What to Do When a Car Won't Start After Being Parked for a Long Time?
4 Answers
If this happens, you can ask a friend with a car to come over and jump-start the engine. After starting the engine, the generator will operate, and it can then charge the battery. If the battery is severely depleted, it is recommended to use a professional charger to recharge the battery.
Car won't start after long parking? My old car often has this issue, mainly due to a dead battery that discharges too quickly. I'd first check if the headlights turn on - if they're dim, it's definitely a battery problem. The quickest solution is getting a jump start from another car, just connect the red and black clamps to their battery's positive and negative terminals. If that doesn't work, use a battery charger for several hours until fully charged. If it still won't start, possible causes include rusty spark plugs, clogged fuel lines, or deteriorated fuel. For long-term parking, I make it a habit to start the engine weekly and let it run for five minutes to warm up, or simply disconnect the negative terminal to prevent power drain. Hot weather accelerates battery depletion, so remember to regularly check fluid levels to avoid emergencies.
When a vehicle won't start after being parked for a long time, the most common cause is a dead battery. I would check the battery terminals for green corrosion and clean them thoroughly; if the dashboard shows no response, towing is the safest option. Starter issues could also be the culprit—avoid cranking continuously to prevent damage. Aging fuel systems might prevent the fuel pump from drawing gas, or a clogged air filter could hinder starting. For long-term storage, take the car for a 10-minute drive monthly to keep it active; replace old batteries to prevent aging. It's advisable to use a multimeter to check voltage—charge immediately if it drops below 12 volts.
When the car won't start, I get a bit nervous. First, check if the key is in position and whether the dashboard lights are on. If there's no power, call a friend for a jump start or contact roadside assistance. A few weeks before parking, I either connect the battery to a charger or ask a neighbor to start the car occasionally. Don't tinker with it yourself to avoid causing a short circuit or worse. Develop the habit of filling up the tank before parking to prevent sediment buildup.
