What to Do When a Vehicle Is Not Used for a Long Time?
4 Answers
Precautions for vehicles not used for a long time are as follows: 1. Try to park the vehicle in a garage. If the vehicle is not used for a long time, it is best to park it in a garage. If the vehicle is left unused and parked outdoors for an extended period, it can cause damage to the paint surface, such as from fallen leaves, dust particles, rain, snow, and bird droppings. 2. Pay attention to the vehicle battery. If the vehicle is not used for a long time, the battery may lose charge. The car alarm will consume battery power over time, leading to a dead battery and making it impossible to start the vehicle normally. 3. Check the tire pressure. If the vehicle is not used for a long time, the stressed areas of the tires can easily deform, and the longer the time, the greater the deformation, which may eventually render the tires unusable.
Leaving a car idle is indeed a headache. Last time I was on a business trip for three months, my battery almost died. Before leaving, it's recommended to inflate the tire pressure to at least 3.0 bar to prevent deformation and cracking. Cover the car tightly with a car cover to protect it from bird droppings and prevent the paint from fading due to sun exposure. The battery is the most crucial—disconnect the negative terminal, or it will drain within a month. It's best to change the engine oil in advance, as old oil can solidify and corrode the engine. Fill up the fuel tank and add half a bottle of fuel stabilizer to prevent gasoline from deteriorating. Place mothballs in the seat gaps to deter mice from chewing wires, and prop up the floor mats for ventilation to avoid mold. The safest approach is to ask a neighbor to start the car for ten minutes each month—it’ll run smoothly when you return.
My old car once sat idle in the garage for up to eight months, and the lessons learned boil down to five essentials: First, lock the steering wheel to prevent theft; second, place soft cloth under the wiper blades to protect the rubber from aging; third, remove rust from the brake discs and spray rust inhibitor; fourth, disconnect the dashcam to minimize battery drain; and fifth, fold the side mirrors properly to avoid scratches. Parking in a corner of the garage is the most hassle-free option—if you must park outdoors, always use a UV-protective car cover. Most importantly, check the battery voltage; if it drops below 12.4V, you’ll need a jump start. The undercarriage is also prone to moisture and rust—spraying WD-40 before driving will eliminate squeaks.
The key to long-term vehicle storage lies in preventing battery drain and rust. My approach is simple: disconnect the battery harness to eliminate power leakage worries; inflate tires to the upper limit of the specified pressure to avoid deformation; remove all food and trash from the car to prevent pest infestation; pull out the oil dipstick, wipe it clean, and reinsert it to maintain lubrication. For outdoor parking, it's best to use a sunshade and cover the steering wheel with a cotton sleeve to prevent burns. Mechanical keys are more durable than smart keys, so remember to pull them out when locking the car. After prolonged storage, avoid turning on the air conditioner immediately upon starting; let the engine idle for ten minutes before driving to allow the bearings to be re-coated with oil.
