Store my car for the winter,
Just wondering if starting my car every week or 2 weeks is bad for it?

Should i just let it sit for the whole winter and not touch it?
Or should i be turning it on every now and then during a warm day


what other things should i be doing to keep her in tip top shape over the winter?

 

If you are able, I would start it every week or two. Let it run until it starts to warm up. If you can move it a little bit, do it. That way your tires don't sit in the same position the entire time.

 

I've used this winter storage method for several cars and have had no problems:

1. Keep the battery charged using a battery tender or similar (optional if you do #2)
2. Start every 2-3 weeks and warm up until the fans come on
3. Each time you run it, check fluids, check for leaks, check tire pressures

 

I have heard some people say that starting up a car and just letting it idle is not the best thing for it.

if i did just let it sit without starting what problems could this pose? if any at all?

 

When you have clear dry streets, just take the car for a drive. No real need to do anything else. If the car is going to sit for more than 3-4 weeks at a time, you might want to disconnect the battery.

 

Fuel stabilizer is a "must do", if the fuel in the tank is going got be in there for over a month

 

There will be a million opinions on what 'to' and 'not to' do.

Take a little of everyones advice. Every week or so fire the car up, get yourself situated and take a little drive - especially if the weather is nice. No sense in having a 15 year old car with no miles on it, unless you ultimately want to sell for a max profit. Cars were made to drive. Drive it.

 

I don't just idle it. I rev it a bit while it's warming up, or if the roads are clear, take it for a drive.

Dave

 

I think the longest mine has set for is 2-3 weeks. She didn't really like it that much.

If I was "storing" it, which I sort of store mine since I have a DD, I would crank it up and drive it at least once every two weeks. Don't just let it idle and warm up, go for a nice long (10+ miles) drive to get everything up to temperature, and to evaporate any condensation in the oil and engine.

 

Rubbish. I used to let mine sit, all winter long, outside with a car cover. After 3-4 months, it would start right up and go. Granted, I wasn't using any of these tiny batteries people are using today, but there is no problem with the car sitting untouched for extended periods of time.

 

the tiny batteries do lose charge quicker than thier larger counterparts i will say that for sure mine used to start easier in cold times

 

I agee with Mahjik. I have stored my FD for 5 years over the winter without starting it and it runs/starts fine. The important thing to do is store it correctly. Make sure oil is flowing from the injectors by turning it over for a couple of minutes to the rotors before allowing the fuel pump to provide the gas at first startup. There are several good posts on proper winter storage.

 

FYI, the longer you let your car sit, the longer the oil pools in the engine and will smoke a lot in the beginning.

Don't be scared though 'cause eventually it'll all burn up.

Odyssey batteries definitely lose it's charge quick. Make certain to disconnect the battery. If you're going to use a battery tender/charger, make certain to get one SPECIFICALLY for gel-type batteries. If you buy regular ones, you'll over charge them and they will almost look like they're going to explode, will be boiling, and will be useless.

Ask me how I know. :P

 

when storing my cars for iraq, I put a bowl of baking soda in the back of the FD. it'll help with the moisture in the car and wont make it smell like an old couch when you do come back.

 

well i heard you shouldn't start the car and only let it run for like 5mins or so. it builds up water, and that can't be good if you gonna let it build up and then let it sit there for 2weeks. i don't know its my opinion

 

wb123, if they put salt on the roads in Toronto like they do in upstate NY, PLEASE do NOT take the car for a drive!! The thought of one of these beautiful cars getting salted up then sitting for weeks or months makes me ill. You WILL see significant rust in short order.

I drove a first gen during the winter when I was in college (back in the 80s) and it broke my heart after the first year when I found rust in the Spring-time.

My FD sits in a heated garage with the batery out during the winter. I start it up at least once a month and run it until it hits full operating temp. I do move it out into the driveway to avoid flat spots in the tires, but with the way tires are made today this is probably not a big issue.

 

I keep my car stored most of the time and take it out for a few miles every four to five weeks. Keep dessicant packs (5 1-lb packs) in it to take care of moisture issues. Probally only put 500 - 600 miles on it in a year.

Friend of mine has restored a 57 Chevy and a Nomad and he recommended the dessicant and said to roll it 30 or so miles when taken out.

I have only had issues once in two years where it would not start. The rear hatch was not closed so battery drained. Recharged and it has worked for a year.

My two cents worth.