Quote:
Originally Posted by LoneCynic
Warm it up and drive it some, then have the oil change done soon after. It isn't good to just let a vehicle sit like that all winter. I too had mine put up for the winter, but once every two weeks I went out and started it up, and let it idle for about twenty five minutes or so before shutting it off again.
If I caught a day where the snow had melted off briefly for a couple of days before it snowed again, I'd take her out and run her around the block once then park it and shut it off again. These measures are a good idea for you for next year.
We let a vehicle sit for close to eight months once without driving it years ago and had a bunch of problems soon after we started driving it again. Always good to run them semi-frequently to avoid major problems.
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This person is TOTALLY wrong. If you store your car over the winter DO NOT frequently start it up. The car is totally happy just sitting and not running. Its WAY WORSE for the engine to have the many cold starts that arent needed. ALso, jsut letting it idle for 20 minutes is tortue on your battery as idle speeds drail the battery. Thirdly, moisture builds up in the system and can't burn off if you just let it idle. It is a common but going out and letting it warm up is not a good idea. Ask around...
Taking it around the block is OK but if you insist on starting it, get it out, take if for a drive and get everything warm and circulating. This will give the moisture time to work itself out.
As far as the car that was parked for 8 months and had nothing but problems after... I question the quality of the car to begin with.
To the OP: as far as the oil change, just change it when the car tells you to. It knows when it needs it. I havent changed mine since.... shoot August??? It never sat more than 6 weeks though...