How long can you leave your car without starting it?
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,328
Likes: 236
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
Seriously.....most cars today are good for a couple of weeks.....10-15 days.
3 weeks might be stretching it but should be OK if the weather isn't too bad and the temperatures are comparatively mild.
If it's kept outside, though, I'd consider putting a cover on it while you're gone. Bird and insect droppings, stuff dropping off of trees, acid rain / snow, etc......all of that stuff can hurt the paint and trim if left on too long.
I also agree with the above comments to fill the tank and pump up the tires a little.
But do NOT exceed the maximum pressure rating on the tire.....that is marked on the sidewall of the tire itself and is usually NOT the everyday recommended pressure you will find on the door jamb, glove compartment, or in the Owners' Manual.
Last edited by mmarshall; Dec 16, 2006 at 07:08 AM.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,773
Likes: 0
From: New Orleans Suburbs
As long as you have a big wet cell battery you should be fine as far as the starting thing goes. My friend has a small compact dry cell for his car and he can't leave his car for more then 2 days or else the battery will die. I forgot what type of battery it is but its very popular with people tring to lose every pound they can for thier car.
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CL Community Team
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 30,277
Likes: 354
From: Canada
I have let my cars sit for at least 2 weeks, & up to 3 weeks once, when I vacation every year, I never had any problems starting them when I came back, so I think 3 weeks should be fine.
If it's significantly longer than that, maybe not, I think it depends on the condition of the battery in your car too.
If it's significantly longer than that, maybe not, I think it depends on the condition of the battery in your car too.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,172
Likes: 0
From: Ontario
Don't worry about it. But if you really want to...
Fill up the tank.
Fill your tires to the recommended pressure (no need to over inflate... flat spots are mostly a thing of the past)
Wash your car
Before you store your car, take it out for a spin on the highway to get everything up to running temperature (esp the exhaust system)
Fill up the tank.
Fill your tires to the recommended pressure (no need to over inflate... flat spots are mostly a thing of the past)
Wash your car
Before you store your car, take it out for a spin on the highway to get everything up to running temperature (esp the exhaust system)
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: OK
Don't worry about it. But if you really want to...
Fill up the tank.
Fill your tires to the recommended pressure (no need to over inflate... flat spots are mostly a thing of the past)
Wash your car
Before you store your car, take it out for a spin on the highway to get everything up to running temperature (esp the exhaust system)
Fill up the tank.
Fill your tires to the recommended pressure (no need to over inflate... flat spots are mostly a thing of the past)
Wash your car
Before you store your car, take it out for a spin on the highway to get everything up to running temperature (esp the exhaust system)
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,328
Likes: 236
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs