How often should you start your car when it's sitting?

Optimal Vehicle Maintenance: How Frequently Should You Start Your Car When It’s Sitting?

Prolonged inactivity can take a toll on your vehicle’s health. To ensure optimal engine performance and overall longevity, it’s crucial to regularly start your car, even when it’s not in use.

Consequences of Prolonged Inactivity

When a car sits idle for extended periods, various systems and components can experience degradation:

• Battery Discharge: The battery loses charge over time, potentially leading to a dead battery that requires a jumpstart or replacement.
• Stale Fuel: Gasoline can become stale and less efficient after prolonged storage, reducing engine performance and fuel economy.
• Oil Settling: Engine oil tends to settle in the oil pan, leaving critical engine parts without adequate lubrication.
• Corroded Battery Terminals: Battery terminals can corrode due to exposure to moisture and air, hindering electrical connections.
• Flat Tires: Tires can lose pressure over time, leading to flat spots and reduced handling capabilities.

Recommended Starting Frequency

To mitigate these issues and maintain optimal engine health, vehicles should be started at least once every week when not in regular use. A ten-to-fifteen-minute idling period is sufficient to:

• Lubricate Moving Parts: Starting the engine circulates oil throughout the system, ensuring proper lubrication of critical components.
• Maintain Battery Health: Running the engine recharges the battery and prevents prolonged discharge.
• Evaporate Stale Fuel: Idling the car helps circulate fuel through the system, removing stale fuel and promoting combustion efficiency.
• Prevent Corrosion: Operating the electrical system during idling prevents battery terminals from corroding.
• Check for Leaks or Issues: Starting the car regularly allows you to listen for unusual noises or observe any leaks or other potential issues.

Additional Considerations

• Short Trips: Avoid frequent short trips, as these can contribute to fuel dilution and engine wear.
• Climate: In cold climates, idling the car for a longer period may be necessary to warm up the engine and prevent engine damage.
• Fuel Stabilizers: When storing a vehicle for an extended period (e.g., over a month), consider adding a fuel stabilizer to prevent fuel degradation.
• Protection from Rodents: Park the car in a safe location to prevent rodents from nesting in the engine compartment and causing damage.

By following these recommendations, you can effectively maintain your vehicle’s health and longevity, ensuring it’s ready to serve you whenever you need it.