You know how they say “absence makes the heart grow fonder”? Yeah… your car didn’t get that memo.
Leaving your car
parked and untouched for three months might sound harmless, after all, it’s
not doing anything, right? But just like humans, cars don’t like being ignored.
And when you finally try to start it again, it might act like that friend you
ghosted three months ago: cold, silent, and full of emotional damage.
Let’s talk about what really goes down when you abandon your ride like an unwatered plant.
1. The Battery
Starts Plotting Revenge
Think of your car
battery like a gym membership. If you don’t use it, you still pay for it…
except this time, the payment is a dead battery and the embarrassment of
pushing your car while your neighbors watch in wrapper and rubber slippers.
Car batteries slowly drain over time, especially if you’ve got some sneaky electronics drawing power even when the engine’s off. After 3 months? You’re likely going to need a jumpstart, or a full replacement. Either way, it’s the car equivalent of showing you Shege.
2. Tires Develop a
“Flat-Spot Attitude”
Your tires are
literally under pressure, and when left in the same position for too long, they
can develop flat spots. Imagine sitting on your leg for hours; that
weird numb, stiff feeling? That’s your tires after 90 days of not moving an
inch.
And no, just "pumping them again" won’t always fix it. Some flat spots are permanent. Like heartbreak.
3. Fuel Goes Bad
(Yes, Fuel Has Feelings Too)
If you didn’t know
fuel could expire, now you do. After sitting in the tank for months, it starts
to degrade, turning into a gummy mess that your engine will absolutely hate.
Starting your car with bad fuel is like drinking garri that has soaked overnight
and fermented… it may go in, but regret is guaranteed.
And don’t get us started on moisture sneaking into the tank. That combo is the source of mechanic nightmares.
4. Fluids Start
Acting Funny
Brake fluid, engine
oil, transmission fluid, all the important liquids inside your car don’t like
sitting still for long. They begin to separate, settle, or even absorb
moisture.
By the time you’re ready to drive again, your engine oil might be doing its own “solid party” in the sump, and your brakes might feel like they’ve taken early retirement. Safe to say, it’s not the kind of welcome party you want.
5. Rust, Rodents
& Regret
Let’s be honest, Nigeria isn’t exactly known for dry, perfect car weather. Humidity, Rain, plus Mechanical rats looking for shelter? Your car might just be the new federal capital for rat town.
Leave your car
untouched and you’re inviting rust to your brake rotors and rodents to your
engine bay. Some of them even chew through wires like it’s chin-chin. Next
thing you know, your car won’t start and there’s a family of rats waving at you
from the dashboard.
So… What Should You
Do Instead?
Maybe you traveled. Maybe you were “just too tired.” We get it. But if you’re
going to leave your car parked for a while, do it right:
- Start it at least once every 5–7 days.
- Move it back and forth so tires don’t sulk
in one position.
- Invest in a good car cover (not nylon,
abeg).
- Disconnect the battery if you’ll be away
long.
- Sprinkle some camphor or rat killers in
the engine bay (very important).
Final Gear: Don’t
Ghost Your Car
Cars aren’t just
machines, they’re moody companions. Ignore them for too long, and they will
stress your wallet and your mechanic’s patience.
So if your car’s been
parked for months under the mango tree, this is your cue: go check on it. Dust
it off. Give it a short drive. Let it feel loved again.
Because if you don’t… well, the next time you need it, it might just return the favor, by refusing to move.
Want more
real-world car tips (with a little laughter on the side)?
Stay locked in with Autoadventures, where we talk cars, care, and a little chaos.
Follow, share, and tag a friend who’s been ignoring their car like it owes them
money.
Your car deserves better, and honestly, so do you.
0 Comments