How Long Can a Car Sit Without Being Driven?

[@billsmith2212]

If the car has sat several months or years , pull the fuse or relay for the fuel pump . Get oil pressure up while cranking before attempting to start . If outside , cover the tires from the sun . This is routine on RV's .

[@dr.anhthai9200]

Thanks for the info; but, what happens to all the cars park in the packing lot at the dealership. Isn't the sale person starts theirs cars every month?

[@trianglesquared7279]

What about 8 months? Obviously new oil and gas. But I’m thinking fogging oil in the spark plug holes

[@josequintero5476]

Excellent video bro! Just what I needed for my 93 Honda accord sitting for 3 months.

[@GH-oi2jf]

Sounds gloomy, but I park my pickup for a few months at a time in a storage locker in a temperate climate without problems so far, except for needing a jump a couple of times. I’ve solved that problem with two things you didn’t mention. I replaced the battery with a High Reserve Capacity model, and I enable transport mode when I’m going to leave it for awhile. The latter is not in the owner’s manual, but it wasn’t hard to find out how to do it. That turns off most of the things that drain the battery.

[@bumperdotcom]

Cool, thanks for the extra advice!

[@kevinhaley6776]

5 months ago this deserves atleast 1 comment good tips!

[@greytimberwolf68]

i found a dream car, and it has been sitting for years. inspection sticker say 2018. This is where I know if it is better to just walk away or just fit what i can do then let the local mechanic do his thing. new hoses, all fluids, the brakes.

[@stoundingresults]

If an owner didn't show signs of preserving the car then it's going to give you problems.

[@andreaphillian3947]

@@stoundingresultslies, i parked my car for 3 years, intentionally flooded it, twice, still drives like brand new. A 2015 Kia Optima, oil & fluid change every 200k miles, 300k on odometer. I saved this car from being salvaged cos of previous owner maintenance negligence

[@DoubtingThomas333]

Drive the vehicle once a week at a minimum, get it up to operating temp. 30 minutes is usually good enough, (battery needs to recover from starting the vehicle too) an hour is even better, doesn't even have to be at high speed. I use a solar panel that's suited to the size of the car battery I have (auto parts stores have many options), connect it directly to the positive battery terminal and then a good ground (usually strut tower bolts/nuts). It's left on permanently, unless I drive the vehicle. Works like a charm. I'd say engine oil only needs replaced every year or 10k miles, as long as the vehicle is being driven from time to time. Definitely 6 months at a time if the vehicle is mostly just sitting, but that would be bad news to me.

[@Bryan24U10]

Please never change your oil every 10k miles. I don’t care what your driving conditions are. 5k mile intervals MAXIMUM, no matter the conditions of driving.

[@DoubtingThomas333]

@@Bryan24U10 no. That's not what the science says. If you use mineral oil only, 6 months might be prudent, but even then. Semi and full synthetic for 12 months in a vehicle is just fine.

[@Bryan24U10]

@@DoubtingThomas333​​⁠ I don’t think you understood what I said at all. I never mentioned month intervals. We we talking about a driving car. if the car is sitting yes. Change it every 12 months, I agree with that. What I’m saying is that there is currently no oil on the market that has protective additives that will last 10k miles. The oil is extremely deteriorated and has lost almost all protective properties by 5-7k miles, even with very careful driving. The rust inhibitors, anti-wear additives, and EP additives are gone by 7k miles. (Per Blackstone Labs) oil should be replaced every 2.5-3k miles under severe driving conditions. 5k intervals if you drive like Aunt Betty and the car barely sees over 65mph. 10k intervals are designed to lower the overall cost of “maintenance” that the manufacturer can put on the window sticker. It’s completely bullshit and oil needs to be changed every 5k maximum. If the car is sitting in a garage not being driven at all then don’t change it, I agree. But if the car is being consistently driven, please change it every 5k. Your car and wallet will both appreciate you long term. “Oil is cheaper than a new motor” - some smart man.

[@DoubtingThomas333]

@Bryan24U10 I've seen cars use oil for 5 years with annual UOA's and rare top-ups. Filter changes every year or two (high annual km filter changes). You'd be surprised how long good oil lasts with filter changes. In my own vehicles, I just change the oil every 2 years and replace the oil filter at the same time. Previous experiments with UOAs have shown me that it is probably overkill as well.

[@Bryan24U10]

@@DoubtingThomas333 dude. We are talking about a daily driven car. Not a car that is sitting for months and years at a time. 5k miles, 12 month, or 750+ idle hours. I’m sure the UOA of a car that gets driven once a year will have fine oil samples for multiple years.

[@christoBallito]

You did not talk about the aircon system. It this also a problem?

[@Cash75-vx3xd]

Just got my 99 Nissan frontier back on the road after 7 years. Replaced the battery, changed the oil, new air filter, and had to replace the O2 sensor because mice chewed the wires. (Found a mummified mouse under the hood) Only real issues I've had so far is my low fuel indicator light stays on even though the tank is full, as well as the air bag light. Any tips on what I need to fix to solve those problems?

[@donisi2847]

Great info. I am going to store my 94' Bronco for 10 to 15 years.Any extra advice? Thanks a bunch

[@KingGKnowledge-vw5rd]

Yeah. Let me drive it to keep it operable..😮😮😂😂😂

[@cheryljohnson604]

My local auto repair shop has had my car for almost 4 months and still not fixed. Original problem was a bad distributor, but when they started it the timing was off so they repaired something in the crankshaft. It started and idles well, but once they put it in gear and gave it gas it died. Now they are clueless and it is just sitting there. They say their phones are not working so I have to get a ride to talk to them about it, but I keep getting a runaround. They even told me they don’t text, but I have a text chain on my phone from them. Tired of being lied to. Can I just tow my car to another shop and tell them to piss off. I don’t think I should have to pay them since they did not fix my car and seem uninterested in doing so. I am thinking of turning to my state attorney general office for assistance. I am getting near time to renew vehicle registration and it seems worthless to do on a car I cannot drive. I already have paid 4 months worth of car insurance for a car that is just sitting. I am fed up!

[@klacustoms]

A good tip is to start the car by turning it over for only a second and then turn it off again. Wait a few minutes, then start the car up and then let it idle. This gets the oil circulated and lubricated throughout the engine when you turn it on and off for a second. Helps prevent metal to metal contact and adds a layer of oil lubricant between metal to metal parts inside the engine. If you immediately just start the car up that hasn't been driven for a while and let it idle, you risk damaging the motor because the oil may have not fully circulated throughout the engine since its been a while and may shorten the life of the motor due to lack of oil lubrication throughout the engine upon cold startup.

[@DonziGT230]

This is a stupid thing to do and I hope that nobody follows this suggestion.

[@klacustoms]

@@DonziGT230 You don't have to follow my suggestion. So, what is your alternative? A lot of car owners must be doing something wrong. Lol! If you happen to watch any exotic car video startup after one has been sitting for a while, you need to tell them they're doing it wrong too! lol! Good luck!

[@DonziGT230]

​@@klacustoms I've never heard of anyone doing what you suggested and it makes no sense, but I'm open to learn if there's an advantage. What exactly does stopping it and letting it sit, then restarting it do for it?

[@klacustoms]

@@DonziGT230 When it's been sitting for a while, oil doesn't stay where it's at. Gravity, in time, oil seeps back down to the bottom of engine. Not all of it. In fact, most surfaces still do have coverage of oil in the engine, but in some instances it does not or has a limited or miniscule of oil on surfaces where if you try to start up and run the car at idle, you pose the risk of running the car for a few seconds with exposed surfaces that have no oil and that can shorten the life of your engine. What I do is turn the car over by cranking it for a split second and turning it off quickly by not having the motor start up and start idling. So what happens, is the oil gets circulated throughout the engine. Covers all the nooks and crannies of the engine. I then let the car sit for a minute to make sure all parts of the engine have oil circulated in the engine and then start it up. Depending on what type of engine it is, there is other methods as well. I did happen to discover a video that does explain different techniques in doing this. He covers some of the methods, but it's geared for more exotic cars and older cars. This guy does a better job explaining this than myself and you should definitely check this channel out on youtube. Tyrell's Classic Workshop is the name of the channel. The title of video is called How to warm up your classic car engine the correct way & why it matters. Like I said before, he gives some different examples. Video is about 20 minutes long, but is very intriguing and entertaining to watch and he give's a few examples of what could go wrong from a cold start up. I'm sure there are other videos out there that explain how to do this as well that's geared more to newer cars as well. Hope this helps!

[@DonziGT230]

@@klacustoms He never suggested starting and the stopping the engine like you talked about. He contradicted himself and has nutty theories about oil flow, I wouldn't pay much attention to his suggestions. Starting/stopping/starting your engine is doing more damage than just starting it like normal. The startup is the moment where there's no oil flow, and you're doing it twice as many times.

[@TammyDavis-u4n]

I’m considering buying a new 2022 travel vehicle. It has been with the dealership the whole time in Northern Washington state. Concerned about tire quality (flat spots) and fluids. Is this a good purchase or should I ask for fluids and tires to be replaced?

[@Entrepreneurusa]

Thanks for the video , I own a 2011 Mercedes E350 gasoline , it’s been sitting in the garage for 2 years now without starting …what should I do to prevent any damage , can I start it immediately with a jumper cables battery is dead now , or should I change the oil first to prevent engine damage , it has only 50,000 mile and it’s in excellent condition

[@DonziGT230]

Just start it. I've worked on many vehicles that sat for 10X as long, and longer, and never had a problem with just simply starting them up.

[@frankieatworld7321]

Thank you for video. I have a Jeep Renegade Night Eagle 2018. At 2021 I went to USA for 5 weeks. After return at airport The Netherlands Europe, The Jeep unlocked by its keyless entry, but would not start right away, was very slow turning. I openened the hood, more pray to the car gods, stepped in again, turned LIGHT switch to 0 and pushed the start button again with left food on break and adding right food with gas. And it started, pffff. Now I know 5 weeks is a long time for cars that do stuff during absent.

[@NicholasJonesCPA]

I have a 22 ford ranger. I’m going to be overseas about 3-6 weeks at a time. What should I do?

[@jp2059]

is backing the new car out of the garage and letting it idle for 15 minutes hurt it or be ok? i am using a battery charger to.

[@williamfang9374]

i want to know whether my car gets lonely. can you make a video about that?

[@Markbabb]

My car sits for 5 weeks while I’m on the road driving trucks she been doing good for years now

[@DonziGT230]

I have several vehicles that sit for way longer between uses and they've had no issues either. People make a big deal about it, but it's mostly BS.

[@Markbabb]

@@DonziGT230 definitely

[@rebeltvr6046]

I live in Canada, cold climate. That might be more of an issue.

[@caturlifelive]

@@Markbabbhow about car battery?. Do you have an advice for me? Im afraid to unplug the battery connector because it will reset ecu

[@Markbabb]

@@caturlifelive bro I kid you not my car sit for 5 weeks everytime I go back she started every time sometimes I’m like I know she ain’t gunna start and she did

[@stoundingresults]

If I know my car is going to be sitting for a while I manually lock the doors. I don't use the alarm system as the manual says that if you don't use it for a week the alarm system will drain the battery.

[@arinercessian3773]

I went to start up our riding mower that sat for like 6-8 months. I turned the key it shot black smoked and died I did it again and it shot black smoke but it did start. The fuel smelled foul. However, it went!

[@alisoncooper1864]

I'm going to look at a petrol automatic car tomorrow. It has been sitting for 5 months out side. After watching your video , not so sure I should buy it .

[@DonziGT230]

5 months 🤣 I've bought vehicles that sat for over 20 years so it's hilarious when I hear of someone worried about a car that sat for such a short time.

[@alisoncooper1864]

@@DonziGT230 unfortunately all 4 tyres need replacing due to it standing. My mechanic also told me modern cars are meant to be run and need all the parts to be lubricated . He said it would be the same as me sitting in a chair for that length of time.

[@DonziGT230]

​@@alisoncooper1864 Your mechanic is wrong.

[@soundboydesign1373]

Right on time...gas goes up...cars gonna start sitting...keep turning that wrench everyone...one love

[@EJR20]

Hey man! I have a 2009 Audi A4 that has been sitting and not been started since April 2023. Apart from the battery, what should I expect to discover (potential oil leaks from dried seals?) I had a motor overhaul in April 2021 most parts including the cylinder head were replaced so the seals only have a couple thousand miles on them. Therefore what should I inspect and do before I attempt to crank it up? Also how can I go about priming the motor, bearings and what not? I left it with a full tank of gas, added some Stabil Fuel Stabilizer in April 2023.

[@joshhawn3988]

Andy's on a sick one homie.

[@RoyCosioVegantennis]

My perfect 2010 Toyota Yaris will be resting for two months...... I filled the tank Over inflated the tires Under a carport 112°F average here Hope she does well

[@sams6630]

At two months you might have a dead or weak battery when you get back. Be prepared to boost your car and you should be fine. My car often sits for six months at a time and still starts immediately on the first crank after and is now over 30 years old.

[@PRO2358]

@@sams6630 must be a petrol not diesel

[@seanfrank32]

My van sits for 2-3 months at a time. All I do is fill the tank and disconnect the battery. So far so good.

[@RoyCosioVegantennis]

@@seanfrank32 súper Toyota started like a champ. Filled the gas tank Put 1/8 of extra oil 20 min before starting. Battery stayed connected Over inflated tires And no problem Yaris rules!!!

[@RoyCosioVegantennis]

@@sams6630 it didn't...batt are fairly new and started strong

[@nifty50s23]

My housemate has had an undriven car for close to 30 years sitting in the elements, 10 of which have been in my driveway!! Grrr. It was to be drivable by 2016. I call it a shell since many of its innards are in my basement. I'm sure it was once a very nice 1985 Toyota Celica Supra. It's gotta go!

[@hxjj111]

Came here because the engine gives a whining sound when idle after startup, car been sitting for at least 4 years, occasionally being started up and running, anyone know a possible cause for the whine?

[@christinasapp9726]

Can I leave my car sitting for 28 days? I have a Toyota and Kia.

[@rebeltvr6046]

It's recommended not to leave your car undriven for more than 2-3 weeks. But 4 weeks should be fine.

[@rinconhacker]

Im probably gonna get my license suspended for 6 months or more and have no inside garage 😒 Igim screwed cuz im in ny

[@banditdarville.]

Only Vice Grip Garage knows the answer to this........

[@johnbutler6538]

Would it be safe to turn the car on for about half hour a day or so

[@mem1701movies]

No. Needs to be driven at least once a week for a half hour.

[@liuwang2201]

driven at least every two weeks, otherwise driven once a week is best

[@smartman123]

I never buy car kept in garage ever

[@AdamMalesevic]

You re a smart man

[@p19shelt]

you need that Ai that makes you eyes look forware so you can look at your notes🤣

[@2smoothe]

BS I leave my car parked in my garage for 6 months at a time when I travel and upon my return it drives like a charm. I've been doing this for years. Stop trying to sell products

[@USABeauboy]

I'm leaving for 2 years

[@mannyaraujo1]

You don't.put your car on stands you are clueless