subject: Which car parts can be damaged if they weren't used for a long time? [print this page] A car is designed to moveA car is designed to move. Hence, if it doesn't move for a long time, a lot of bad things are bound to happen to it. A lot of us might have many legitimate reasons for not using our cars for extended periods, but we cannot discount the fact that some serious damage can happen to our prized possession if it was set aside for too long.
In this article, I will explain the things that could go wrong if a car wasn't used for a long time. Furthermore, we will discuss each of these points by explaining why they happen and what to do if they did happen.
First, the batteries.
This is the first part that gets seriously damaged if left unused for long. A car's battery is not perfect: even if it is capable of storing a relatively large amount of electricity, a small amount of the energy is still continuously lost even at times when the car is not running. This structural weakness is compensated by the alternator, which works only when the car is running something that is not true when a car is left idle for a long time.
This causes the batteries to get discharged, making the ignition process impossible. Batteries may be recharged so that they can function again. However, they seldom go back to their optimal state unless they're charged using a professional grade (read: expensive) charger.
If a car has been left idle for a considerable period, say a month or two, the phenomenon called sulfation which negatively affects the capability of a battery to receive, store and transmit a charge. Sulfation on a considerable scale will render the battery prematurely useless. While the battery is not exactly the most expensive car part of all, it is by no means one of the most important. Just imagine how much of a headache it will be if a car stalls in the middle of a snowstorm because the batteries gave up.
Second, the brakes.
This is the second biggest issue after the batteries. The reliability of car brakes is highly dependent on the continuous application of the lubricant brake fluid, something that doesn't happen if a car is idling in some corner for a long time. Brake fluid does not only make braking easy and smooth, but makes the brake plates resistant to rust.
Using the brakes in a car that was unused for a long time is dangerous as it may not trigger every time the brake pedals are stepped on. This happens because of two reasons: the rust increases friction (i.e. resistance) among the parts of the braking system, and the lack of lubricant circulation will make it even harder. Thus, a thorough inspection of the brakes is needed if one will use a car that just got out of hibernation.
Third, the engine itself.
The engine may also corrode through rusting in the same way as brakes do. However, unlike brake plates which may be relatively inexpensive to replace, a rust-filled engine isn't fun to fix. Parts like the valves and pistons are usually the ones that get hit, because they are untouched by the engine oil that typically protects them from corrosion.
Furthermore, problems with the car's transmission may also be present. It may be more difficult to change gears, gears may slip or pop out, or a grinding noise may be heard. All of these should be present in a car if left in the garage without being turned on for a long time.
Thus, it is important to turn the ignition on every once in a while, as most of the ill effects of prolonged non-use are either irreversible or insanely costly both of which we do not like.
Which car parts can be damaged if they weren't used for a long time?
