What to Do When a Car is Not Used for a Long Time?

[LucyLee]

Methods for dealing with a car that has been idle for a long time: 1. If possible, prioritize parking in an underground parking space. This effectively protects the car's paint. The outermost layer of the car's paint is clear coat, composed mainly of epoxy resin, which protects the color coat. Under prolonged exposure to sunlight, bird droppings, tree leaves, fruit sap, etc., the paint can easily lose its luster. Additionally, attachments like leaves and fruit sap can form small yellow spots that are hard to clean. Therefore, try to park underground for long periods. If conditions don't allow, remember to cover your car with a car cover. 2. Disconnect the car's power supply. The most common issue when a car is not used for a long time is battery drain, making it difficult to start the car next time. 3. Adjust the tire pressure. If a car is left unused for a long time, the tires bear weight on the same spot, leading to irreversible deformation over time. Thus, increasing the tire pressure is necessary. 4. Don't fill the fuel tank too much, as fuel can deteriorate. Avoid filling the fuel tank to the brim. Under normal conditions, gasoline has a shelf life of about three months, while ethanol-blended gasoline typically lasts only a month. Avoid using ethanol-blended gasoline for long-term parking. It's recommended to keep the fuel level at about a quarter of the tank. 5. Remove flammable items from the car when parking for a long time. Items like perfumes and lighters can pose a risk. In high summer temperatures, especially if the car is parked outdoors, the interior can get extremely hot, potentially causing flammable items like lighters and perfumes to explode or catch fire. Therefore, it's essential to remove such hazards promptly.

[LeJourney]

When I'm away for long periods, I worry about the car battery draining, so I start the engine every two weeks or so and let it run for about ten minutes to recharge the battery and warm up the car. Tires tend to go flat, so I regularly move the car around, like shifting it forward or backward in the garage, to prevent deformation. Dust buildup is another concern—I cover the car with a thick car cover to keep it clean and protect the paint. To avoid oil and coolant degradation, I change the engine oil and coolant before parking the car for long periods to prevent engine rust. Washing the car and cleaning the interior is a must—no food or snacks left behind to attract pests. Just some practical tips—paying attention to small things now can save you from expensive repairs and a bad mood later.

[McBarrett]

As someone who has driven various cars, my biggest concern with long-term parking is mechanical aging. Before parking, choose a flat surface and inflate the tires to reduce contact points. Disconnect the battery's negative terminal to prevent discharge and avoid the hassle of replacement. Change the engine oil to prevent sludge buildup and engine damage. Check the cooling system for leaks and clean the radiator. Park in a shaded area to prevent high temperatures from accelerating part deterioration. Lubricate door locks and hinges to prevent sticking. After starting, gently test the brakes for rust-related hazards. These preventive steps are simple but help maintain stable vehicle condition and long-term peace of mind.

[Jenna]

With young kids at home, I often forget to drive the car. Simple ways to avoid problems: focus on the battery—just buy an automatic charger and plug it in to prevent the engine from failing to start. Avoid parking on hard objects to prevent flat tires; move the car slightly to avoid flattening. Cover the car with a dustproof cloth, and clean the interior to prevent bugs by not leaving trash inside. Occasionally open the hood to check if the oil level is normal. Park in a well-ventilated area to prevent rust from high humidity. Pay attention to these small details, and the car can sit for months without major issues, saving unnecessary repair costs.