What to Do When a Car Won't Start After Sitting for Too Long?
3 Answers
Methods to deal with a car that won't start after sitting for too long: 1. Jump-start method, which involves borrowing power from another functioning car; 2. Push-start method, which involves pushing the car to gain momentum for starting, this is the most familiar and effective emergency method; 3. Using external force to tow-start. Specific steps are: 1. Jump-start method, first prepare two jumper cables and a functioning car, and ensure the two cars are not parked too far apart, then locate the battery positions and the positive and negative terminals of both cars, the standard procedure is to first connect the positive terminals of both batteries with the red cable, then connect the negative terminals with the black cable, finally start the engine; 2. Push-start method, this is the most familiar and effective emergency method, but it's best to avoid using it unless absolutely necessary, as it can cause some damage to the car's engine and clutch; 3. Using external force to tow-start, if there happens to be a vehicle nearby that can help with towing, this method can be used, first prepare a sturdy tow rope, securely tie the front and rear of both cars, then begin the tow-start, of course start slowly to ensure the speed of both cars, and also pay attention to driving safety.
Bro, I've had a similar experience. My car sat in the home garage for over two months without being driven, and then it wouldn't start - drove me crazy! Later I learned it was mainly a battery issue. When left unused for long periods, the battery naturally drains, especially noticeable with older batteries. I tried charging it with a power bank but found it still didn't work, so I got a friend to help jump-start it. After starting, I deliberately took it for a spin on the highway to let the engine run a bit, allowing the charging system to restore some power. Next time I park it for long, I plan to regularly start the engine - even if not driving, just idling for 5-10 minutes - or install a battery maintainer to prevent this from happening again. For long-term parking, you also need to watch out for gasoline evaporation and deterioration that could clog fuel lines, so I usually fill up the tank before parking to avoid problems with an empty tank. If you really can't start it, don't rush to replace parts - do some simple checks first.
As an experienced driver with years of driving, I've found that cars not starting after being parked for too long is quite common, mostly due to insufficient battery power. The reason could be that the electrolyte in the battery has dried up, or the plates have sulfated, causing an internal short circuit. You can first use a multimeter to check the voltage; if it's below 12 volts, try charging it. If there's no power at all, jump-start the car using another vehicle. After starting, drive at high speed for 20-30 minutes to let the alternator recharge the battery. At the same time, check the fuel line to prevent clogged fuel injectors from evaporated gasoline. For long-term parking, it's best to choose a shady spot, regularly inspect the battery, and use a tire cover to maintain tire pressure. If it still doesn't work, it might be due to insufficient engine lubrication or ignition system issues, and it's recommended to visit a professional shop for diagnosis to avoid unnecessary hassle. During regular maintenance, develop the habit of driving the car for a short distance periodically to prevent such troubles.
