What to Do When the Car Won't Start After Being Parked for a Long Time?
4 Answers
When this situation occurs, you can jump-start the engine. After starting the engine, the generator will rotate, which can charge the battery. If the battery is severely depleted, it is recommended to use a professional charger to recharge the battery. Here are some reasons why a car may not start: 1. It may be due to insufficient battery power, excessive carbon buildup in the idle motor, intake tract, intake valve, and combustion chamber. 2. Issues with the fuel injector, such as leaks or excessive carbon buildup, can cause the air-fuel mixture to be too lean during startup, leading to the engine not starting. 3. Additionally, if the vehicle is parked for a long time, the oil seal may experience uneven force around its perimeter, leading to permanent deformation. A deformed oil seal is very likely to cause oil leaks.
That day my car had been parked for almost half a year without moving. When I came back and tried to start it, there was no response at all, which made me extremely anxious. My first thought was that the battery was dead – when left unused for long periods, car batteries gradually discharge and become useless. I quickly found a friend to help jump-start my car using jumper cables connected to his car's battery, and it started right up. Old batteries are prone to problems, especially in winter, so I recommend keeping a set of jumper cables in your car just in case. Additionally, if engine oil hasn't been changed for too long, it can thicken, creating more resistance during startup; or spark plugs might get damp and develop poor contact. To prevent these issues, it's best to start the engine every two weeks before parking it for long, letting it run for about five minutes to recharge. If the engine shakes violently after starting, it might be due to clogged fuel lines – try mixing in some fresh gasoline. Most importantly, don't force-start the car repeatedly, as you could burn out the starter motor, which would be even more troublesome.
As someone who has driven for over a decade, I've seen plenty of cases where cars won't start after prolonged parking. The most common issue is low battery charge. First check if dashboard lights come on - if not, it's likely a battery problem. Use a multimeter to test voltage; below 10 volts means it's done for and needs charging or replacement. If you hear clicking sounds during startup but the engine won't turn over, it could be a seized starter motor or corroded relay. When the battery is good but the car still won't start, check the fuel system: either the fuel pump isn't working or there's air in the fuel lines. Wet spark plugs or severe carbon buildup can also affect ignition. My advice: disconnect the battery negative terminal before parking long-term, or install a smart charger for automatic maintenance. In emergencies, use starting fluid sprayed into the intake for combustion aid - but be careful with the amount. Regularly drive about 10 kilometers to keep all systems active. For clogged injectors, use fuel system cleaner.
Don't panic if your car won't start after sitting idle for long. Last time mine sat for two months and wouldn't start. First check the battery: see if terminals are loose, try tightening them. If you have a charger, give it some juice. If that doesn't work, it might be an ignition issue. Wet or faulty spark plugs make starting difficult. Or the fuel line might be clogged preventing gas flow - try rocking the car or adding fuel additives. Quick fixes: get someone to push-start for manual transmissions. Automatics need towing. Prevention tips: run the engine for 5 minutes weekly to charge. Replace aging batteries early to save money. Thickened oil makes starting harder - change it.
