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How long can a car sit without being driven?

How long a car can sit without being driven has no single answer: it depends on the car, the battery and the weather. Your owner’s manual has the storage advice for your model. Plan regular checks below, then use the three checks further down this page before you drive it again.

NHTSA · Your owner’s manual comes first

Snow-covered cars parked along a street during a snowfall
Photo by Clay LeConey on Unsplash

Before you leave it

  • Read the storage section of your owner’s manual. It’s the only advice written for your car.
  • Check the rules. On a street, time limits apply. At the airport, confirm the lot.
  • Keep it charged or fueled. NHTSA advises keeping the gas tank close to full in winter, and electric and hybrid batteries charged.
  • Think about the battery. Cold reduces battery power, and NHTSA says gasoline and diesel engines take more battery power to start in cold weather.
Hands connecting jumper cables under an open car hood

Cold reduces battery power, and engines need more of it to start.

Photo by Daniel @ bestjumpstarterreview.com on Unsplash

Before the first drive

Check the pressure in all tires when cold, including the spare if you have one, against the label on the driver’s door edge. NHTSA says to check at least once a month, when the car hasn’t been driven for three hours. Look under the car for leaks and in the engine bay for nests. Test the lights, wipers and brakes at low speed before you join traffic.

If you’re keeping a log of services, our car log works out the next oil change and rotation dates.

  1. 1
    Tire pressureAll tires, cold, against the door label.
  2. 2
    Under the car and the hoodLeaks and nests.
  3. 3
    Lights, wipers, brakesTest them at low speed.
App screen: Parked, Today 17:02, accurate to 5 m, note Level 3 B18

A long-stay pin for the car you’re leaving

Car Finder Plus ($3.99 a month or $29.99 for life) keeps a long-stay pin that everyday saves never replace, so the spot is still there when you come back. Saving a spot and a note is free. About the app

Download on the App Store

What to do next

Oil, tires and datesA car log on this phoneStreet time limitsMove-by time for your cityAirport long stayCost and what to record

Quick answers

How long can a car sit without being started?

There’s no single number. It depends on the car, the battery and the weather, so go by your owner’s manual and check on it regularly.

How old is too old for tires?

NHTSA says some vehicle and tire makers recommend replacing tires that are six to 10 years old, regardless of tread. Check your manual.

How do I check for recalls?

Use your VIN or plate at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The check on this page lists recalls by model.

Sources: NHTSA — Tires · NHTSA — Winter driving tips · NHTSA — Check for recalls

Reviewed : tire, winter and recall guidance re-read from NHTSA · how we check · report an error