How Often Should I Start My Car While in Storage?
Not sure how often to start your car in storage? Learn the right starting frequency, why driving matters more than idling, how storage conditions affect your vehicle, and smarter alternatives to keep your car healthy long term.
When you’re not using your vehicle for a long time, it’s important to keep it in good shape. Storing your car in a safe place, like a self storage or professional storage unit, is a good start.
But, just because it’s in storage doesn’t mean you should ignore it. Starting the engine regularly can help keep it running well. How often you should do this depends on where you store it and the storage options you choose.
Knowing how to take care of your car while it’s in storage can prevent expensive repairs later. This is true whether you’re storing it for business or personal reasons.
When (and Why) Starting a Stored Car Makes Sense
Starting a stored car is wise in certain vehicle storage situations. It’s better than leaving it still. Regularly starting your car keeps it healthy by moving fluids, recharging the battery, and stopping the engine from seizing.
One key reason to start a stored car is to keep the engine and parts well-lubricated. When you start the engine, the oil moves around. This cuts down on corrosion and wear on moving parts. This is crucial if you’re storing your car for a long time.
Another good reason is to keep the battery healthy. Starting the car alone might not fully charge the battery. But, it keeps it active. This reduces the chance of a dead battery when you’re ready to drive again.
According to a NHTSA technical bulletin, letting a car idle to charge the battery is not a good idea. Idling does not reliably recharge the battery and may still lead to battery damage if the battery is not fully charged afterward.
The following table summarizes the key benefits of starting a stored car:
| Benefit | Description |
| Engine Lubrication | Circulates oil to reduce corrosion and wear on engine parts. |
| Battery Health | Helps keep the battery active, reducing the risk of a dead battery. |
| Prevents Engine Seizure | Regular starting can help prevent the engine from seizing due to inactivity. |
Just starting the car isn’t enough. You should also drive it sometimes. Driving it fully recharges the battery, moves fluids better, and keeps the car healthy overall.
How Often Should You Start a Car in Long-Term Storage?
The frequency of starting your car in storage depends on how long you plan to store it. Whether it’s for a short or long time, knowing when to start the engine is key. It keeps your car in good shape.
Short-Term Storage (Under 30 Days)
For storage under 30 days, you don’t need to start your car often. But, it’s good to start it at least once. This keeps the fluids moving and the battery charged a bit.
If you’re storing your car for a couple of weeks, starting it once is enough.
Long-Term Storage (30+ Days)
For storage over 30 days, you should start your car every two weeks. This keeps the battery charged and the engine oil moving. It also stops the fuel system from getting worse.
Just starting the car isn’t enough. It needs to run for a while to get these benefits.
Starting your car every few weeks in long-term storage helps a lot. Make sure the engine gets hot to move the fluids and recharge the battery. A short drive is better than just idling.
In short, for short storage, start your car once. For long storage, start it every two weeks. Knowing this helps keep your car in great shape while it’s stored.
Does Starting a Stored Car Prevent Battery Drain?
Storing a car can be tough on the battery. There’s a chance the battery will drain over time. Knowing why this happens and how to start the car can help keep your battery healthy.
Why Car Batteries Discharge While in Storage
Car batteries lose power even when the car is not running. Scientific studies confirm that internal chemical reactions continue during storage, causing gradual self-discharge that increases with higher temperatures. Several things contribute to this loss, including:
- Parasitic drain from modern car’s electrical systems.
- Age and condition of the battery.
- Storage conditions, such as temperature and humidity.
When a car sits, the battery still powers systems like the alarm and clock. This slow drain can be sped up by extreme temperatures. For example, very hot or cold weather can harm the battery.
| Storage Condition | Effect on Battery |
| High Temperature | Increases self-discharge rate |
| Low Temperature | Reduces battery performance |
| High Humidity | May cause corrosion on battery terminals |
Why Brief Engine Starts Don’t Fully Recharge the Battery
Starting a stored car may seem like a practical way to maintain battery charge, but brief engine starts rarely provide enough time for the alternator to fully recharge the battery.
This becomes especially important when evaluating how long a car can be stored without being used, as repeated short starts can give a false sense of battery health without truly restoring charge levels.
To better protect the battery during extended storage periods, using a trickle charger or battery maintainer is often a more reliable solution. These tools maintain a steady charge, help prevent deep discharge, and extend overall battery life while the vehicle remains in storage.
Is It Bad to Start a Car and Not Drive It?
Starting your car and not driving it can harm its health. It might seem like a good idea to start the engine sometimes. But, there are risks involved.
Engine Moisture and Condensation Risks
Starting a car and letting it idle may not remove moisture and condensation from the engine. This is because the engine doesn’t get hot enough to burn off the moisture. This can cause corrosion on engine components.
Modern engines work best within certain temperature ranges. Idling for too long can stop the engine from reaching its ideal temperature. This makes condensation more likely.
| Engine Component | Risk During Idling | Mitigation Strategy |
| Cylinder Walls | Corrosion due to condensation | Regular driving to reach optimal engine temperature |
| Engine Oil | Contamination with moisture | Regular oil changes |
| Exhaust System | Rust and corrosion | Driving the car to warm up the exhaust system thoroughly |
Impact on Exhaust System and Oil Circulation
Idling without driving can harm the exhaust system and oil circulation. The exhaust system needs to get hot to burn off moisture. If it doesn’t, rust and corrosion are more likely.
Oil circulation is key for lubricating engine parts. Idling circulates oil, but it’s not as effective as driving. Driving ensures better lubrication as the engine works under varying loads and speeds.
In summary, while starting a car is necessary, not driving it afterward can harm the engine and other parts. Regular driving and proper maintenance are crucial to avoid these risks.
Why Driving a Stored Car Is Better Than Just Starting It
Driving your stored car is better than just starting it. It’s not just about turning the engine on. You’re making sure everything works right. State anti-idling guidance notes that modern gasoline engines require only minimal warm-up and that driving the vehicle is the most effective way to reach operating temperature and properly engage all systems.
Just starting the engine might not use all the car’s systems. The battery might get a little charging. But the electrical, lubrication, and cooling systems might not get enough use from a short start.
Ideal Drive Duration for Stored Vehicles
To keep your stored car in top shape, drive it for at least 15 minutes. This lets the engine warm up fully. It ensures the oil circulates well and reduces engine or exhaust condensation.
Driving for 15 minutes also recharges the battery better. The alternator can fully charge the battery. Plus, it keeps the tires, brakes, and suspension healthy by keeping them under load.
What Happens When You Only Idle the Engine
Idling the engine doesn’t offer much benefit. It might keep the engine a bit lubricated. But it doesn’t check systems like driving does. The alternator doesn’t charge the battery well when idling, and the car’s computer doesn’t do a full check.
Idling for a long time can also cause carbon buildup in the engine and exhaust. It’s bad for the environment and not as fuel-efficient as driving.
In short, starting your car is better than leaving it still. But driving it for a good amount of time is the best way to keep it in good shape. So, when you start and drive your car, make sure you drive it long enough to get the most benefits.
How Storage Conditions Affect How Often You Should Start Your Car
The place where you store your car matters a lot. It can help keep your car in good shape or make it worse. Knowing how to store your car is key to keeping it running well.
Indoor vs Outdoor Vehicle Storage
Keeping your car in a garage or enclosed vehicle storage is better than parking it outside. Enclosed storage protects your car from sun exposure, rain, and snow, helping reduce the risk of rust, corrosion, and long-term weather damage.
| Factor | Indoor Vehicle Storage | Outdoor Vehicle Storage |
| Weather protection | Full protection from sun, rain, snow, and wind | Fully exposed to weather conditions |
| Risk of rust and corrosion | Significantly reduced | Higher risk due to moisture exposure |
| UV damage | Prevents paint fading and interior damage | Higher risk of paint and interior fading |
| Security level | Higher security in enclosed facilities | Lower security in open areas |
| Maintenance needs | Minimal monitoring required | Requires more frequent checks |
If your car is stored outdoors, it faces more challenges. A high-quality car cover can help by blocking UV rays and keeping the vehicle clean, but outdoor-stored cars may still need more frequent engine starts and checks to stay in good condition.
- Use a breathable car cover to avoid moisture.
- Check your car for rust or corrosion often.
- Keep the area around your car clean to avoid rodents.
Climate, Humidity, and Seasonal Factors
The weather and humidity affect how often you should start your car. In wet or coastal areas, you might need to start it more often to prevent rust. Dry places might need less starting but still need regular checks.
Seasonal changes also matter. Winter can be hard on your car’s battery and fluids. You might need to start it more or use a block heater or battery maintainer.
| Storage Condition | Recommended Frequency of Starting | Additional Considerations |
| Indoor Storage | Less frequent starts may be sufficient | Monitor battery health and tire pressure |
| Outdoor Storage | More frequent starts recommended | Use a car cover and check regularly for rust and rodent infestation |
Understanding your car’s storage situation helps keep it in top shape. This way, you can enjoy using it without worrying about problems.
Better Alternatives to Starting a Car in Storage
Instead of starting your car often while it’s in storage, try these better ways to keep it in great shape. Taking care of your vehicle during long storage times is more than just starting the engine.
Using a Battery Maintainer or Trickle Charger
A battery maintainer or trickle charger keeps your car’s battery charged and healthy while it’s stored. While repeatedly starting the car can increase wear and fuel use, a maintainer provides a steady, low-level charge, helping reduce maintenance issues and avoid unnecessary expenses that can add to the cost to store a vehicle.
Using a battery maintainer has many benefits, including:
- Prevents battery drain and the need for jump-starts
- Reduces the risk of battery damage from deep discharge
- Maintains the battery’s overall health and longevity
| Device Type | Function | Benefits |
| Battery Maintainer | Provides a steady, low-level charge | Prevents battery drain, maintains battery health |
| Trickle Charger | Slowly charges the battery over time | Reduces risk of battery damage, maintains battery longevity |
Storage Preparation Steps That Reduce the Need for Starting
Getting your car ready for storage is crucial to keep it in good shape. By doing a few extra things, you can cut down on the need to start your car. This ensures it stays in top condition.
Some key steps for storage preparation include:
- Changing the oil to prevent corrosion and contamination
- Using a fuel stabilizer to prevent fuel degradation
- Filling the gas tank to reduce moisture accumulation
By following these steps, your car will stay healthy in storage. It will be ready to go when you need it again.
Common Mistakes People Make When Starting Cars in Storage
Starting your car after storage is crucial. Avoiding common errors can prevent mechanical issues. These mistakes can lead to expensive repairs. Knowing them helps keep your car in top shape.
One big mistake is letting the car idle for too long. It might seem like warming up the engine is good. But, it can cause carbon buildup and harm your engine. CARB notes that unnecessary idling provides little benefit, and vehicles should be driven to reach normal operating temperature rather than left idling.
- Ignoring cold starts, which can put extra strain on the engine and battery.
- Not checking the battery condition before starting, which can lead to a dead battery.
- Failing to inspect the vehicle’s fluids, such as oil, coolant, and brake fluid, which can degrade over time.
Another mistake is not driving the car after starting. Just starting the engine and idling doesn’t circulate fluids or recharge the battery. It’s important to drive the car to keep everything lubricated and working right.
To avoid these mistakes, follow some simple tips:
- Start the car and take it for a drive to circulate the fluids and recharge the battery.
- Check the vehicle’s condition before starting, including the battery, fluids, and tire pressure.
- Be mindful of the storage conditions and how they might affect your vehicle, such as extreme temperatures or humidity.
Being aware of these issues and taking steps to prevent them can keep your car in great shape while it’s in storage.
Final Thoughts: What’s the Best Approach for Car Storage?
To keep your vehicle in top condition during storage, the right approach matters. Proper preparation, basic maintenance, and choosing the right storage environment all play a role in preventing unnecessary wear and costly repairs.
For long-term storage, using a battery maintainer or trickle charger helps preserve battery life, while storing your car in a dry, secure area reduces exposure to moisture, theft, and extreme temperatures. Simple steps like changing the oil, checking tire pressure, and filling the gas tank before storage also help keep your vehicle road-ready.
To complete that approach, pairing good preparation with a professional storage solution makes all the difference. RecNation’s vehicle storage services offer secure, well-maintained facilities designed to protect vehicles during short- or long-term storage, giving you confidence that your car is safe and ready whenever you need it.
FAQ
How often should I start my car while it’s in storage?
The start frequency depends on storage time. For less than 30 days, you don’t need to start it. But for more than 30 days, start it every two weeks. This keeps the battery and engine fluids moving.
Will starting my car prevent battery drain?
Starting your car helps the battery, but it might not fully recharge. A battery maintainer or trickle charger can keep it charged.
Is it bad to start a car and not drive it?
Starting without driving can cause engine moisture and affect the exhaust and oil. Drive it for 15-30 minutes to warm up the engine.
How long should I drive my car during storage?
Drive it for 15-30 minutes to warm up the engine and move fluids.
Does the storage condition affect how often I should start my car?
Yes, indoor or outdoor storage, climate, and humidity change the start frequency. Adjust your car’s care based on these factors.
Can I use a battery maintainer or trickle charger instead of starting my car?
Yes, a battery maintainer or trickle charger is a good alternative. It keeps the battery charged without starting the car.
What are the common mistakes people make when starting cars in storage?
Mistakes include idling, ignoring cold starts, and not warming up the engine enough.
How can I maintain my car’s condition during storage?
Start your car regularly, use a battery maintainer, and drive it enough. Also, prepare it for storage by changing oil and checking fluids. Store it in a dry, secure place.