Introduction
At one time or another, every car owner will find themselves in this situation: your car has to sit unused for an extended period, whether it’s due to travelling, relocating for a short time, storing for a season, or simply having an extra car. You will naturally ask – how long can a car sit unused without creating damage or problems when you decide to drive it again?
Although vehicles can handle short periods of inactivity, leaving a car unused for too long can lead to mechanical, electrical, and cosmetic problems that can become burdensome, if not costly, to repair. Understanding how long and the potential issues with vehicular inactivity can help you make a more informed decision about storing and maintaining your car. This can keep your investment in good working order and ensure you have reliable transportation when you are ready to drive your vehicle again.
How Long Can a Car Sit Unused Before Problems Start?
In most cases, a car can sit unused for two to three weeks without major issues. After that, some components may start to deteriorate or lose their efficiency. For example, a battery can slowly discharge, tires can lose pressure or develop flat spots, and fluids can break down or settle abnormally.
However, the specific time frame depends on several factors, including the car’s age and condition, the climate, and the vehicle’s condition before it was parked. A well-maintained car will often last longer than an older vehicle that was not maintained properly, which could develop problems in as little as a week.
What Happens If You Don’t Drive Your Car for a Month?
When a car sits idle for a long time, several parts of the vehicle can deteriorate due to a lack of movement and exposure to environmental conditions. Below are the most common issues:
1. Battery Drain
The battery is typically one of the first components to fail when a car has been sitting for a long time. Car batteries lose charge naturally, and even when the engine is off, systems like alarms, clocks, and computers still draw small amounts of power, such as alarms, clocks, and onboard computers.
- Duration: A healthy battery will last up to two weeks without being charged. Meanwhile, an older or weaker battery may begin to discharge after a few days.
- Outcome: A replacement or a jump start is usually needed if a battery is completely dead. This can be, unfortunately, inconvenient and expensive.
2. Tire Deformation
Flat spots form when a tire stays in one position for too long under the vehicle’s weight.
- Timetable: Flat spotting can occur in less than a month – especially in cool conditions, or on tires that aren’t inflated properly.
- Impact: You may detect vibrations or thumping sounds. In some cases, you will need to purchase new tires.
3. Engine Fluids Degrading
Fluids, like engine oil, brake fluid, coolant, and transmission fluid, will begin to break down or settle over time if a car is not used frequently.
- Consequence: This can lead to corrosion, poor lubrication, and even engine damage or failure to start.
- Important note: It is essential to start the car occasionally and turn all the accessories on while driving or running the engine for a minimum of 15 minutes. This will ultimately help to keep the fluids circulating and prevent breakdown.
4. Fuel System Issues
Over time, gas will degrade and oxidize, particularly a gasoline blend that contains ethanol. This will result in fuel separation and moisture buildup in the tank.
- Time: Fuel can begin to degrade in approximately 30 days, depending on type and quality.
- Result: Bad fuel can clog fuel lines, injectors, and/or filters and cause problems with starting the engine or poor engine performance.
5. Rust and Corrosion
If a vehicle is parked, particularly outside, moisture can build up on the engine’s metal components, brakes, and undercarriage where rust will develop.
- High-Risk Areas: Brake rotors are especially susceptible to surface rust and can develop rust within a few days of not being used.
- Consequences: Over time, this will impact braking performance and safety.
6. Rodents and Pests
Parked cars often become attractive shelters for rodents, especially in garages or rural areas. Animals may crawl into the engine bay and chew through wires, insulation, and hoses. This can lead to costly electrical and mechanical failure, and the owner is often unaware of it until it is too late.
Factors That Affect How Long a Car Can Sit
Several variables determine how long a specific vehicle can sit without being driven:
Climate
- Cold Weather: Speeds up battery discharge and can thicken fluids.
- Hot Weather: Accelerates fluid evaporation and tire degradation.
Vehicle Age and Condition
- Newer cars with fresh batteries and fluids will last longer idling than older vehicles.
Parking Conditions
- Indoor parking (like a garage) offers protection from the weather and reduces the risk of corrosion and battery drain.
- Outdoor parking exposes the car to elements like rain, snow, sun, and humidity, which speed up wear.
Also Read: Why Choosing a Licensed Scrap Yard in the GTA Matters
Car Storage Tips to Prevent Damage
If you anticipate that your car will be sitting unused for an extended period, there are several steps you can take to prevent damage:
- Regularly Start the Engine: Start the vehicle once a week and allow it to run for a minimum of 15-20 minutes. This will help keep the battery charged and fluids circulating.
- Add a Battery Maintainer: You can use a trickle charger or a battery maintainer to keep your battery fully charged without overcharging. This can work well for long-term storage.
- Check the Tire Pressure: Always confirm your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure. To prevent flat spots, you can even over-inflate them slightly (within safe limits).
- Use a Fuel Stabilizer: If the car is unused for more than 30 days, a fuel stabilizer should be added to keep the gasoline from breaking down. After adding a stabilizer, run the engine for a few minutes to circulate the treated fuel.
- Cover the Vehicle: If possible, store the vehicle indoors (a garage) or if you have to leave it outside, use a good-quality car cover to help protect it against dust, UV rays, and moisture. 6. Block Off Entry Points for Rodents. Seal off openings and areas around the vehicle, and think about placing some rodent repellents around the tires and engine bay area.
- Do Not Use Parking Brake: You should rely on wheel chocks, not the parking brake. A stuck parking brake after long periods of not driving can cause an issue, especially in wet or humid conditions.
Conclusion
A car is intended to be driven, and leaving it to sit too long can lead to mechanical and cosmetic problems. While newer cars may sit unused for up to two weeks without issues, risks increase significantly beyond that timeframe. This can include battery failure, flat spotting the tires, degraded fluids, and pest infestations.
Taking preventative measures can save time, money, and headaches if you recognize that your car will not be driven for a while. Simple steps like running the engine for 10–15 minutes weekly, using a battery maintainer, and keeping the car in a garage or under a cover, which will help prevent problems with your vehicle from not being driven. Cars that aren’t driven can be taken care of to stay in good shape with the proper care.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long can a car sit without starting before the battery dies?
Most car batteries last about two weeks without being started, but older or weaker batteries may die in just a few days. Using a battery maintainer can help extend life.
2. Is it bad to let your car sit unused for a month?
Yes, leaving a car unused for a month can cause problems like a dead battery, flat spots on tires, degraded fuel, and fluid breakdown. Preventive measures can reduce these risks.
3. What’s the best way to store a car long-term?
For long-term storage, keep the car in a garage, use a battery maintainer, add fuel stabilizer, check tire pressure, and run the engine briefly once a week.
