What to Do If the Car Won't Start After Not Driving for a Long Time?
2 Answers
The solutions for a car that won't start after not being driven for a long time are: 1. Call for roadside assistance: If the vehicle fails to start multiple times, stop attempting to start it repeatedly and call for professional help to inspect the issue; 2. Jump-start the battery: If the car battery is dead, seek assistance from another vehicle or battery to jump-start it. Ensure the rescued vehicle's power is turned off and avoid reversing the battery terminals to prevent short circuits and damage to the vehicle's electronic components; 3. Replace the spark plugs: Spark plugs can develop issues like carbon buildup, leakage, excessive gap, or erosion after several years of use, requiring multiple ignition attempts; 4. Check the battery condition: The typical lifespan of a car battery is 2 to 3 years. If the battery is not leaking but lacks electrolyte, promptly replenish it with distilled water.
Last year when my car sat idle for almost half a year and wouldn't start, I panicked. This situation is most commonly caused by a dead battery, as the battery slowly discharges itself when the car isn't moving. I first tried jump-starting it using jumper cables from a friend's car - attaching the red clamp to my positive terminal, the black clamp to my friend's positive terminal and his engine metal, then letting the engine run for about 15 minutes to recharge. If the battery is too old, just replace it. Also check if there's gasoline in the tank - fuel may evaporate during long periods of inactivity, so try adding some fresh gas. Preventive measures are simple: start the car and drive for half an hour each month, or simply disconnect the negative battery terminal to avoid self-discharge. These small actions can save lots of trouble and keep your car healthy.
