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How long can a car sit without being driven?

I'm thinking about storing my car for the winter (we get a lot of snow where I live, and I doubt I'd be driving very much anyway). How long can a car sit before it needs to be driven? Would storage damage my car in some way?

avatar
Liz Jenson · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Great question! It’s true that you shouldn’t leave a car sitting without driving it, but that doesn’t mean you can’t store your car. Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to drive your car for 15 to 20 minutes every two weeks in order to be sure it’ll start again.
If you plan to store your car for longer than that, you might want to disconnect your battery to make sure it won’t need a
jumpstart
the next time you get behind the wheel.
It’s also a good idea to inflate your tires before storing your car and, if you can, check on your tire pressure every few weeks to make sure your tires aren’t deflating.
Wherever you plan on storing your car, it’s a good idea to update your car insurance policy to make sure it’s protected in the colder months. The best way to do this is through the
Jerry
app—we’ll get you customized quotes from top insurers in seconds, so you can be sure that you’re getting the best deal on the plan that works for you.
Best of luck, and happy storing!
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