Cars Not Used For A Long Time: How To Preserve Them Properly?

car left unused for a long time
Latest update date: February 27, 11

A car is not only a means of transportation but also a large asset that needs to be protected. However, when the car is not used for a long time, many parts are at risk of damage, from the exterior paint to the engine and interior.

According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), more than 70% of damage caused by long-term parking comes from improper maintenance, causing unnecessary costs in repairs.

Some tips to help protect cars that have not been used for a long time include:

  • Choose a suitable parking location.
  • Cleans the car and enhances exterior protection.
  • Cleans the interior and reduces humidity effectively.
  • Change engine oil and check filter thoroughly.
  • Maintain rubber parts on vehicle.
  • Fill the gas tank and check the fuel level.
  • Make sure tire pressure is at standard level.
  • Maintain and care for batteries.
  • Start the vehicle regularly to avoid damage.
  • Check and maintain wipers.
  • Release the handbrake.

Let's find out to ensure your "baby" is always in perfect condition!

car left unused for a long time
Cars left unused for a long time: The most effective way to preserve them

Choose the Right Parking Place

To protect your car when not in use for a long time, choose an ideal place to park: hard floor (concrete, asphalt), covered, away from moisture. Use a car cover and check it regularly. Parking properly will help prolong the life of your car and keep it in good condition.

According to a survey by Consumer Reports magazine (USA), 53% of car owners said they often park their cars outdoors, directly exposed to environmental factors. This can cause many negative impacts on the car such as:

  • Sunlight ages car paint, rubber, plastics and interiors.
  • High humidity leads to rusting of the frame and suspension.
  • Dirt and bird droppings on the car corrode the protective paint layer.
- Cars Not Used for a Long Time: How to Store Them Properly?
Choose the right parking space

Car Wash Clean And Protective Wax Coat

A study from Chalmers University of Technology (Sweden) shows that car paint can corrode up to 30 micrometers after only 6 months of exposure to polluted environments. Therefore, before storing your car, you should:

  • Clean dirt, grease, stubborn stains on the car.
  • Dry thoroughly with a clean, soft towel.
  • Apply a layer of specialized wax to protect car paint from UV rays, pollution and prevent rust.
- Cars Not Used for a Long Time: How to Store Them Properly?
Use a protective wax coating

Clean and Place a Dehumidifier in the Car Cabin

A dirty car can harbor up to 17.000 bacteria/cm2 on the steering wheel and 2.000 mold/cm2 on the seats (according to the US Centers for Disease Control). So you need to:

  • Vacuum thoroughly every corner such as under seats, door slots, and storage compartments.
  • Clean surfaces with a specialized disinfectant solution.
  • Remove all food, drinks, and perishable items from the vehicle.
  • Place a dehumidifier or desiccant pack in your car to control humidity, prevent mold and unpleasant odors.

Oil and Filter Change

Engine oil, after a period of use, often contains dirt, impurities or by-products of fuel combustion. If left for a long time without being replaced, these dirt can accumulate and damage the engine, reducing performance or even causing serious damage.

According to recommendations from leading car manufacturers such as Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, you should change engine oil and oil filter periodically:

  • 5.000 – 7.500 km or 6 months (whichever comes first) with regular oil.
  • 10.000 – 15.000 km or 12 months with premium synthetic oil.

Schedule a service to ensure that the old oil is drained and replaced with new oil appropriate for your vehicle's engine type. Also, make sure to change the oil filter, as old oil filters can contain impurities that contaminate the new oil. A clean engine oil system will help lubricate parts better, reduce friction, and prevent wear during long periods of inactivity.

Apply Protective Coating to Rubber Parts

When a car has to “rest” for a long time, the rubber parts on the car, such as door and window seals, are easily damaged by weather or environmental factors. To avoid the rubber from cracking, breaking or losing its elasticity, you should:

  • Wipe off dirt on rubber surface.
  • Apply an even layer of specialized rubber preservative (such as silicone spray).
  • Check periodically to ensure the rubber remains soft, elastic and does not stick to metal surfaces when the vehicle is not used for a long time.

Fill Up Your Gas Tank

A full tank of fuel not only reduces the space for air and moisture to enter the tank, but also prevents oxidation from occurring. Oxidation can cause deposits or sludge to form, which can clog the fuel injection system, causing serious damage and expensive repairs.

So, before storing your car for a long time, you should:

  • Fill the gas tank to reduce space for moisture and oxygen.
  • Use a specialized fuel stabilizer (such as STA-BIL) to extend the life of gasoline.
  • Tighten the tank cap to prevent fuel evaporation or contamination.
- Cars Not Used for a Long Time: How to Store Them Properly?
Need to fill up the car gas tank

Ensure Standard Tire Pressure

Over time, tire pressure naturally decreases, even when the vehicle is not in use. If a vehicle is parked for a long time with low tire pressure, the weight of the vehicle will be pushed down, causing the tire to deform. This not only affects the shape of the tire, but also damages the internal structure, reducing the durability and performance of the tire when the vehicle is used again.

According to the Tire and Rim Association (TIA), tire pressure that is 20% lower than recommended reduces tire life by up to 30%.

Therefore, you need:

  • Inflate tires to the manufacturer's recommended pressure (usually printed on the car door or gas cap).
  • Check pressure periodically, especially when there are large changes in temperature.
  • Use a jack stand to raise the wheels off the ground if storing the vehicle for more than 3 months.

Battery Check and Clean

If the car is not used for a long time, the battery may lose its capacity or lose its capacity due to self-discharge. This is especially likely to happen to batteries that have been used for a long time.

According to statistics from AAA (American Automobile Association), the battery is the leading cause of car failure, accounting for 38% of cases.

To avoid this situation, you should:

  • Clean the battery terminals thoroughly, removing any corrosive residue.
  • Apply a layer of special protective grease to the battery terminals.
  • Use a trickle charger if storing the vehicle for more than 3 months.
  • Remove the negative (“-”) terminal of the battery if the vehicle is old to avoid leakage current.
- Cars Not Used for a Long Time: How to Store Them Properly?
Always check/clean the battery

Start Your Car At Least Once A Week

To ensure that the gearbox and engine are always lubricated, you should start the car at least once a week, for about 10-15 minutes each time. This helps the lubricant circulate evenly through the parts, avoiding the situation of dry oil or jamming due to long-term inactivity.

While starting, you should step on the accelerator pedal 7-10 times to remove moisture accumulated in the exhaust pipe. This is a simple but very effective way to prevent rust and reduce the risk of exhaust system damage.

In particular, you should run the air conditioner 2-3 minutes/time to remove moisture, prevent mold and unpleasant odors.

Starting the car periodically also helps the battery to be naturally charged, maintaining a stable operating state and avoiding a dead battery. If your car has an idle mode, take advantage of it to check the operation of other systems such as lights, horn, and entertainment system.

Lift the Wiper Blade High

To prevent the wiper blade from being deformed or damaged due to constant contact with the windshield, you should lift the wiper arm up and place a cloth ball or soft cushion under the blade. This will help keep the distance between the blade and the windshield, preventing aging and hardening of the rubber.

You should also check and clean your wiper blades before storing your car. Removing dirt or debris from the blades will reduce the risk of the rubber cracking or breaking.

Release the Handbrake (Unless Parking on a Slope)

When a car is not used for a long time, keeping the handbrake engaged can cause the brakes to seize, especially in humid environments. This happens when brake components, such as the brake pads and brake discs, stick together after prolonged periods of inactivity. As a result, when the car needs to be used again, the brakes may not release properly, leading to the risk of damage or expensive repairs.

To avoid this problem, you should release the handbrake when parking on a flat surface. For automatic transmission vehicles, simply move the gear lever to P (Parking) mode, the transmission lock system will hold the vehicle still. For manual transmission vehicles, move the gear lever to 1st gear or reverse (depending on the direction of the slope) to keep the vehicle stable.

However, if you are forced to park on a slope, using the handbrake is necessary to ensure safety. In this case, you can combine additional measures such as chocking the wheels with heavy objects such as bricks or specialized tire chocks to reduce pressure on the handbrake system.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which parts are most likely to be damaged if the car is left unused for a long time?

8 parts that are easily damaged when the car is not used for a long time including: tires; fuel and fuel pump; lubricants; stuck piston rings, open combustion chamber; battery; brake system; leather and felt interior.

2. Do I need to replace the wipers if the car is parked for a long time?

Not necessarily, but check the wiper blades after using the car again. If the rubber is hard or cracked, replace it to ensure wiper performance.

3. What should I do if my car won't start after being parked for a long time?

Check the battery, fuel, and engine oil. If the battery is weak, use a jump starter or a battery charger. If the engine oil or fuel is oxidized, replace it immediately.

4. How to prevent mice from damaging electrical wiring?

Clean up leftover food in the car, use an ultrasonic mouse repellant or anti-mouse coating specialized.

5. Where should I get my car serviced to ensure reputation and quality?

To have your car professionally maintained and repaired, Thanh Phong Auto is a reliable choice for you.

Outstanding advantages of Thanh Phong Auto:

  • A team of highly skilled technicians, rich in practical experience, dedicated to work, putting the interests of customers first.
  • Spacious garage, invested in advanced machinery; ensures effective handling of all maintenance requirements for cars from popular to high-end.
  • Genuine spare parts guaranteed.
  • Transparent and competitive prices in the market.
  • Long-term warranty policy, bringing peace of mind to customers.

In addition, Thanh Phong Auto also provides On-site car rescue service in Ho Chi Minh City, timely support for customers who encounter unexpected problems or do not have time to bring their car to the garage.

Choose Thanh Phong Auto to get the best care for your car!

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Cars Care Service Price Sheet At Thanh Phong Auto HCMC VietNam:

* The cars that we have mechanics: Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Lexus, Toyota, Honda, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Kia, Daewoo, Hyundai,Ford, Nissan, Volkswagen, Porsche, Chevrolet, Rand Rover, Innova, Fortuner, Vios, Fiat, Bugatti, Ferrari, Bentley, Hummer , Chrysler, Dodge, Renault, Cadillac, Volvo, Subaru, Daihatsu, Ssangyong, Roll-Royce, Peugeot, Smart Fortwo, Tobe M'car, Luxgen, Zotye, Haima, Geely, Baic, Hongqi, Cmc, Mini Cooper, Buick, Opel, Acura, Aston Martin, Vinfast, TQ Wuling, BYD.

 

To keep your vehicle running properly at all times, we offer a number of services that are carried out by our certified, expert auto service and repair technicians who have years of experience performing everything from oil changes to a complete engine overhaul.