What to Pay Attention to When a Vehicle Is Parked for a Long Time?
3 Answers
Precautions for long-term vehicle parking: 1. Do not park next to residential buildings or garbage bins; 2. Appropriately increase tire pressure. Since only the part of the tire in contact with the ground bears the load, prolonged parking can easily cause deformation, and the longer the parking duration, the more severe the deformation and the harder it is to recover; 3. Prevent battery drain. If the vehicle is not driven for a long time, disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. Also, ensure all electrical appliances in the car are turned off when parking, such as lights, air conditioning, and audio system; 4. Avoid parking outdoors. If outdoor parking is unavoidable, use a car cover; 5. When restarting the vehicle, if it starts normally, remember to warm up the engine before driving. Due to gravity, lubricants in various parts flow to the bottom. Driving immediately without warming up can cause severe wear to the vehicle.
From a car enthusiast's perspective, extra caution is needed during long-term parking to prevent vehicle issues. The battery is prone to draining—I disconnect the negative terminal for any parking period exceeding one month to avoid power loss. Tire pressure is crucial; inflate to the standard value or use jack stands to prevent flat spots and deformation, otherwise the car will shake noticeably when driven. Engine oil deteriorates over time, so I change it before parking and either fill the fuel tank or add stabilizer to prevent moisture condensation and rust. The chassis and paint also need protection—I use a car cover to shield from sun and rain, and place rodent repellent packs in the engine bay to deter pests. Every two weeks, I start the car and drive for about ten minutes to recharge the battery and lubricate the system, but avoid excessive frequency to minimize wear. Regularly check brakes and steering components to prevent seizing. Following this full routine ensures a much smoother restart when it's time to drive again.
With decades of driving experience, I know that prolonged parking can lead to various issues. For instance, the battery may die and require replacement, underinflated tires can develop flat spots that are hard to fix, and a half-empty fuel tank can attract moisture, leading to rust in the fuel lines. I make it a habit to inspect my car regularly, starting it every two weeks to keep the battery charged and adjusting tire pressure to a higher level to minimize deformation risks. I always park in a shaded spot to avoid sun damage to the paint and thoroughly clean the interior to prevent odor buildup or small animals from nesting. A tightly secured car cover is essential to protect against wind, dust, and rain. All doors must be locked to prevent theft, and the fuel tank should be filled to avoid condensation issues. These habits stem from past lessons—once, after parking for six months, the headlights wouldn’t work due to wiring problems. Simple, consistent practices can save you from major repairs.
