What happens if you don't drive your car? (2024)

FAQs

What happens if you don't drive your car? ›

When you don't drive your vehicle for a while, fluids can pool and your engine may lose that essential lubrication. Your vehicle's alternator also needs a running engine in order to keep your battery charged. If your vehicle hasn't been started in a while, your battery will eventually die.

Not having to drive can save you time and money on fuel, but letting a car sit for too long can cause maintenance issues. Among them: dead batteries; rusted brakes; dried-out and leaking seals; and insect or rodent infestation. Any of these issues can make your car become a lot less valuable, and less safe to operate.

You should know that a car is not designed for that. It was made to go on a ride outside every day. Leaving it unused for such a long time can be harmful to your car. If the car is not used regularly then, some parts may wear out quickly, leaving your car unfit for the next ride.

Experts recommend driving your car every two to three weeks to keep it in running condition. Ideally, you should not let your vehicle sit unused for more than two weeks. To prevent unnecessary repairs and ensure your vehicle is ready to go, start it up and drive it for 15-30 minutes a few times within the month.

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY CAR SITS FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME? Vehicles that aren't driven regularly will drain the battery. There are multiple systems that still draw power as a vehicle sits. Your car's battery will recharge as you drive which is why a battery can last for several years.

There is a cutoff point where it does not matter your car's condition; you don't want to wait longer than two weeks to start your car and drive the vehicle for about 15 minutes to keep the components in check. This is the standard recommended practice that gives you a good feel if your car is operating correctly.

A month of sitting stationary could cause problems. Brakes: Brake rotors can begin to develop rust when unused, Edmunds says. If a vehicle's parking brake is engaged for a long period of time, the brake pads can bind to the rotors. Battery: A car's battery will lose its charge if it sits idle too long.

The more time your vehicle is left unprotected, the deeper the rust can form. Tires: When your car sits stationary for a long period of time, flat spots can start to form in the tires. Essentially, the tires develop a type of memory that prevents them from being completely round.

Beyond just your oil, all of your vehicle's fluids can become compromised when left sitting for too long. Your vehicle relies on coolant, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, brake fluid, and differential fluid, among others. Any issue with these fluids can present trouble for your vehicle.

As a rough guide, we always advise not to allow any more than two weeks to pass without driving your car if you expect it to start again. However, if you carry out the recommendations in our guide, you'll be able to store your car for months or even years with minimal issues.

How long can gas sit in a car? ›

The length of time fuel will remain useable in your gas tank is dependent on the fuel type. Regular gasoline has a shelf life of three to six months, while diesel can last up to a year before it begins to degrade.

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.

To feel a bit more in-tune with your car, our Pasadena area Toyota dealership recommends that you drive your car every two to three weeks to ensure that you don't end up with a dead battery, flat-spotted tires, or other issues that can be caused by letting a car sit parked for weeks.

Tires can develop small leaks over time and slowly leak air, even if you're not driving regularly. If you're not driving often, they can also develop something called "tire rot" which causes the rubber to become brittle and hard.

Most commonly, cars that aren't driven very regularly will run out of battery. As you drive, your vehicle's battery is able to recharge, which is often why a battery can run for years without depleting its energy. If a vehicle is parked for a long time, the battery isn't able to recharge and will likely go flat.

The Lifespan of Oil in a Car Not Driven

The answer may surprise you. Even in a car that's rarely driven, oil doesn't enjoy an infinite lifespan. The rule of thumb is about six months—despite oil's typical shelf life of five years.

Older Cars with Low Miles Can Have Unique Issues

Older cars sitting around for months or years without being driven on a regular basis can be magnets for expensive maintenance issues.

Suspension Wear And Tear

Additionally, lowered cars are more susceptible to bottoming out, which occurs when the undercarriage hits the ground due to an impact. This can cause significant damage to the suspension system, including bent or broken parts.

To feel a bit more in-tune with your car, our Pasadena area Toyota dealership recommends that you drive your car every two to three weeks to ensure that you don't end up with a dead battery, flat-spotted tires, or other issues that can be caused by letting a car sit parked for weeks.

Vehicles that are not being used for an extended period of time are more likely to have a dead battery. This may also result in other permanent damage that occurs when batteries stand discharged for extended periods.