Tips Sahabat

Car Not Used for a Year: Tips for Maintenance and Reviving

09 April 2025
Mobil Tidak Dipakai Setahun

A car that is not used for a year, if left unattended, can damage important components inside it. Therefore, you need to perform proper maintenance so that the engine can start and the car remains in prime condition. So how do you do it? For more details, pay attention to the following tips.

Tips for Maintaining a Car That Has Not Been Used for a Year 

There are several maintenance tips you need to know to keep your car in prime condition even if it hasn't been used for a year. 

1. Disconnect the battery

Disconnect the battery to prevent corrosion while the car is not in use. 

2. Perform engine and oil maintenance

Even if the car is rarely used, engine and oil maintenance must continue. Because oil in an engine that is left for a year can degrade in quality and become thicker. 

If that oil is still used, it can damage the car's engine because dirt deposits from the oil can cause corrosion. Don't forget to also warm up the car's engine and other electronic features such as the car lights, radio, power window, and AC. 

3. Regularly check the suspension and tire condition

The second tip is to regularly and periodically check the suspension and tires. A car left for a year without being moved can damage the condition of the suspension and tires. This is because the load points usually direct to those components. 

Check the suspension system and ensure there are no leaks or wear on those components. Don't forget to check the tires for any foreign objects stuck in them and whether the air pressure in the tires meets the standard or not. 

4. Regularly maintain the car's interior and exterior

The third tip is to maintain both the interior and exterior of the car. For the interior, you can remove dust or dirt from the car's interior using a vacuum or sweeping under the seats at least twice a month. 

Don't forget to wash the car as well, so that dirt and dust stuck to the car's exterior can be cleaned. After washing, store the car in a safe place away from direct sunlight. Don't forget to use a car cover to prevent scratches on the body and fading of the car paint. 

How to Start a Car That Has Not Been Used for a Year 

To start a car that has not been used for a year, you can follow some of the following methods.

1. Check the battery and electrical connections

To ensure the car engine starts smoothly even if it hasn't been used for a year, a check on the battery and electrical connections is necessary. Make sure the car battery is not dead. Next, check the fuses, electrical current, and the connections between the starter and battery are not loose. 

2. Check the ground cable connection

Next, check the ground cable connection on the battery and ensure the cable is not frayed. This component functions to monitor the safety of the car's electrical current. 

3. Check the starter solenoid cable

Don't forget to also check the starter solenoid cable. If a rough sound occurs when the starter is used and the engine is hard to start, it can be confirmed that the solenoid cable is damaged. 

4. Remove corrosion

Clean any corrosion on the battery terminals using a wire brush to make it easier to start the engine. 

5. Start the car for the right duration

Next, start the car engine by turning the ignition key to the ON position. Start the engine for about five minutes for fuel-injected cars. And for cars with non-fuel-injected engines, start the car for about ten to fifteen minutes. 

Also Read: Battery Lifespan: Factors and How to Extend It

Do this at least twice a week. If the car engine still does not start, you can perform a jump start or have the car serviced at the nearest official Daihatsu workshop.

Others Tips Sahabat
Cek Lokasi Kamera ETLE di Jakarta, Ada 109 Lho!
Check the Location of ETLE Cameras in Jakarta, There Are 109!
The location of ETLE cameras in Jakarta is currently increasing. In fact, the number of ETLE cameras in Jakarta has now reached 109 units. The addition of these cameras is aimed at reducing traffic vi
biaya balik nama mobil bekas 2025
Cost of Name Transfer for Used Cars 2024, Here are the Requirements and How to Do It!
Changing the name of a car is a formal step that involves an official change of ownership of a motor vehicle. This process includes changing the name of the registered owner in official documents such
3 Cara Cek Tilang Elektronik Lewat Hp, Mudah dan Praktis!
3 Easy and Simple Ways to Check Electronic Fines!
With the implementation of electronic ticketing regulations in several regions of Indonesia, compliance with traffic regulations has become increasingly crucial. Currently, electronic ticketing has be
Cara Mengisi E-Toll Lewat M-Banking BCA dan Metode Lainnya
How to Top Up E-Toll via BCA M-Banking and Other Methods
The use of e-toll has become an efficient solution for paying tolls, allowing drivers to conduct transactions quickly and easily. Along with technological advancements, topping up e-toll balances can
© Copyright 2025 PT Astra Daihatsu Motor. All rights reserved
Privacy Policy
Contact Us