How often should an old car be started if it is not used often?

To avoid affecting the quality of the vehicle, experts recommend that users start the vehicle engine at least once every 2 weeks. Because regular operation will help protect the vehicle battery from voltage loss.

According to experts, just driving for at least 15 minutes is enough to keep the battery of a little-used car fully charged and prevent corrosion of the two electrodes. Even driving for at least 30 minutes a week will help the car even more.

Next, a vulnerable part is the tire. Car tires are mainly made of rubber, which is soft and elastic and will age over time. If not operated regularly, the weight of the vehicle will cause the lower part of the tire, where it contacts the road surface, to deform, the dents will gradually flatten and harden, unable to recover.

Using a misshapen tire will definitely make the car very bumpy, uncomfortable and even unsafe. Therefore, regular use of the car will help the tire wear evenly, avoiding aging or deformation.

The gas tank is also an area that car owners should pay attention to if the car has not been used for a long time. According to a representative of Exxon, the leading fuel distributor in the US, gasoline should not be left in the car for more than 1 month. Because gasoline is a synthetic compound that is very volatile and self-degrading.

Experts recommend that if the vehicle is not used for a long time, the owner should drain the fuel tank and let the engine run until it dies.

However, there are also completely opposite opinions: That is, if the fuel tank is empty for a long time, the inside surface can accumulate mold and rust. Therefore, in this case, users should store the car for a long time with a full tank of gasoline.

In addition, you should pay attention to the covered parking area (or use a tarpaulin), keep it in a dry, cool place and away from rats, bugs and insects. Vehicle owners can also spread mothballs or sulfur pellets (the type that can be used in farming) or peppermint essential oil and combine it with using anti-rat nets... to protect their vehicles.

Finally, there are a few steps you should take before letting your car sit for a long time with less damage:

Change the lubricating oil so that the oil in the tank is not contaminated.

Fill all fluids in the car to the brim to ensure the tank does not get damp and rusty.

Release the handbrake to minimize unnecessary wear.

Cover the wiper blade with a plastic bag to prevent the rubber from deteriorating over time and getting stuck to the glass.