What to Do When a Car Won't Start After Being Parked for Too Long?
2 Answers
If you're certain there's fuel in the tank, the issue might be a dead battery. You can jump-start the engine using another car. If it still doesn't start, it's advisable to call a 4S shop for repairs. Here's some relevant information: 1. When the car won't be used for an extended period, it's best to disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to prevent automatic discharge leading to complete depletion. If the car won't start after being parked for a long time, you can ask a friend to come over and help with a jump-start. 2. Leaving a car unused for long periods not only damages the battery but also harms the engine, tires, and other components. Prolonged inactivity causes the engine oil to oxidize and deteriorate, and some engine parts may rust. Additionally, tires bearing weight on a single spot for too long will have their lifespan reduced. If parked in a particularly damp underground garage for an extended period, the car's chassis components may also rust.
If your car won't start after sitting too long, first don't panic—it's probably just a dead battery. I've dealt with plenty of cars in my life and often run into this situation. Start by checking if the dashboard has power and whether the lights turn on. If there's no power, ask a nearby friend to jump-start your car using jumper cables connected to the positive and negative terminals. With their engine running, your car should start after a few minutes. If jump-starting doesn't work, check whether the engine oil or coolant has dried up—fluids can degrade if left too long, and adding fresh oil may help. Also, don't ignore tire pressure; if they're flat, inflate them right away. If none of these steps work, there might be a fuel system blockage or ignition issue—at that point, calling a tow truck or visiting a repair shop is the best move. To avoid this hassle in the future, try starting the car and driving for a few minutes every two weeks to keep the battery charged. Proper maintenance saves a lot of trouble in the long run.
