How Long Can a Petrol Car Be Kept Unused?
When it comes to leaving a petrol car unused, questions often arise about how long the vehicle can go without use before it becomes inoperable. Factors such as the brand of gas used, the age of the car, and the type of fuel can significantly influence its condition over time. Let’s explore the details and challenges associated with keeping a petrol car unused for extended periods.
Understanding the Shelf Life of Petrol Types
The shelf life of different types of petrol varies, which is important to understand for car owners who wish to store their vehicles for a long time. Regular gasoline typically lasts around three to six months before it begins to degrade, while diesel can remain usable for up to a year. However, organic-based ethanol can lose its combustibility after just one to three months due to oxidation and evaporation. This means that tracking the freshness of the fuel in your tank can be a challenge.
According to J.D. Powers, it's crucial to monitor the age of fuel in your car, especially if you intend to leave the vehicle unused for an extended period. Proper maintenance and storage practices can help preserve the vehicle’s components and ensure it can be started again without issues.
Factors That Affect Unused Petrol Cars
Leaving a petrol car unused for an extended period can lead to several issues, ranging from minor to major. Here are some of the challenges that you might face:
Carburetors and Fuel System Components
Over time, the fuel in a car's carburetor and fuel system can degrade, leading to gum build-up. This can clog the system, making it difficult to start the engine. Similarly, diesel and similar fuels can degrade, leading to similar issues. It's advisable to drain the fuel system when storing a car for a long time to prevent these problems.
Flat and Deformed Tires
Tires can lose their shape due to prolonged storage, and air pressure can cause them to flatten out significantly. This can make replacements necessary and could require professional assistance to remount them correctly. Additionally, if tires are not properly stored and protected, they may become susceptible to damage from environmental factors such as UV light and temperature changes.
Corroded Parking Brakes and Rusty Mechanisms
Parking brakes and related mechanisms can become stiff and rusted if not used for an extended period. This can make it difficult to operate the brakes when needed. Regularly operating these components can help prevent such issues.
Dead Batteries and Rotting Timing Belts
Batteries, if present, can become completely discharged and unable to hold a charge, especially if water evaporates during storage. Timing belts and similar rubber components can also rot or break when left unused for long periods. Additionally, V-belts and water pumps can deteriorate, leading to further problems.
Periodic operation of the vehicle’s essential systems can help mitigate these issues. For example, manually turning the wheels, operating the brakes, and periodically charging the battery can help maintain the integrity of these components.
Conclusion
The term "unused" can be misleading when it comes to storage for extended periods. In theory, a petrol car could be left unused for 1000 years; however, in practice, this would be highly impractical and potentially dangerous. Regular maintenance and periodic operation are crucial to ensure that a car can be started and used again when needed. Remember, the retained value and usability of an unused car depend on proper maintenance practices.