What to Do If a Car Is Not Used for a Long Time?
2 Answers
If a car is not used for a long time, the following aspects should be noted: 1. Try to park it in a garage: If the car is parked outdoors for an extended period without use, it can cause damage to the paint surface, such as from fallen leaves, dust particles, rain, snow, and bird droppings. 2. Pay attention to the car battery: If the vehicle is left unused for a long time, the battery may lose charge. The car alarm system can drain the battery over time, leading to insufficient power to start the vehicle. It is advisable to start the car periodically for about 5 minutes each time. 3. Check the tire pressure: When the car is not used for a long time, it is important to inflate all four tires to the recommended pressure. This helps distribute the load evenly and prevents the tires from deforming under prolonged pressure. 4. Monitor the vehicle's fluids: The car's fluids, including engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, and power steering fluid, have expiration dates. If the car is left unused for an extended period, these fluids may degrade in quality.
My car sat unused for over half a year, and I didn't pay much attention at first. When I tried to start it again, the engine wouldn't turn over—turns out the battery was completely drained, and I had to spend money on a replacement. Since then, I've learned my lesson: when leaving the car unused for long periods, I either disconnect the battery or hook up a charger to maintain the charge, otherwise it degrades too quickly. Tires are another issue—they can deform if left sitting too long. I always use an air pump to inflate them to the proper pressure and even place wooden blocks underneath to reduce pressure points. The paint and interior also get dirty easily, so I bought a car cover or park it in a garage to avoid exposure to wind and sun. Every month, I start the engine for about ten minutes to keep it running, preventing the oil and brake fluid from settling and thickening. Don't forget to check the brakes and wipers—these parts can rust or seize up if left idle too long. Regular maintenance saves a lot on repair costs; otherwise, minor issues turn into major headaches.
