For some reason, you may have to leave your car at home or park it for a long period. Yet, what if your car is left unused for a long time? That is a big question that many drivers are confused about and looking for the answer to.

This article will give you more information about the state of a car when it is not employed for an extended period. Let’s get started!

How long can your car sustain when being left unused?

Several factors might impact your car if you leave it in storage for a long time.

Battery

You can use the car’s battery for about 3 to 5 years in case you drive it frequently. But, when you leave the car sitting for an extended period, the battery is likely to go dead. This will happen in only 2-3 months.

Fuel

The gasoline might go bad if it is not contained in the airtight container. Particularly, when the fuel gets reacted with the oxygen, the degradation will have happened since then. This process takes about 1 month to commence and 3 to 6 months to worsen the gas tank.

Tires

Tires are a very important part, carrying the entire weight of the vehicle. Tires can maintain their shape under normal driving conditions. However, if the vehicle is not used for a long time, the tires can be deflated and warped, oxidized...

At this point, you usually apply the solution of re-inflating the tires, but driving with tires that have been unused for too long is still not safe, especially when you are driving in slippery road conditions, or driving in the rain. Your tires can form bubbles, which can lead to a blowout, especially at high speeds.

Rust

The oxidation will cause the byproduct of rust. However, this phenomenon just happens when the environment is humid for example. The damp conditions or chemicals such as salt may speed up this process. So, you should protect your vehicle well if you want to avoid this situation.

What will happen if you leave your vehicle unused for a long time?

1. Faded paint

Drivers often store their cars in the garage. There will not be many problems if the garage has a cover. How about parking your car outside without anything covering it?

The paint of your car will be faded gradually and become a lighter hue. The heat from the sun is so hot that it will destroy the natural coat of your car and damage other paint forms.

2. Pests and insects

Some familiar pests or insects such as spiders, or cockroaches can shelter inside your car if you leave it idle without frequently using it. Especially, during the winter or harsh conditions, the weather outdoors might get extreme, even snakes also can inhabit inside the car.

It is quite challenging to eliminate these insects as they can hide under your seat. Also, they might appear suddenly and startle you, leading to an unexpected accident. Some may also experience seeing the snakes, they often seek the warmness in the engine.

With this unwanted interference, the mechanical operation of your car might face some issues. Then, you will have some sudden stops during your trip.

3. Rotors and brakes

After an extended period of being left unused, the rotors and brakes might become rust. You can check this problem by listening to some squeaking noise or grinding when you brake. General, you should have your rotors and brakes checked by a mechanic before driving on the road.

4. Fuel pump and gas tank

There are two parts of your car that are easy to break down including the fuel pump and the gas tank. Specifically, when you start the engine but no fluids flow through, the malfunction will happen. Some severe situations also need replacement.

About the gas tank, it is one the costliest components when replacing. So, if the car is not employed for a long time, the metals will be rust. This is the main cause that damages the car.

When the tank rusts, the gasoline may leak out, leading to a huge disaster immediately. If you find any rusted signals on the gas tank, it is compulsory to replace the entire tank. Also, you have to replace the pipes, fuel pumps, and valves. By doing that, you can avoid corrosion and other car parts will not be affected.

How can drivers prepare for storage?

1. Get the battery charged

There are two different kinds of chargers. The first one can charge the dead battery fast while the other one can maintain the charged battery. With the handy feature, drivers can leave the charger plugged in the whole time.

The electricity is slow and steady so that you can feel secure about the charge of the battery. For more detail, you can buy these chargers at the auto hardware store.

2. Wash the car

It is better to wash your car right before you park it. All contaminants, road salt, or dirt will be removed after a wash. This prevents the car from rusting and damaging the paint. If the temperature around you are highly humid, you should undercoat or pain the rust-protection for your car.

3. Use the fuel stabilizer

The fuel stabilizer helps to protect the gasoline from degrading. You can purchase one at the auto parts shop and it can keep the fuel fresh in 2 years most. To use it correctly, you should read and follow the instruction.

4. Proof the car

It is recommended to add mouse repellents under and inside your car so that you can keep the rodents away. Some other options can be scent deterrents, mousetraps, or electronic deterrents that can play sound.

Bottom line

Cars are used to drive regularly. So, if you leave it to stay idle for weeks or even longer, lots of issues will pop up. Obviously, not all problems are preventable or repairable. Above are some details for the question ‘What if your car is left unused for a long time?’. In case you do not use your car for an extended period, think about selling it.