Will a Car Break Down If Not Driven for a Year?
3 Answers
If a car is left undriven for a year, it may fail to start, and rust may appear in many areas, with numerous components potentially suffering damage. Leaving a car unused for a year can lead to significant issues. Below are specific details: 1. Damage to car tires: If the tires bear weight on a single spot for such a long time, they may age prematurely. 2. Battery damage: If the battery is damaged, the engine will not start. A dead battery will remain in a discharged state for an extended period, rendering it unusable. 3. Body rust: Rust may develop inside the engine, as well as on the body and chassis.
I've been driving for over twenty years and have seen many cases where cars deteriorate from sitting idle. Will it break down? In my opinion, there's a high chance it will! The battery is the most vulnerable—left unused for too long, it self-discharges completely, leaving the car dead on startup. Tires can develop flat spots if left in one position for too long, leading to vibrations when driving. Engine oil and other fluids degrade, especially when exposed to sunlight, losing their lubricating properties and accelerating engine wear. Brake pads and rotors may rust, affecting braking performance. Electronic systems can also suffer—door remotes may fail, AC compressors can corrode or grow mold, and water accumulation during rain can cause rust. My advice: store the car in a garage or indoors, start it every two weeks, and let it idle for about ten minutes to recharge the battery and keep parts moving. If you're too lazy, ask a friend to take it for a short drive or at least move it slightly to prevent tire deformation. This can save you a lot on repairs.
Last time I was busy with work and left my car parked in the garage for a full seven months without moving it. When I tried to start it, there was no response at all—what a hassle. With long-term parking, the battery is definitely the first thing to go; internal self-discharge drains it quickly. The tires aren’t in great shape either, as continuous pressure on a single spot causes permanent deformation, leading to alignment issues on the road and requiring early replacement. The engine oil and brake fluid have also degraded, especially in humid environments where they absorb moisture and deteriorate. The brake discs were covered in thick rust, squeaking loudly when I first drove it. Electronic components aren’t reliable either—things like the remote key failing or the alarm going off randomly. I recommend setting a reminder to start the car at least once a month and take a short 10-kilometer drive to recharge the battery and prevent issues. Alternatively, you could ask a trusted neighbor to drive it occasionally. If parked outdoors, use a car cover to protect against rain and sun, which can extend the lifespan of components. The easiest and most cost-effective solution is simply not to let the car sit idle for too long.
