Leaving a car unused for long periods can lead to battery drain, tyre flat spots, brake corrosion, fuel issues, and moisture build-up, especially during cold or wet weather.
Always check your vehicle handbook for manufacturer-specific storage and battery recommendations.
Cars require maintenance, and not using them can have a negative impact. Not using your car can lead to the battery draining which, if left for too long, can lead to your car not starting. That isn’t all though:
Your brakes can corrode.
Tyres can end up with flat spots.
Fuel quality can degrade over time.
Moisture can build up in the car.
Cars left unused for long periods can sometimes attract rodents, so avoid leaving food, wrappers, or fabric items inside the vehicle.
The longer a vehicle sits still, especially outdoors during wet or cold weather, the higher the risk of maintenance problems. The good news is that a few simple steps can help keep your car in good condition while it’s not being used.
Most cars can sit unused for around two weeks before maintenance issues may start to appear, although this can vary depending on the weather, battery condition, and storage environment.
Most cars can sit unused for around two weeks without major issues, but after that, problems can begin to appear, especially with the battery and tyres.
Here’s a rough guide:
Time Unused
Possible Issues
1–2 weeks
Minor battery drain
1 month
Flat battery, tyre pressure loss
2–3 months
Brake corrosion, tyre flat spots, stale fuel
6+ months
Fuel degradation, seized parts, moisture damage
If you know your car will be parked for more than a few weeks, it’s worth preparing it properly beforehand.
Brake pads and discs can develop surface rust when a car is left parked for long periods, particularly if the vehicle is stored outdoors in damp conditions.
Brake pads can begin to rust if a car is left parked outside for long periods, especially during wet weather. But don’t worry, it’s normal, and you can avoid it with some simple care. Keep reading to find out how to combat this, and other tips to help you take care of your car when you're not using it.
Move your car a little every week to keep it in good shape. You don’t need to go far – just a bit of back-and-forth in your driveway or garage will do. If you’re parking on a flat surface, try leaving it in gear with the handbrake off, but be sure to block the wheels to keep it from rolling.
Checking your brakes before storing your car can help identify leaks, worn brake pads, brake fluid problems, or sticking components before they become more serious.
Before you park your car for a while, do a quick check-up - trust us, your car will thank you for it in the future! Look at the brake fluid level, check for leaks, and listen for any strange noises when you brake, like grinding. That might mean your brake pads are wearing out. Also, if it feels like your car is slowing down on its own, your brakes might be dragging, which can cause damage. If your car pulls to one side when you brake, there might be a problem with the brake caliper or pad. If you notice any of these issues, take your car to the garage to fix them before you leave it parked.
Simple maintenance steps such as protecting the battery, maintaining tyre pressure, cleaning the vehicle, and keeping the fuel tank topped up can help prevent common storage-related problems.
Cover Up: If you have a garage, use it. If not, use a weatherproof cover to protect your car from the weather.
Fuel’s Gold: A full fuel tank helps reduce condensation inside the fuel system.
Battery Buddy: Not driving much? Your battery might lose charge. If possible, take the car for a short drive every couple of weeks so the engine and battery can fully warm up.
Spick and Span: Clean your car's inside and outside before any long breaks to avoid mould or paint damage from bird droppings.
Tyre Time: Make sure your tyre pressure is right and ensure everything is sealed tight. Flat spots can appear on tyres when a car isn't used in a long time, so consider taking it for a quick spin or just roll it a bit to mix things up.
Service with a Smile: Regular check-ups are key, especially after tough winter months where there might have been lots of rain and snow. Keep up with your services and maintenance.
Insurance Insight: Your car needs insurance all the time unless you’ve declared it off-road with a SORN.
Modern vehicles continue using electricity while parked, which means batteries can gradually lose charge unless the vehicle is driven regularly or connected to a battery maintainer.
One of the biggest issues with unused cars is battery drain. Even when parked, modern vehicles continue using small amounts of power for alarms, immobilisers, and onboard electronics. This is known as parasitic battery drain.
To help protect your battery:
Drive the car for at least 15–20 minutes every couple of weeks if possible
Allow the engine to fully warm up during the drive
Avoid only starting the engine for a few minutes, as this can increase condensation and moisture build-up
Consider using a battery maintainer or trickle charger for longer periods of storage. A trickle charger helps maintain battery charge.
An intelligent smart charger can help keep the battery healthy without overcharging it.
If your car will not be used for several months, some drivers choose to disconnect the negative battery terminal, although this may not be suitable for all modern vehicles.
Tyres can lose pressure and develop flat spots when a vehicle remains stationary for long periods, especially during colder temperatures.
When a car stays in the same position for too long, tyres can develop flat spots where the rubber presses against the ground continuously.
To help avoid this:
Keep tyres inflated to the correct pressure
Move the vehicle slightly every couple of weeks
Avoid parking on wet ground for long periods where possible
For long-term storage, some owners use tyre cradles or axle stands
Before driving again, always check tyre pressures carefully, as tyres naturally lose air over time.
Keeping fluids topped up and maintaining a fuller fuel tank can help reduce condensation, corrosion, and engine wear while the vehicle is not being driven.
Keeping your fuel tank fairly full can help reduce condensation inside the tank, lowering the risk of moisture build-up and corrosion.
If your petrol car will be sitting unused for several months, a fuel stabiliser may help prevent the fuel from degrading over time.
It’s also important to check:
Engine oil
Coolant
Brake fluid
Windscreen washer fluid
Fresh oil can help protect engine components during longer storage periods.
Moisture can quickly build up inside unused vehicles, leading to condensation, mould, musty smells, and interior damage if the car is not properly ventilated.
Cars parked for long periods, especially in the UK’s damp weather, can quickly develop condensation and musty smells inside.
To reduce moisture problems:
Clean and dry the interior before storage
Remove food, rubbish, and damp items
Use moisture absorbers or dehumidifier packs inside the vehicle
Store the car in a ventilated garage if possible
Avoid trapping moisture under non-breathable covers
If you are using a car cover outdoors, choose a breathable waterproof cover designed for vehicle storage.
Leaving the handbrake engaged for extended periods may increase the risk of brakes sticking or seizing, particularly during wet or cold weather.
Leaving the handbrake engaged for weeks or months can sometimes cause brakes to stick or seize, particularly during wet or cold weather.
If the car is parked safely on level ground:
Manual cars can usually be left in gear
Automatic cars can be left in “Park”
Wheel chocks can help stop the vehicle moving
This may help reduce the risk of brake seizure during long-term storage.
Electric vehicles also require storage preparation, including maintaining an appropriate battery charge level and following manufacturer guidance for long-term inactivity.
Electric vehicles also need some preparation if they won’t be used for a while.
For EVs:
Avoid leaving the battery at 100% charge for long periods
Many manufacturers recommend keeping the battery between 40% and 70% during storage
Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s storage guidance where possible
Different EV manufacturers may provide specific recommendations for battery maintenance during long periods without driving.
After leaving a car unused for weeks or months, it is important to inspect the tyres, brakes, battery, and fluid levels before returning the vehicle to regular use.
Before using your car again after a long break, it’s important to carry out a few basic checks.
Inspect:
Tyre pressures
Brake performance
Fluid levels
Battery condition
Any signs of leaks underneath the car
Brakes may have a light layer of surface rust at first, which often clears after gentle driving. However, if the brakes feel stuck, noisy, or unsafe, arrange for the vehicle to be inspected before driving normally.
If the car has been sitting unused for several months, it may also be worth arranging:
A battery test
An oil change
A brake inspection
Before leaving your car unused for several weeks or months:
Fill the fuel tank
Inflate tyres correctly
Clean and dry the vehicle
Use a breathable cover if parked outdoors
Connect a trickle charger or battery maintainer
Leave the handbrake off if parked safely on level ground
Use moisture absorbers inside the cabin
Check fluid levels
Keep insurance active or apply for a SORN if appropriate
Yes. Modern cars continue using power even while parked, which means batteries can gradually lose charge. In some cases, a battery can go flat within two to four weeks if the car is not driven.
Repeatedly starting a car for only a few minutes without driving it properly may increase condensation and moisture inside the engine and exhaust system. A longer drive that fully warms the engine is usually better.
Yes. Tyres can develop flat spots when left in the same position for long periods, particularly during cold weather or when tyre pressures are low.
A trickle charger or battery maintainer can help keep your battery healthy during long periods without driving, especially during winter months.
In most cases, yes. Your vehicle still needs insurance unless it has been officially declared off-road with a SORN.
Modern vehicles continue using electricity even when switched off. This is known as parasitic battery drain. A battery maintainer or trickle charger can help prevent the battery from going flat.
Remember, if you take all of this into account, your car will be thanking you in the future! 🚗💨🔧
Keeping your car in good shape is important, even when you're not driving it. It's also important to have a car that suits your needs when you're ready to drive again.
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