbor learned this the hard way—after being lazy, they had to replace the battery and tires for over 2,000 yuan upon returning. A little preparation could’ve saved a lot of money.
