What to Do If a Car Is Not Used for a Long Time?
4 Answers
If a car is not used for an extended period, the following steps should be taken in advance: disconnect the power supply and remove the negative terminal; park it in a garage if available, otherwise find a safe, dry, and shaded location and cover it with a car cover; clean out all items inside the car, especially avoiding leaving snacks inside; maintain sufficient tire pressure by inflating the tires properly. When it's time to drive the car again, follow these steps: 1. Check for tire deformation: If the car remains stationary for a long time, the entire weight of the car is borne by the four tire contact points with the ground, which may cause pressure deformation. Replace the tires if any abnormalities are found. 2. Check tire pressure: Normally, tire pressure may decrease slightly, so it's necessary to inflate them appropriately. 3. Warm up the engine sufficiently: After prolonged parking, the engine oil settles at the bottom of the oil pan, leaving the engine components without lubrication. To allow sufficient time for the oil to lubricate all engine parts and reduce wear, the warm-up time should be slightly longer than usual.
Leaving a car parked for too long is not advisable. The longest I've gone without driving was three months, and the battery ended up completely dead. Later, chatting with a mechanic taught me several tricks. Now, if the car sits unused for over two weeks, I disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. Tires also require special attention—prolonged parking can cause deformation, so I move the car every half month to shift the weight distribution on the tires. Protecting the paint is crucial too; parking under a tree for two months left it covered in bird droppings. Now, I park in an underground garage and use a car cover. Engine oil deteriorates after six months, so I change it before long-term parking. Brake discs are prone to rust, so they need checking before starting the car. It's also wise to place some dehumidifier bags inside; last time, I found the seats had mold on them.
I've seen too many people leave their cars unattended for half a year, only to end up spending more on repairs than parking fees. The battery is the primary concern—if unused for over a month, it's best to disconnect it to avoid rapid discharge. Inflating tires to the maximum pressure is crucial; I usually go 0.3Bar above the standard. Parking location matters greatly—never park under trees, as sap and bird droppings severely damage the paint. Pay special attention to the engine bay, as rodents love to chew wires; I always place a few mothballs near the engine. Gasoline deteriorates easily, so adding fuel stabilizer before long-term storage is advisable. Thoroughly clean the interior, especially food residues, to prevent musty odors from moisture buildup.
Old cars are most afraid of sitting idle. My neighbor's car emitted blue smoke immediately after starting it after being unused for half a year. The three most critical points are: first, the battery—disconnect the negative terminal if unused for more than three weeks. Second, the tires—inflate them to at least 3.0 psi to prevent deformation. Third, the fluids—change the engine oil before parking and fill the fuel tank to avoid condensation. An indoor garage is ideal for parking; if not possible, avoid low-lying areas. Remember to check the brake system before starting—once I forgot to check and nearly had an accident on the road. For car covers, it's recommended to buy ones with ventilation holes, otherwise, moisture can damage the paint even more.
