Hey guys - mid August I put my car in storage (clean, covered, tank full/stabilized, fresh oil - everything) and I had originally intended to keep it there until Thanksgiving where I would have a couple days to drive it - HOWEVER, after thinking about it, am I better off leaving it in storage until the spring/summer?

I know it's better to let it sit to keep oil fresh, fuel fresh, wait till cold weather passes, etc - but would there be any reason it would be better to drive it around for a couple days during Thanksgiving or winter? Reasons I don't want to do this is because of the weather and the fact that the car would sit from Jan 15 till spring then, and I may not have the chance to clean it dependent on weather, oil wouldn't be as fresh, stuff like that.

What do you think I should do?

-Drive it every chance I get cleaning it as best I can aferwards and filling tank up?

-Or let it sit till spring as is since it's all prepared for storage and wont be AS well prepared if I were to drive it during breaks?

Thanks!

 

I'd let it sit.

 

ive asked this question like 3 different times on this board... even did a poll. 50 people will swear the 'letting it sit' method is best, and another 50 people will swear the 'driving it' method is best. I honestly dont think you can go wrong with either. either way, your saving it from a lot of cold starts by not driving it in the winter. two or three cold starts is 300 or so less than all the cars that get driven through the winter.

 

I can tell you this...

I'm currently stationed in Korea and I come home about every six months or so. I gave my mother instructions to start it once a week for about 10 minutes or so (with the a/c ON) and to drive it around the block once a month.

I make sure the a/c is on so the seals stay somewhat lubricated and do not totally dry out. This is my second time back in 12 months and the car hasn't skipped a beat. Even the tires are still good. The only thing I do with it before I go back is make sure I fill the tank up and dump a bottle of stabilizer in it.

I'm not sure if this answers you're question but maybe it will give some guidance.

 

On a side note, an automatic battery trickle charger is a great investment.

Anytime my car sits for more than a week - I plug mine in.

 

Thanks for all your replies - I might as well just let her sit...I'd hate to drive it and not have it as clean/prepared as it is now - and yea, why cold start it? I forgot to mention that my car is in a garage at my father's so it wouldn't be like starting a block of ice - why don't I let him drive it around? -save miles on the car, don't trust him, and he hasn't proven himself in the world of 3 pedals yet (though that may be a good excuse for a new clutch...)

Another thing - after 6 months, how long before you were driving like a pro again? I imagine an hour or so, I don't think one really ever forgets how to drive stick, but I can see it taking a little time just to get the right feel again.