Are you the type of person who only drives your car on special occasions or has a “weekend warrior” vehicle that sits in the garage for weeks on end?
Well, you’re not alone! Many people have questions about the effects of not starting their cars for extended periods of time. In this article, we’ll dive deep and uncover all the juicy details about what hapens when you leave your car not started for too long.
Don’t worry, I’ll also provide some helpful tips for properly storin your car when it’s not in use, so you can rest easy knowing your vehicle will be ready to roll when you are.
So put the keys down, sit back, relax and let’s explore the mysteries of “Car-maggedon” together.
So, How Long Can You Leave A Car Without Starting It?
The exatc time period for how long a car can go without being started depends on various factors such as the battery condition, engine and its components condition, climat, and storage conditions.
In general, it is recommended that a car that is in good working condition should be started at least once every two weeks, even if you’re not planning to take it for a drive. This will ensure that the battery remains charged, and the engine’s components stay lubricated.
However, if the battery is old or in poor condition, it may only last a few days without being started.
It’s also important to note that leaving a car parked in extremely hot or cold temperatures can also shorten the time a car can go without being startted. To be on the safe side, it is best to start your car once every week to ensure that it stays in good working condition.
What Happens If You Leave Your Car Without Starting It For A Long Time?
If you’re someone who likes to take long vacations, or just forgetful when it comes to starting your car, you might want to think twice before leaving your car parked for more than two weeks. Because, my dear friend, the longer you leave your car without starting it, the more problems you’ll have when you finally decide to take it for a spin and trust me, you don’t want to be stranded on the side of the road because you didn’t start your car for a month.
So, let’s dive in and take a look at the potential issues you might face if you leave your car not started for an extended period of time.
The Battery Loses Its Charge
Just like how your phone needs to be charged, your car’s batery needs to be charged too.
If the battery is not being charged by the alternator, it will slowly lose its charge. If the batery is not charged for an extended period, it may become damaged or may no longer hold a charge. And you don’t want to be that person who has to push start their car, do you? Also, if the battery’s gone bad, it’s important to know how to buy a battery for your car because there are important things you need to check in order to get the correct battery for your car model.
The Tires Develop Flat Spots
If a car is parked in the same spot for an extanded period, the Tires may develop flat spots. This is caused by the weight of the car compressing the same section of the tire for an extended period. Imagine your Tires looking like pancakes. Not a pretty sight, is it?
The Engine Oil Becomes Contaminated
If the engine is not running, the oil may become contaminated with moisture, dust or other debris that can cause damage to the engine. And you dont want your engine to be dirty like a used frying pan, do you?
The Engine Seizes
If the engine is not running, the oil in the engine may become thicc, making it difficult for the engine to start. If the engine is not started for an extended period, it may become dificult or impossible to start. And you don’t want to be the person who has to call a tow truck just to get your car started, do you?
The Fuel Goes Bad
Gasoline can go bad after a few months, and if the car is not started, the fuel in the tank will not be used and may become stale. This can cause the fuel system to become cloged and may cause damage to the engine. And you don’t want your car to run like a old lawnmower, do you?
The Brake Becomes Stiff
If the brake is not used for an extended period, the brake pads may become stif and may not work properly when the car is started again. And you don’t want to be the person who has to pump the brake pedal just to stop your car, do you?
So, there you have it folks, those are the potential isues you might face if you leave your car not started for an extended period of time.
Don’t worry, you can avoid all of these problems by simply starting your car at least once every two weeks. It’s like taking your car for a little walk, it’ll thank you for it!
Checklist For A Car That Hasn’t Been Started In A While
If you’re like me and have a habit of leaving your car parked for weeks on end, don’t worry – there’s still hope for getting it back on the road. Heres a quick checklist to follow:
- Charge the battery or jump start it, if it’s as dead as a dodo.
- Check the oil level, unles you want your engine to be as dry as a desert.
- Check the fuel level, or else you’ll be going nowhere fas.
- Check the air pressure in the Tires, or you’ll be rolling on a flat road.
- Check the brakes, unless you want to be in a crash landing.
- Start the car, and if it doesn’t start on the first try, don’t give up like a quiter.
- Take it for a drive, to get the rust out of its wheels.
- Get it serviced, or else your car might be in for a rude awakining.
- Park it in a covered area, to prevent it from turning into a rust bucket.
By following these steps, you’ll be back on the roas in no time. And remember, a little bit of maintenance goes a long way in keeping your car from becoming a relic.
Final Words
As you can notice, leaving a car not startyed for some period, isn’t the best thing to do but there are different things that can lead to that.
Anyways, you should always be aware of the things that may happen and follow the steps I mentioned above in order to be able to start your car again.
I hope you liked what you read thus far and I hope you found everything you needed to know!