How Long Can a Car Sit Before Engine Goes Bad?
Introduction
If you’re not planning on driving your car for a while, you may be wondering how long it can sit before the engine goes bad. The answer depends on a number of factors, including the age of the car, the type of fuel it uses, and the storage conditions.
How Long Can a New Car Sit?
New cars are more likely to withstand sitting for longer periods of time than older cars. This is because they have more advanced engines and fuel systems that are designed to prevent corrosion and other problems. However, even new cars will eventually start to deteriorate if they’re not driven regularly.
As a general rule of thumb, you should try to start your new car and let it run for at least 15 minutes every two weeks. This will help to keep the engine lubricated and prevent the battery from dying. If you’re not able to start your car regularly, you should consider having it stored in a climate-controlled facility.
How Long Can an Older Car Sit?
Older cars are more likely to develop problems if they’re not driven regularly. This is because their engines and fuel systems are not as advanced as those in newer cars. Additionally, older cars are more likely to have leaks and other problems that can lead to engine damage.
As a general rule of thumb, you should try to start your older car and let it run for at least 15 minutes every week. If you’re not able to start your car regularly, you should consider having it stored in a climate-controlled facility.
What Type of Fuel Makes a Difference?
The type of fuel that your car uses can also affect how long it can sit before the engine goes bad. Gasoline engines are more likely to develop problems if they’re not driven regularly than diesel engines. This is because gasoline is more volatile than diesel and can evaporate more easily.
If you have a gasoline-powered car, you should try to add a fuel stabilizer to the tank before storing it. This will help to prevent the gasoline from evaporating and forming deposits in the fuel system.
What Are the Storage Conditions?
The storage conditions can also affect how long your car can sit before the engine goes bad. If you store your car in a warm, humid environment, it’s more likely to develop rust and other problems than if you store it in a cool, dry environment.
If you’re not able to store your car in a climate-controlled facility, you should try to protect it from the elements as much as possible. Park it in a covered area or under a tarp, and make sure to wash it and wax it regularly.
Conclusion
How long a car can sit before the engine goes bad depends on a number of factors, including the age of the car, the type of fuel it uses, and the storage conditions. However, as a general rule of thumb, you should try to start your car and let it run for at least 15 minutes every two weeks. If you’re not able to start your car regularly, you should consider having it stored in a climate-controlled facility.
