If you leave a car unused for a year, will it run differently/have new complications when you come back to it?

Question

? I'm moving away for a year and wont need my car. It will just be parked, and I have no idea if this will cause it to stop working functionally/have new issues/what?

Answer 1

there are a number of problems you could encounter. it would be best if you could have someone you trust start it and move it every couple weeks.

first off the gasoline could go bad, and cause a whole series of problems when you use it again. the best way to prevent this is to go to a auto parts store and get a product called Sta-bil and use it per the directions on the bottle. its also best to have the fuel tank full. its the air in the tank that causes the gas to oxidize and go bad.

second problem could be the possibility of the brakes sticking. the calipers can become stuck and the pads can rust to the rotors. theres not really a way to prevent this (other than moving the vehicle regularly) but its a lot less likely to happen if its stored in a dry garage. just be careful the first several days after you resume driving it.

next issue is the battery, it probably will drain over a years time, and i dont recommend leaving it on a charger that long unattended. there is always a possibility of a battery exploding or starting a fire when left on a charger. you should disconnect the battery cables from the battery. and make sure that nothing can short across the battery terminals. you might get lucky and the battery will still be good when you get back after a quick jumpstart.

also it is possible that the piston rings could stick inside the engine. this could destroy your engine when you go to start it back up. you can prevent that by removing the spark plugs and put a couple drops of oil inside the spark plug holes. be sure to reinsert the spark plugs. i know that the parts stores sell a product specifically for this purpose, but i cant think of the name of it. ask the guy at the parts store. they should know.

when you return to use the car you should have your fluids and filters changed right away and belts and hoses inspected by a qualified mechanic and definately check your tire pressures.

Answer 2

Yes. The battery will die. The fuel can "go bad." The oil can thicken. Parts can rust.

If you aren't going to drive it for a year, it's best to disconnect (and remove) the battery, empty out all fuel/oil, and clear out the system. There are long-term storage solutions that you can put into your tank.

All of this, I think, isn't worth it for a normal car. You're better off having someone drive it 20-30 miles or so every 3-4 weeks, at least.

Answer 3

I did that some years ago and just hooked up a charger that would charge the battery for about 1 hour a day (used a timer with the charger).
When I came back one year later, the car started right up.
BTW, also make sure the gas tank is full, so you won't have a lot of condensation in the gas tank. Have an oil change done just prior to storing it, so you won't have all the muck settle and solidify.

Answer 4

you need to put in fresh coolant and change the oil and take the battery cable loose when you leave and buy a tarp to cover it up. add some gas additive to the gas tank called stabill. leave the car where direct sunlight cant overheat the inside. roll up the windows take the box of doughnuts out of the back seat
leave nothing valuable in the car
dont lock the doors if thiefs want in they will just break the window.

Answer 5

have it driven every 2 weeks.. or the battery will die..gas will gum up injectore.engine bearings will go dry...brakes will seize up...very bad not to run a car for a year....sell it.and buy a new one when u get back..cant u leave it at moms house?

Answer 6

Definitely disconnect your battery and maybe have someone you trust run it around the block every 10 days - then get the liquids checked when you get back to it. It should be fine, but that also depends on its current condition.

Answer 7

Oh, gosh yes, you can't just park it. Are you putting it in storage or just at another house? Will someone there be able to drive it once a week or thereabouts? Your best bet is to put it in specialized storage, as environmental damage will still occur.

Answer 8

Yes...fuel in that time can gum up your injectors...I use Staybil fuel additive and run the car long enough to get it in the fuel system. You might ask about the transmission in a shop or whereever you get service work done.

Answer 9

yes