If your car is not driven for a longer period of time, damage can result. It doesn’t even have to stand around for long. So how long can your car sit on the street without being driven? Even after a few weeks without use, the first consequences become apparent. These range from damage to the paint to a discharged battery.
How long can my car stay unused?
You should move your car at least twice a month. If you do not intend to drive for a longer period of time, you should take precautions. Before parking, your car should be brought up to operating temperature so that condensation in the engine and exhaust can evaporate.
How to avoid damage to the exterior
A parking space should protect it from the weather. A dry, sheltered place like a garage is ideal. This prevents tree leaves from blocking drainage openings, water from getting into the interior, or bird droppings from damaging the paint.
Keeping the brakes healthy
The brakes are highly prone to rust; rain, dirt and road salt take their toll on them. Therefore, you should dry brake them before parking. The next time you drive, caution is advised. First of all, the brakes must be carefully released. When doing this, step on the pedal firmly, otherwise, the rust will not come off. Do not apply the parking brake if possible, as it could seize up if the car has been parked for a long time.
Car battery discharge
Even when it is not being driven, its battery will continue to discharge. The alarm system and leaking currents slowly drain juice from the battery. In the worst case it will be completely discharged, and the car won’t start at all. To prevent this, the battery can be connected to a trickle charger. Many modern battery chargers have this feature. If the battery has already become damaged, a pulser or charger with a special regeneration feature may help. If your car won’t start at all, it’s time for a jump-start.
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