Why Won't the Car Start After Being Parked for a Long Time?

[PatrickRose]

The reasons why a car won't start after being parked for a long time are: 1. The car battery is dead; 2. The spark plugs or ignition coils are faulty; 3. The car alternator is malfunctioning; 4. The fuel pump is losing pressure; 5. The gasoline has run out. The solutions for a car not starting after being parked for a long time are: 1. Check the car battery, recharge it or replace it with a new one; 2. Use a multimeter to test if the alternator is functioning properly; 3. Call for roadside assistance to deliver some gasoline; 4. Take the car to a repair shop to inspect and replace the fuel pump; 5. Clean the spark plugs and replace the ignition coils. Methods to prevent a car from not starting after being parked for a long time are: 1. Before parking, check if all electronic devices, lights, and the air conditioning are turned off; 2. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to avoid draining it.

[ChaseMarie]

Last year during the pandemic, my car sat unused for three months and then wouldn't start—so frustrating. The main issue was a dead battery. Car batteries normally recharge via the engine, but if unused, they slowly self-discharge and can drain completely in one to two weeks. This is especially true in winter when cold temperatures reduce battery performance, sometimes causing sudden failure. Another problem is corroded battery terminals—moisture can cause rust at the connections, impairing conductivity. To prevent this, start the car every two weeks and drive for at least 10–15 minutes, or invest in a smart battery maintainer. If all else fails, get a jump-start from a friend or replace the battery outright. For long-term parking, also check tire pressure and engine oil, since cars, like people, develop issues when left idle.

[VanVanessa]

My old Honda wouldn't start after sitting idle for half a year. A mechanic friend checked it and said there might be an issue with the fuel system. When a car isn't driven for a long time, the gasoline inside can evaporate and degrade, forming gum deposits that clog the fuel injectors or fuel pump, leading to insufficient fuel supply during startup. Additionally, water may accumulate in the fuel tank, causing rust that blocks the pipes, or fuel additives may lose effectiveness, reducing combustion efficiency. I tried lightly pressing the accelerator to assist startup, but it didn't help much. The recommendation is to add fuel stabilizer before parking and periodically start the engine to burn off deposits. Also, a dead battery could compound the issue, but fuel problems are often overlooked as the root cause. Preventive measures also include avoiding parking in damp areas, or the entire vehicle could suffer.

[Robert]

My car failed to start after sitting in the garage for three months. Experience tells me it's mainly due to mechanical components seizing up. The engine oil, when left stagnant for too long, can solidify into sludge, failing to lubricate the pistons and bearings, resulting in increased starting resistance or complete seizure. Additionally, the drive belts or starter motor gears might have rusted and needed a manual turn. I learned to clean the components and add fresh oil, which eventually got it started. For prevention, choosing high-quality full synthetic oil extends its lifespan, and starting the engine periodically for a few minutes helps. Long-term parking also affects the suspension system, but addressing lubrication issues first is the most practical approach.