How long can a car sit without being driven? What happens if it sits too long?
Let’s look at some answers regarding car use and storage.
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How long can a car sit?
Anything past two weeks of nonactivity will require some action to prevent immediate problems. Anything longer than six months will take some extensive preparation. Auto manufacturers build cars for activity. While in storage, many things happen to the outside of your vehicle and inside the engine. Without the regular flow of fluid throughout the engine, gaskets and seals can dry out and become brittle. As your car sits, computer systems that keep the car running will drain the battery, leaving the vehicle without a charge. These are just a few of many concerning things. Let’s look at these and other possible issues that can happen when you let a car sit.
Fluids can deteriorate
Although synthetic oil can survive up to five years in a properly sealed container, once within your vehicle, synthetics should be changed after six months because of condensation. Most manufacturers recommend changing oil every six months, regardless of mileage. Although there is no standard interval for brake, power steering and transmission fluid, each should generally be okay if replaced in recommended factory intervals.
The battery may die
A drained battery will be the first problem you encounter after letting a car sit for an extended period. If you live in a very hot or cold climate, batteries will have difficulty recovering from lack of use. However, with today’s computer-connected cars, “parasitic drain” from powering electronics will cause a slow discharge over time.
Tyres may deflate or flatten
As the months go by, flat tyres may be the most obvious sign that your car needs care. Even though we’ve made massive technological advances with tyres, they still deteriorate in storage within five or six years because of natural elements. The worst is they’ll develop flat spots from being in one position too long. If you plan to keep your car garaged for months, put the car up on jack stands.
Critters may invade
You may not think you have mice and rats in your house but leave your car in the garage for a few months and you may find them in their new home—your car. When they take residence in your vehicle, they’ll chew and take everything they need from the wires, insulation, and rubber to make their nests. The longer they’re left alone, the larger their family will get. Soon, your vehicle becomes a critter condo.
Rubber components may rot
Rubber or synthetic parts will age over time. But in the case of hoses, the lack of fluid flowing through them while stored over long periods will cause them to dry out and crack. Pay particular attention to your vehicle’s maintenance schedule with regard to drive belts, hoses, and bushings. With a car in storage, these parts might need to be replaced within five years.
Different environments may cause additional problems
Extreme heat or cold is detrimental to a car. Your vehicle is affected by temperature even when parked in a garage for long periods of time. Temperature swings can cause moisture to condense in or on the motor, causing rust and contamination of oil, fuel, and other vital fluids because the car isn’t driven, water will not evaporate through the tailpipe.
Fuel can deteriorate
Believe it or not, fuel can spoil. Most sources agree fuel usually lasts anywhere from three to five months in your gas tank. Most vehicle fuel tanks aren’t airtight, allowing air to react with the fuel, eventually turning it into a gel. It becomes unusable and will damage your fuel system.
Rust
Rust is another by-product of oxidation and it’s highly dependent on the environment where your vehicle is parked because rust requires water to form, damp conditions will often lead to rusted metal. You can expect bare metal to start forming surface rust in less than a week. The more time your vehicle is left unprotected, the deeper the rust can form.
Nelson Xavier Ssenyange
Team Leader
Germax Auto Spares & Garage
Lukade Road, Naalya
0779250886/0752088734
