Will Leaving a Car Unused for 10 Days Have Any Impact?
3 Answers
The main issues with leaving a car unused for an extended period are: the battery may drain if not charged for a long time, making it difficult to start the car; tires left in one position for too long can lead to uneven pressure distribution and deformation. Generally, it's recommended to start the car at least once a week if it's not being used. Leaving it unused for 10 days isn't a major issue, but parking should be carefully considered—preferably in a sheltered area. Below are some relevant details: Battery: For long-term parking, the most critical component is the car battery. Even when not in use, the battery discharges on its own. Typically, a battery can fully discharge in about three months. Therefore, it's advisable to disconnect the battery if the car will be unused for an extended period. Otherwise, the car's electrical components will continue to drain power. Otherwise, after 10 days, you may need to seek help from a repair shop or another car to jump-start the battery. Idling to Warm Up the Engine: When using a car that has been parked for a long time, it's essential to let it idle and warm up. If the idle speed is unstable during warm-up, it's recommended to press the accelerator to warm up the car while stationary. If the car has been parked for too long, consider entrusting it to a friend to drive it at least 5 kilometers per week. This ensures the battery gets charged and all components remain properly lubricated and functional.
I think the impact of leaving a car parked for 10 days is quite significant. Once when I returned from a business trip, I found the battery almost dead, and it was particularly difficult to start the car. I had to ask a neighbor to jump-start it. The tires also showed some pressure marks because the air slowly leaks out when they remain stationary for a long time, plus there's a risk of deformation. Internally, the engine oil can settle, potentially causing the piston rings to stick; the brake system is prone to rust in humid environments, affecting braking performance. Electronic modules like the ECU might experience data corruption if left without power for too long. So now when I travel, I arrange for a friend to start the car and run it for about ten minutes every few days, or I simply buy a battery maintainer to prevent discharge. Regularly checking tire pressure and fluid levels is also essential, making the return to normal driving after parking much more reassuring.
Not driving for 10 days, in my opinion, the battery is the first and foremost concern, especially in modern cars with numerous electronic devices that drain power faster when parked. A dead battery could leave you stranded. Tire pressure gradually decreases, leading to uneven stress on the sidewalls and increased long-term wear. In the engine compartment, components like gears and bearings lack normal operation, potentially causing the lubricating oil film to dry up and resulting in minor wear. Additionally, brake discs are prone to rust in humid conditions, which can cause noise or vibration when driving. I recommend starting the car briefly once a week to keep systems active. For long-term parking, use a battery charger to maintain the battery, and check the oil and coolant levels to avoid unexpected maintenance costs.
