a white car parked inside a modern home garage near windows and a workshop bench

How Long Can a Vehicle Sit Without Being Driven?

Unused Vehicles Auto Service Care and Prevention

Depending on your job, lifestyle, and living situation, you might not be driving very often during this period of COVID-19 (Coronavirus), self-isolation, and social distancing. So, what happens to your vehicle if you let it sit for weeks and months on end? It is safe to leave your car like that? Will there be any damage to your vehicle for letting it sit, unused? 


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How Long Should You Leave Your Car Unattended?

You should drive your vehicle at least once every two weeks to put your engine to work, lubricate the car’s moving auto parts, and to give everything else a wake-up call. Think of it like exercise and stretching to keep your car in shape.

What Happens When Your Car Sits 

So, first off, what exactly happens when you let your car sit on its own for weeks and months? Here are some of the most common problems and vehicle damages that occur: 

  • Battery Slowly Loses its Charge 
  • Bug and Small Animals May Take Up Residence 
  • Gas Tank Accumulates Moisture 
  • Tires can Develop Flat Spots 
  • Rust can Form on Some Materials (Brakes Primarily) 
a service team member adding fresh oil to a vehicle under its propped car hood
a closeup shot of a fresh rubber tire and its tread pattern

How to Reduce Damage and Negative Effects 

You don’t need to just wait around and let your car turn into junk or break down, causing you tons of bank on unneeded service appointments. There are plenty of ways to lessen and prevent damage to your vehicle if it’s just stuck in its parking place for weeks or months on end, including: 

  • Check and Fill Tire Pressure (Prevents Flat Spots)
  • Check for Any Leaks
  • Fill Up Tank (Prevents Excess Moisture) 
  • Get an Oil Change 
  • Put a Cover Over Your Vehicle (Regulate Temperature, Prevent Dust and Dirt) 
  • Unhook Battery (Prevents Loss of Charge) 
  • Use Vehicle Once Every Two Weeks (Drive a Block or Two) 

Palmen Motors – COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Response


Find Vehicle Service Tips & Tricks in Kenosha, WI 

For more local auto help, sales, and service, continue to read our blog, browse through our online inventory and service department, and contact us to learn more. The Palmen Motors dealership is located in Kenosha, Wisconsin and serves drivers in the nearby areas of Racine, Milwaukee, and more cities in Southeast Wisconsin with Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram sales and service.