How Often Should You Start Your Car Engine?

The Short Answer

The short answer to the question of how often you should start your car engine is: as often as you need to. If you drive your car every day, then you don’t need to worry about starting it up regularly. However, if you only drive your car occasionally, then you may want to start it up every few weeks to keep the battery charged and the engine lubricated.

The Long Answer

The long answer is a bit more complicated. There are a few factors to consider when deciding how often to start your car engine, including:

The type of car you drive. Newer cars are more likely to have features that protect the engine from damage caused by infrequent starting. Older cars, on the other hand, may need to be started up more often to keep the engine in good condition.
The climate you live in. If you live in a cold climate, you may need to start your car engine more often to keep the battery from freezing. In a warm climate, you may be able to get away with starting your car engine less often.
How often you drive your car. If you drive your car every day, then you don’t need to worry about starting it up regularly. However, if you only drive your car occasionally, then you may want to start it up every few weeks to keep the battery charged and the engine lubricated.

Ultimately, the best way to decide how often to start your car engine is to consult your owner’s manual. The manufacturer will be able to provide you with specific recommendations based on the type of car you drive and the climate you live in.

Here are some additional tips for starting your car engine:

Don’t start your car and let it idle for long periods of time. This can waste gas and damage the engine.
If your car has a turbocharger, let it idle for a few minutes before turning it off. This will help to cool down the turbocharger and prevent damage.
Don’t start your car engine if it’s flooded. This can damage the engine.
If you’re having trouble starting your car engine, check the battery terminals to make sure they’re clean and tight.

Conclusion

By following these tips, you can help to keep your car engine running smoothly for many years to come.