How Often Should You Start Your Car? Tips For Better Engine Health

The age-old question of car maintenance – how often should you start your vehicle? The answer relies on some factors, like your car’s condition, and whether you need to use the car daily or store it in your garage.

Here’s a breakthrough:

Now, what about those cars that don’t see the road as often? Well, experts recommend starting them up at least once a week.

This helps keep the battery charged and the fluids circulating, so your car doesn’t end up as stiff and rusty. Just a quick 15-minute drive around will do the job!

Some models of cars are best for winter fun, while other models are ideal for summer long trips. Consequently, you end up having seasonal cars that you leave in the garage for seasonal use.

For these cars, experts recommend you start the car at least once in a few weeks and go driving for a minimum of 25 minutes. It’s like a quick stretch for your car that helps keep it fit and ready to use anytime!

There are many factors that determine the number of times you need to start your car to keep it functional. Some of the key factors are:

Each type of car has different needs. Gas and diesel vehicles rely on regular use to keep the engine and battery in good shape.

Electric vehicles, though, don’t need as much engine running, but they still need their batteries charged up and their systems checked regularly.

If you drive your car every day, don’t worry about how often you should start the car. However, in case the vehicle was going to be in the garage most time, then it would be different.

Vehicles not intended for frequent use should be started at least once weekly. This practice will minimize the chances of having a drained battery and assist in keeping the engine lubricating fluids circulating.

Cold weather can be brutal on cars- their engines may stall even after driving daily. Your car might need more attention and maintenance than usual if you live somewhere with freezing temperatures.

Such freezing temperatures cause batteries to drain quickly and thicken the fluids, making it more difficult for your car to start up. You should start your occasional and seasonal car more often than recommended in cold winter.

Older cars or vehicles that are showing signs of wear may need more frequent starting. If parts aren’t as fresh as they once were, they could get stiff or stuck if left unused for too long. Starting an older car regularly helps keep things moving smoothly.

But what if your car keeps having trouble starting, even though you’ve followed all the right steps? Such stubborn car problems are considered lemon in most states of the US.

Maintaining the health and readiness of your vehicle is essential, and consistently starting your car provides several benefits. Some of the key benefits are:

Ever come back to your car after it’s been sitting for a while and find the battery dead? This is probably one of the common issues car owners experience with their less frequently used vehicles.

A regularly started car helps keep the battery properly charged and prevents premature battery drain. This ensures your vehicle will reliably start at any time.

What happens when parts don’t move for too long? They can seize up! By starting your car regularly, you keep all those important engine components moving.

Actually, comparing your vehicle with a human body would make sense. The more the engine of your car is exercised, the more it helps you prevent costly repairs down the road and perform better.

Helps Keep Fluids Circulating

Just as your car needs to keep its fluids – oil, coolant, and transmission fluid-in circulation to remain functional, it also requires driving time.

Sitting too long results in fluid thickening and losing effectiveness.

Starting the car gets the fluids flowing again, ensuring the engine stays lubricated and optimal. This can prevent overheating and engine wear over time.

Did you know that tires can develop flat spots if they sit too long in one place? Regularly turning the car on and moving it prevents the tires from flattening in patches. A quick drive or roll helps distribute the weight and keeps your tires in better condition.

The last thing you want is to be in a rush only to discover your car won’t start. Nightmare, right?

But you can prevent this nightmare from taking place. If you have more than one car, mark which one you’ll use daily and use occasionally. Then start your car as recommended.

Just like starting your car daily has many benefits, you’ll put your car at risk of some problems if you neglect it. Such as:

• Battery drainage that eventually leads to a dead battery. When your car is sleeping in one spot for a long time, the battery dies eventually. You may need to replace your car battery to fix the problem and start the car.
• Neglecting exercising your car can also lead to fuel stale. What does fuel stale mean? It means clogged fuel lines and system blocks.
• Then there is rusting and corrosion factor. When you don’t start your car for a long time, parts in the engine and exhaust will rust and stiff.

So, how often should a car be started? It really depends on how you use and store your vehicle. For daily drivers, starting and driving regularly keeps everything running smoothly. And for the cars that you use occasionally, make a routine to start the car at the recommended time. By taking a little time to start your car, you can avoid costly repairs and ensure your car is ready to roll during an emergency.