Why does the car fail to start after being left unused for a few days?
2 Answers
There are several reasons why a car may fail to start after being left unused for a few days: The vehicle battery is dead or damaged: The battery life may have expired, or prolonged parking may have caused the battery to deteriorate. Battery depletion could be due to leaving the headlights on for an extended period when the ignition is turned on without starting the vehicle, or continuously using high-power entertainment systems like audio that consume a lot of electricity. Excessive engine carbon buildup: Too much carbon buildup in the vehicle's engine can also cause difficulty in starting, which is related to fuel quality and poor sealing of the valve ports. Ignition system failure: Poor connections in the low-voltage circuit or leakage in the high-voltage wires can also prevent the car from starting.
A few days ago, my car wouldn't start after sitting unused for a week. I asked my mechanic buddy, and he said it's mainly because the battery drained. Car batteries slowly discharge on their own, especially in older cars where the battery lifespan is shorter, causing faster discharge. Some small devices in the car, like the alarm system or remote key signal receiver, constantly draw a little power, so the longer it sits, the lower the charge gets. Discharge is worse in cold temperatures, like during winter. The recommendation is to try driving the car at least once a week, letting the engine run for about 20 minutes to recharge. If it's going to be unused for a long time, use a smart maintenance charger to keep it plugged in. Regularly check the battery terminals for corrosion and monitor the voltmeter readings to ensure the voltage doesn't drop below 12 volts, preventing the battery from dying completely and affecting the next startup.
