Will not driving a car frequently have any impact on the car?
2 Answers
Leaving a car unused for a long time can cause the following damages: Oil seal aging: If a car is left unused for an extended period, the oil seal around the contact points will experience uneven pressure distribution. The direction with greater pressure will cause more deformation in the oil seal. The longer the car remains idle, the harder it is for the deformation to recover, eventually leading to permanent deformation of the oil seal, which can easily result in oil leaks. Battery premature failure: The car battery charges while the vehicle is in motion. If the car is left unused for a month, the battery may be damaged and could lose all its charge within that time. For older vehicles, the battery might die within 2-3 weeks. More seriously, prolonged self-discharge of the battery can lead to the formation of sulfides on the electrode plates, affecting the battery's ability to recharge and ultimately causing it to fail prematurely. Tire deformation: When a car is parked, the weight is borne by the parts of the four tires in contact with the ground, causing these contact areas to compress and deform. The longer the car remains stationary, the harder it is for the deformed areas to recover. This changes the weight distribution around the tires, resulting in uneven rolling radii and unbalanced tires. Once the car is driven at high speeds, this can cause body vibrations, accelerate tire wear, and even pose safety risks.
Last year, due to a job change, my car often sat unused in the garage. At first, everything seemed fine, but after three months, the battery died completely, and I had to call a tow truck, which cost me two hundred bucks. The tires flattened and deformed, causing the car to wobble unsteadily when driven. The engine oil aged and became thick—the mechanic said it caused significant damage to the engine, possibly shortening its lifespan by several years. To make matters worse, mice built a nest in the air intake, chewing through the wiring, which led to costly repairs. Now I’ve learned my lesson—I take it out for a 10-minute drive every week, even if it’s just a short trip. This helps prevent rust, keeps the fluids fresh, and at least saves me money and gives peace of mind. Long-term parking really comes with a lot of hidden risks.
