Will leaving a car parked for a month without driving affect it?

[DiLaura]

Yes, it will have an impact. Prolonged parking of a vehicle can cause tire deformation, resulting in noticeable rolling impacts when the car is started again. Additionally, the battery will suffer severe depletion. When the battery's self-discharge reaches a certain level, prolonged undercharging can lead to sulfation of the battery plates, shortening its lifespan. It is recommended to start the vehicle at least once a week. More relevant information is as follows: 1. Parking location selection: It is best to store the car in a garage. If parking outdoors, use a car cover if possible, or at least park in a shaded or covered area to avoid sun, rain, and damage from fallen leaves and other debris to the paint. 2. Do not engage the handbrake: For long-term parking, the brake system can easily react with moisture and oxygen in the air, leading to rust on the brake discs and pads. If they stick together, it may cause the wheels to lock. 3. Car battery: Even when not in use, the battery discharges on its own. Typically, a battery can be fully discharged in about three months. Therefore, it is advisable to disconnect the battery if the car will not be used for an extended period, as the car's electronics will still consume power. Otherwise, after about 20 days, you may need to seek a repair shop or another car for a jump-start. 4. Check the tire pressure of all four tires: Before using the car after long-term parking, check the tire pressure of all four tires to ensure it is normal and that there are no leaks.

[StKaylee]

Having driven for over 20 years, I can tell you that parking a car for a month does have consequences. The battery gradually discharges and may fail to start the engine, requiring roadside assistance. Tires can deform if left in the same position too long, causing dangerous bouncing while driving. Engine oil settles, leaving internal components unlubricated, causing significant wear upon restart. I recommend inflating tires to the upper limit of normal pressure before parking and disconnecting the battery's negative terminal to minimize discharge. Park on level ground to avoid uneven tire pressure. If parking for a full month, have a friend start and drive it briefly midway to rotate the brake discs and prevent rust. Before driving again, check fluids and tires, then take a slow test drive before highway speeds to avoid damaging the car.

[VonLiam]

In the automotive repair industry, it's common to encounter situations where leaving a car unused for a month can lead to various issues. Electronic devices secretly drain power, causing the battery to deplete unusually fast. Tires can deform from prolonged pressure, necessitating costly replacements. More critically, engine oil oxidizes and deteriorates, reducing oil film protection during startup and increasing engine wear. Rust on brake discs isn't a major concern as it wears off after a few kilometers of driving. It's advisable to clean the vehicle before parking, ensuring the undercarriage is free of debris to prevent corrosion. Disconnecting the battery is essential, and filling the fuel tank helps prevent internal rust. Before starting the car, always check the oil level and let the engine idle for five minutes to allow proper lubrication circulation for engine protection.

[DelCora]

Last time I went abroad and left my car at home for a month, I almost ran into trouble when I returned. The battery was completely dead and couldn't start the engine, so I had to call for a jump-start service. While driving, I felt the steering wheel shaking, and the repair shop said the tires were deformed. Now I know that long-term parking causes many issues: the electronic anti-theft system drains the battery, oil sedimentation leads to poor lubrication, and brake discs can develop rust spots. Nowadays, if I don’t use my car for more than two weeks, I take precautions—either disconnect the battery cables or ask someone to start the engine and drive it for ten minutes weekly. Parking in a garage is better than leaving it outdoors, as it slows down the aging of the paint and rubber components. It’s advisable to fill up the tank before long-term parking and drive at low speeds for a while after returning to restore the car’s condition.

[VanSadie]

Frequent business trips mean my car often sits idle for one or two months. Based on experience, three key preventive measures are essential: The battery negative terminal must be disconnected to avoid guaranteed power drain. Tire pressure should be inflated 30% above normal to prevent tire deformation. Keep the fuel tank full to prevent moisture condensation. Upon return, first check dashboard warning lights before starting, then drive slowly for 2 kilometers to remove brake rust. If the AC smells musty, run the heater for 10 minutes to dry out damp ducts. Avoid over-tightening the handbrake – using wheel chocks is more reliable. Once forgot to disconnect the battery and spent ¥500 on a replacement – now I always take precautions beforehand.