Are you wondering how long you can leave a car parked? Well, there’s no specific response to this. It depends on how thoroughly you prepare your automobile for preservation and how frequently you repair it.
However, you shouldn’t leave your car unattended for longer than two weeks. If you’re worried about draining your battery, store it for a shorter period.
What Will Happen When You Leave a Car Parked for Long?
Most automobile owners are aware that they shouldn’t leave their cars unattended for an extended period, but many are unclear on why. When you leave your car idle for too long, the following things could occur:
#1. Your Battery Will Run Out
This problem is most common if you don’t utilize your automobile frequently. Batteries drain more quickly in cooler temperatures, and disuse can lead to loss of battery charge over time.
In reality, driving allows the battery to recharge and extends its life beyond what is typically expected.
#2. There Will Be Air Loss in Your Tire
The tires support the full weight of the car. They will inevitably start to lose their air over time. If you are using your car frequently, this shouldn’t be an issue because you can refill the tires with the recommended air pressure.
A car’s tires, however, can form “flat spots,” or hard portions inside the rubber in which the tire has come into touch with the ground if it simply rests in storage for weeks. Flat patches can influence the handling and increase the danger of accidents.
#3. Your Fuel May Go Bad
Yes, your fuel can degrade. In the tank, regular gasoline can endure around 3 – 6 months, whereas diesel lasts for approximately a year before it starts to degrade. Your engine may struggle to start or lose power while driving when your fuel is stagnant since it won’t burn properly.
Although empty tanks are more susceptible to moisture buildup, this does not imply that you must empty your tank before putting the vehicle in storage for the winter. Corrosion is more likely when there is more moisture.
#4. Pests May Live in Your Vehicle
All that rodents, spiders, carpet bugs, ants, and roaches crave is a dry, quiet location free of human activity.
And what could be more comfortable than an abandoned car? Pests can damage crucial components like wiring, insulation, and upholstery and leave behind dirt and trash.
How Do You Get Your Car Ready For Storage?
We’ve already discussed the harm of leaving your automobile unprepared. However, you can keep your car safe and in good working order long after you’ve parked it by:
#1. Include a Fuel Stabilizer
Adding a fuel stabilizer to the vehicle’s gas tank can help prevent the degradation of your gasoline. Any car parts store sells items like STA-BIL, which will preserve your fuel fresh lasting for two years. Pour the correct quantity of stabilizer into your gas tank before topping it off with gasoline.
#2. Charge the Battery
It’s very easy to prevent your battery from dying. Bear in mind that we have two different kinds of battery chargers: one is intended to retain a charged battery, and the other is intended to charge a dead battery rapidly. To keep your battery charged, they continuously release a low-intensity stream of power.
#3. Clean Your Car
Give your car a thorough wash before leaving it parked. Rust and paint deterioration can be avoided by thoroughly cleaning off all dirt and other impurities, including road salt. Consider using a car undercoating or another rust-protection method if you live in an area where rust is frequent.
#4. Cover it
It’s safer to leave your car in a controlled environment, such as your garage, if you plan to park it for an extended period. Buy a vehicle cover if you don’t prefer having a garage to keep moisture and dirt off your vehicle.
#5. Place it on Blocks
You might want to think about parking your car “on blocks” to prevent flat spots on the tires. To accomplish this, jack up the car and securely hold it using jack stands. You can prevent tire deformation by removing the weight from the tires.
#6. Add New Fluids
Change the fluids if you want to park your automobile for a certain amount of time exceeding some months. Used brake fluid, power steering fluid, and engine oil retain impurities that could eventually harm your car.
You’ll offer your automobile a better chance to avoid any problems in the future by using all new fluids.
#7. Make Your Car Mouse-Proof
Consider placing some rodent repellents inside and beneath your car to deter rodents. Consider using scent deterrents, mousetraps, scent repellents, and sound deterrents.
Does Your Car Need Maintenance If You Leave it Parked for Long?
Your car requires everything from brake fluid to oil, steering fluid, and many more. Long periods of inactivity can cause a car’s fluids to become stale and stop lubricating the parts well. Air conditioner seals deteriorate. You don’t want your air conditioner seals to dry out, especially if you stay in a hot region.
Does Your Automobile Need to be Started Every Day?
To avoid a dead battery, all the professionals advise starting a car once weekly. The quickest approach to easily recharge a battery is to drive your car, even if it’s several times within the block.
Can I Park on Grass?
Parking your automobile on grass may seem like a fantastic idea, but you’d be mistaken if you did that. Especially if your car is parked for a long time, moisture collected through the soil and grass evaporates right up to the bottom of the vehicle!
As a result, the metal surfaces corrode due to moisture from evaporation. Even the suspension’s rubber bushings may start to dry rot. To be clear, the ideal place to park is always on a paved surface.
Final Word
When you leave your car parked for an extended period, difficulties can arise. By starting your vehicle frequently, typically once every two weeks, you can reduce the likelihood of experiencing issues.
Be sure to check if your battery has enough charge to start your car the next time you’d like to use it by running it for at least 15 minutes.