Automotive>Maintenance & Repair
November 01, 2020
Life happens, and sometimes circ*mstances lead to us using our vehicle less. Long vacations, new cars, old cars, starting a new work-from-home job, biking to work, going to college, and plenty of other life events could all potentially lead to you not needing to drive your car very often. But a lot can happen to a vehicle when it isn’t driven for an extended period of time. Thankfully, there are ways to prevent any serious damage to your trusty automobile.
What could happen to your car if you leave it undriven for too long?
Issues can stem from not driving your car for a long period of time. Here are some of the issues that could happen if you find your car sitting in the driveway for too long.
Your car battery could die.
Did you know that when you drive your car you are charging the battery through the alternator? Unfortunately, when your car sits idle for weeks or months, the battery has nothing to charge it and it could eventually die as a result.1
Need help jumpstarting your dead car battery? We’ve got you covered.
The tires can go flat.
Tires usually keep their shape through steady use even though they hold the entire weight of a car. But when a car is left to sit, they can become warped, flat and deflated. Definitely check your tires’ air pressure before you resume driving. Bubbles may even appear in the tire and could cause a blowout while driving at high speeds. 2
Need new tires? This article can help prepare you before you buy.
The brakes could rust.
The brakes can rust if left unused for an extended length of time, which could prove to be very problematic and potentially unsafe when you start driving your vehicle again. An easy way to check to see if your brakes have deteriorated is to apply them and listen for any squeaking or grinding noises.2
Squealing breaks? We can help.
The fuel pump might break down.
Modern, unleaded fuel starts to go bad in 3-6 months, and diesel in 6-12. The fuel can become viscous, which is a big problem for a car’s fuel pump 3. If you haven’t driven your car at all for several months, your best bet is to hire a mechanic to remove the old gasoline for you.
Your vehicle’s exterior could be damaged. .
If you are unable to store your car in a garage or under some sort of cover, the sun and the elements can start to wear down the paint on the car. Tree sap, bird droppings, and more can stain or wear down the clear coat that protects the paint. This can lead to exposed paint leading to a lighter hue, or it can seem dulled and less vibrant than when you first purchased it. Worse yet, cracks could start to appear on the bodywork, lowering the value of the car.2
Interested in learning more about auto body paint?
Your car can become infested.
We’ve all heard the horror stories about the car enthusiast who left their prized car in storage one winter only to find it destroyed by rats, mice, or insects come spring. Depending on where you store your car, there’s always a chance a pest infestation could happen. It’s always a good idea to keep your vehicle covered and to check it once or twice a week and drive it every month or so to keep pests from making your vehicle their new home. If you cannot drive it frequently, cover up any easy access points into the car like the exhaust pipe and air intake to keep critters from crawling in. 4
So how long can you go without driving your car?
If you have not prepped your vehicle for a long time of not driving it you should not let it sit for more than one month, and even then, you should try to start it up and drive it for 15-30 minutes a few times within the month. 5 If you’ve prepped your vehicle for storage and follow the tips covered below, you can avoid several unfortunate car problems.
Tips to follow if you know you won’t be driving your car for an extended period of time
If you can plan ahead and know that you’re not going to be driving your vehicle very often it’s important to be prepared.
The first thing to do is decide where to store it. In a garage or under the cover of an overhang are your best options but covered with a vehicle wrap works well, too 6. Car covers are a great way to keep the sun, rain, hail, bird droppings, and anything else that comes from the sky from damaging your vehicle.
The next thing to do is fill up the gas tank and get an oil change, especially if you plan on storing the car for over a month.
Getting a car wash before storing it may seem counterintuitive, but getting rid of any preexisting mud, dirt, etc. before storing it is important.
The best way to keep your car from any lasting damage is to drive it at least 10 miles every two weeks while hitting higher speeds of 50 mph or more a few times during the drive. Contrary to popular belief, little good comes from starting your vehicle and having it sit idle for a few minutes. For it to be effective, your car needs to be driven in order to get the internal parts moving 7.
If you are able to store your car in a garage you could potentially have some pests trying to make your car their new home. Closing up easy access points like the exhaust pipe and air intake with some steel wool is effective, as well as spreading mothballs or cotton swabs covered in peppermint oil around the vehicle, as rodents and other pests are deterred by the smell4.
Once your schedule allows for more drive time, make sure to check your tires and fill them with air, refill or replace the gas in your tank, and give it a good 15-30-minute drive before hitting high speeds.
Things happen. You bought a shiny new car so your old one sits in the garage now, undriven. Maybe you bought a car for your kid and they don’t drive it anymore because they went off to school. Whatever the reason, watch out for the signs that your car is needing some attention and follow the steps to storing your vehicle and you should still be able to hit the road! If you find your car does need attention after a long time spent undriven, learn more about the Synchrony Car CareTM credit card. With acceptance nationwide and promotional financing available on purchases of $199 or more, Synchrony Car Care can help with all your car care needs.
*Subject to credit approval. Minimum monthly payments required. Click here or see merchant for promotional financing details . Valid everywhere Synchrony Car CareTM is accepted in the U.S., including Puerto Rico.
- Auto Expenses You Can Expect If You Haven’t Driven During Quarantine GOBanking
- What Happens if Leaving Your Car Unused for a Long Time? Philkotske
- How to Maintain Your Car When You’re Not Driving It Much (or at All) MotorTrend
- How to Prep Your Car for Long Term Storage Edmunds
- How Long Can I Let My Car Sit? Gear & Cylinderr
- How Long Can A Car Sit Without Being Driven? Drifted
- If I Seldom Drive, What’s the Minimum I Should Drive My Car? Cars.com
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As an automotive enthusiast with a deep understanding of vehicle maintenance and repair, I'd like to shed light on the critical concepts discussed in the provided article about the potential issues arising when a car is left undriven for an extended period. My expertise in automotive care is rooted in practical knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved.
1. Car Battery Maintenance: The article correctly points out that a car battery can die if the vehicle is left idle for an extended period. This is due to the fact that the alternator charges the battery during driving. Without regular use, the battery lacks the necessary charging, leading to potential issues.
2. Tire Health: Tires, when left stationary for a prolonged time, can lose their shape and become flat or warped. The article rightly emphasizes the importance of checking tire pressure before resuming driving to prevent issues such as bubbles forming, which could lead to a blowout at high speeds.
3. Brake Concerns: Brakes are highlighted as susceptible to rust if the car remains unused for an extended period. The article suggests checking for squeaking or grinding noises when applying the brakes, which can indicate deterioration.
4. Fuel System Issues: The article mentions the potential breakdown of the fuel pump due to fuel going bad over time. This is a significant concern, especially with modern, unleaded fuel, and emphasizes the need to address this issue by removing old gasoline, particularly if the car has been stationary for several months.
5. Exterior Damage: The impact of environmental factors on a parked vehicle is discussed, including damage to the exterior paint caused by the sun, tree sap, bird droppings, and other elements. The article provides insights into preventing such damage by storing the car in a garage or using covers.
6. Pest Infestation: An interesting aspect covered is the risk of pest infestation, with recommendations on covering easy access points like the exhaust pipe and air intake to keep critters away. This adds a practical dimension to the article, addressing a potential problem many may overlook.
7. Recommended Driving Frequency: The article suggests driving the car at least 10 miles every two weeks, including hitting higher speeds of 50 mph or more, to prevent lasting damage. This advice counters the misconception that simply starting the vehicle is sufficient; rather, driving it is essential to keep internal parts in good condition.
8. Preparing for Extended Storage: The article provides practical tips for those planning to store their vehicles for an extended period. This includes choosing a suitable storage location, filling up the gas tank, getting an oil change, and even using vehicle wraps or covers to protect against environmental elements.
In conclusion, the article serves as a comprehensive guide for car owners facing prolonged periods of vehicle inactivity, offering practical tips to mitigate potential issues. My expertise aligns with these concepts, emphasizing the importance of proactive maintenance for a vehicle's long-term health.
