Many people choose to "park" their cars in the garage for too long. Some are reluctant to use them for fear of scratches, while others simply use them as backup vehicles. But be careful! Cars that are rarely used can actually become a source of new problems if left unattended for too long without maintenance.

Cars are designed to be used, not just displayed. If left unused for too long, the condition of their components can deteriorate drastically. Here are 8 things that can happen if your car is left unused for too long.

1. Tires Deflate on Their Own

Not using the car doesn’t mean the tire pressure will remain stable. On the contrary, tires can slowly deflate as air pressure decreases over time. If left too long, the tires can be damaged from supporting the car’s weight without enough air.

2. Rust Attacks Vital Components

A car parked for a long time without protection and exposed to moisture or extreme weather (heat-rain-heat) can cause rust on the brakes, discs, fuel tank, and other engine components. Once rusted, the vehicle’s performance can be disrupted or even damaged.

3. Mold Grows Everywhere

It’s not just the engine that’s affected. The interior and exterior of the car can be attacked by mold, from the windows, windshield wipers, to the car body. Mold left to grow freely can make the car look dull and difficult to clean.

4. Dust Clogs the AC System

If the car is rarely washed or cleaned, dust and dirt can enter the AC system and clog the filter. The result? The AC won't cool properly and may require major servicing. In fact, simply turning it on and cleaning it regularly can prevent this issue.

5. Dead Battery

A car needs fuel, but the battery is also a crucial component. If it's rarely warmed up or used, the electrical current in the battery can weaken and eventually die. The car may have difficulty starting, and the horn and lights could even stop working entirely.

6. Oil & Fuel Sedimentation

Oil and fuel that have not been used for a long time can settle at the bottom of the tank or engine, preventing them from lubricating or providing power as before. Eventually, the engine can wear out and not perform optimally when started.

7. Electronic Features May Malfunction

Modern cars are packed with electronic features. If they are rarely used, these sensors can malfunction or break down. Therefore, when warming up the engine, it’s best to also turn on the AC, touchscreen, and other features to maintain their performance.

8. Windshield Wiper Blades Become Stiff

Windshield wiper blades left unused for extended periods can harden and crack. When used, instead of cleaning the windshield, they may cause scratches. Replacing the wipers eventually becomes an unexpected expense.

So, What’s the Solution?

If you rarely use your car, make sure to warm up the engine once a week, clean the exterior and interior, and check the tire pressure and battery condition. Don’t forget to schedule regular maintenance, even if the mileage is low.

Indonesia 🇮🇩

Jarang Pakai Mobil? Hati-Hati, Ini 8 Masalah yang Bisa Terjadi!

Tak sedikit orang memilih “memarkir” mobilnya terlalu lama di garasi. Ada yang sayang dipakai karena takut lecet, ada juga yang memang mobilnya jadi kendaraan cadangan. Tapi hati-hati! Mobil yang jarang digunakan justru bisa jadi sumber masalah baru jika dibiarkan terlalu lama tanpa perawatan.

Mobil itu dirancang buat dipakai, bukan cuma dipajang. Kalau dibiarkan diam terus, kondisi komponennya bisa menurun drastis. Nah, berikut ini 8 hal yang bisa terjadi kalau mobil kamu terlalu lama mangkrak.

1. Ban Jadi Kempes Sendiri

Nggak dipakai bukan berarti tekanan angin di ban bakal stabil. Justru sebaliknya, ban bisa kempes perlahan karena tekanan udara berkurang seiring waktu. Kalau terlalu lama, ban bisa rusak karena menopang beban mobil tanpa udara cukup.

2. Karat Menyerang Komponen Vital

Mobil yang parkir lama tanpa pelindung dan kena lembap atau cuaca ekstrem (panas-hujan-panas) bisa memicu karat di bagian rem, cakram, tangki bahan bakar, hingga komponen mesin lainnya. Kalau sudah karatan, tentu performa kendaraan bisa terganggu bahkan rusak.

3. Jamur Tumbuh di Mana-Mana

Bukan cuma mesin yang kena dampaknya. Interior dan eksterior mobil bisa diserang jamur, mulai dari kaca, karet wiper, hingga bodi mobil. Jamur yang dibiarkan tumbuh liar bikin mobil jadi kusam dan susah dibersihkan.

4. Debu Menyumbat Saluran AC

Jarang dicuci, jarang dibersihkan, maka debu dan kotoran bisa masuk ke sistem AC dan menyumbat filter. Akibatnya? AC jadi nggak dingin dan harus servis besar. Padahal tinggal rutin nyalakan dan bersihkan saja sudah bisa cegah hal ini.

5. Aki Soak

Mobil memang perlu bahan bakar, tapi aki juga kunci penting. Kalau jarang dipanaskan atau dipakai, arus listrik dalam aki bisa melemah dan akhirnya soak. Mobil jadi susah hidup, bahkan bisa bikin klakson dan lampu mati total.

6. Oli & Bensin Mengendap

Oli dan bahan bakar yang lama tidak digunakan akan mengendap di dasar tangki atau mesin, sehingga tidak bisa melumasi atau memberi tenaga seperti semula. Akhirnya, mesin bisa aus dan tidak optimal saat dinyalakan.

7. Fitur Elektronik Bisa Error

Mobil modern penuh fitur elektronik. Nah, kalau jarang dipakai, sensor-sensor ini bisa rusak atau error. Untuk itu, saat memanaskan mesin, baiknya nyalakan juga AC, layar sentuh, dan fitur lain biar tetap terjaga performanya.

8. Karet Wiper Jadi Kaku

Karet wiper yang dibiarkan tanpa gerak lama-lama jadi keras dan retak. Saat digunakan, bukannya membersihkan kaca, malah bikin goresan di kaca. Ganti wiper baru pun akhirnya harus masuk ke dalam daftar pengeluaran dadakan.

Jadi, Apa Solusinya?

Kalau kamu memang jarang pakai mobil, usahakan tetap rutin memanaskan mesin seminggu sekali, bersihkan bagian luar dan dalam, serta cek tekanan ban dan kondisi aki. Jangan lupa servis berkala, walau jarak tempuh masih minim.