AUTONEWS

What happens to a car when it sits for a long time?

Many car owners wonder how long they can leave their car unused, especially during travel or when daily driving routines change. While a vehicle can remain parked for a short time without issues, extended inactivity may begin to affect its condition.

When a car sits for too long, components such as the battery, tires, and fluid systems can gradually deteriorate. Experts generally suggest running or driving a car at least once every couple of weeks to help maintain battery charge, proper lubrication, and overall vehicle health.

You were on vacation and left your four-wheeled pet in the parking lot. A few weeks of waiting and your car is covered in leaves, resin, bird droppings...all kinds of dirt. So, a thorough wash awaits you. However, the longer you wait, the more potential problems can arise that cannot be solved with a simple wash. So, here's what to look out for if your car has been parked and unused for (too) long.

Battery...Modern cars have very complex electronics that don't stop working when you get out of the vehicle and lock it. That's why one of the first things that can happen after a long time is that your battery runs out. Don't think that this doesn't only happen at low temperatures, because extreme heat also has a negative effect on battery voltage. Logically, the older the battery, the greater the chance of this happening. The ideal option is to remove the battery from the vehicle and top it up with a so-called smart charger (which can be purchased for really cheap these days). Avoid jump starting, as this will further shorten the battery's life. Specialized shops also have a device for measuring the condition of the battery, so you can check how much life is left in it.

Rainwater drains...The aforementioned leaves and branches will almost certainly clog the drainage holes under the windshield that drain rainwater. The result can be water flowing into the cabin. In more serious cases, you will be greeted by mold in the cabin, which, apart from looking unsightly, is not at all healthy. You can clean it with baking soda - mix water and baking soda in a spray bottle, spray over the moldy parts and when the liquid dries, remove the mold particles from the surface with a sponge or scrub brush. Finally, don't forget to unclog the drain holes, which we have already written about.

Wiper blades...Before using them, carefully separate them from the windshield and clean them with a dry cloth. If they are "burnt", they will most likely tear when removing the blades, in which case they should be replaced. Another thing to take care of is the windshield washer jets. Clean any dirt that has accumulated due to standing still with a needle before using them. If instead of cleaning the jets, you decide to use the force method, that is, holding the windshield washer lever until the pressurized fluid unclogs the jets, there is a chance that the fluid pump will burn out. Longer periods of standing for several months can cause this pump to oxidize and stop working, in which case the only solution is to replace it.

Brake discs...Longer periods of standing will certainly cause corrosion to appear on the brake discs. In addition to looking ugly, corrosion also affects functionality. Braking efficiency will be significantly reduced if the discs are corroded, so be sure to take care of this. During your first drive, take the opportunity to “clean” the corrosion from the friction discs with a series of short braking strokes. It will certainly take some time before the brakes return to full functionality, and in more serious cases of corrosion, there is a possibility that the brake calipers may be damaged.

Fluid level...Before starting the car, check the fluid levels. This primarily includes engine oil, brake fluid, and coolant. We have already written about how to use oil properly, and if you need to top up the oil, we have also written about how to choose the right oil for your car. As for the coolant, if it is a little low, it is enough to top up the tank with distilled water. Lack of brake fluid is a serious problem, and if the indicator is below the minimum, you should “tow” the car to a mechanic. In that case, the brakes no longer have their function and it is extremely irresponsible to drive such a car. Even if the brake fluid level is normal and the car has been sitting for more than six months, it is almost certain that it has lost its properties due to so much standing. Check the condition of the brake fluid with a mechanic, but it will almost certainly need to be replaced.

If all fluids are within normal limits, start the car and let it run for five to ten minutes to allow the oil to reach operating temperature and for the engine to be well lubricated after standing before you start driving.

Tires...Check the tire pressure. After a long period of standing, especially at low temperatures, the chances that the tires have lost pressure are very high. In any case, at a gas station or even if you have a hand pump, top them up according to the regulations. The prescribed pressure can be found on a sticker that is usually located on the driver's side door frame or on the inside of the fuel tank cap. If you can't find it, look in the car's owner's manual. Longer periods of standing, lasting several months, can cause the tires to deform. This will manifest itself through constant vibrations that you will feel in the steering wheel while driving. Of course, check with a tire repair shop, but know that in this case the only solution is to replace the tire - there is no repair.

8 Things that can go wrong when your car sits for too long...Sometimes, driving your car has to take a back seat. Traveling, going to college, working from home or storing your summer ride for winter may put your vehicle out of commission for an extended time. But it's not as simple as putting the car in park and saying, “See you later!" A lot can happen when a vehicle isn't driven for several months. That's why it's essential to take the necessary steps to prevent damage from occurring and ensure the engine will purr when you're ready to drive it again.

1. Your car battery can lose its charge...Your car's battery can lose its charge over time if the vehicle is not being driven regularly, which is how batteries recharge and maintain their expected lifespan. This can lead to a dead battery that leaves you stranded and requires replacement. Plus, the more you attempt to restart the battery, the faster it will drain.

2. The tires can become damaged...Your tires can develop flat spots when the car is not driven for too long. This is due to prolonged pressure in one area from the vehicle's weight on the tires and decreasing tire pressure that leaks out over time. Flat spots are troublesome because they can cause vibrations when driving and lead to costly tire replacements from premature wear.

3. Your brakes can experience issues...Brake pads and rotors can rust or seize if left unused for an extended time—especially in damp conditions—which is a severe safety concern when your vehicle is back in service. Before driving, listen for squeaking or grinding noises when applying the brakes, as these can be indicators of rust.

4. The fuel tank can rust...When a gas tank is left empty, moisture can cause it to rust. Filling the tank with fuel is the most effective way to prevent this. A full tank leaves no room for air and moisture to enter, reducing the risk of internal corrosion. Adding a fuel stabilizer can further protect the tank from rust and corrosion.

5. The fluids can degrade...Engine oil, brake fluid, coolant and other vital fluids can degrade over time, reducing effectiveness and leading to potential component damage. Lack of lubrication from infrequent use can also cause vehicle components to wear out faster when the car is eventually driven.

6. The vehicle's exterior can lose its luster...When your car is parked outdoors for a long time, exposure to the elements—especially the sun—can fade the paint and wear down the clear coat, causing the finish to crack, peel and flake. Bird droppings, tree sap, dust, dirt and other pollutants can also accumulate on the exterior, creating a layer of grime that's hard to clean. Additionally, the weather stripping can dry out and crack, causing windows and doors to leak or reduce their effectiveness.

7. Your car's interior can be damaged...When a car sits unused, pests may infest it, causing damage by chewing wires. Sunlight can also fade and crack the dashboard and upholstery, while moisture can lead to mold, mildew and unpleasant odors, especially when the car is parked outdoors.

8. The body, undercarriage and components can rust and corrode...Moisture can cause rust on the body, undercarriage and components when parking your vehicle for too long. That's especially the case when the car is not stored in a well-ventilated space or climate-controlled garage, where moisture and humidity levels can be controlled.