starting the wedge

[colin mee]

If I am not using the car is it a good idea to start it and get it to temprature every few days

[Waynester]

There's always a divide of opinion on this. For me, it depends on how long the car is being stored for. If it's months+ then I would look to start it very 6-8 weeks..but ensure it's warmed up thoroughly, until the fan come on. This would help remove the condensation that can build up. I would also work the gearbox and use the electrics too.
The best way of course is to just drive it.

[matt-man]

As above, it depends on how long you are talking. I wouldn't say weeks /couple of months is fine but years is when you need to start planning.

Also, dry storage is almost a must..

[JumboBeef]

Leave the handbrake off!

[jmorgan]

I tend to take around the local roads until it has been up to temp for 15 mins or so. Don't forget that starting it, the exhaust will get damp until it dries out and the mixture is corrosive and it will rot out quicker unless it is stainless. But then stainless can corrode....

[adam quantrill]

Whatever you don don't leave it idling for ages - the oil doesn't get up onto the cam from the get-go = cam wear.

Best to start it, drive it with revs getting up to 2k rpm until it's reasonably warm, then build up to peaks of 4k. Then put it away. As Matt says a few months won't do any harm.

After a year or more of layup I will now put some oil in the filler before starting - the oil will drip onto the cam giving it a helping hand. If it's already full let some out first (and if it's clean, and you're tight, put it back in ;^)

[GV]

matt-man said:

As above, it depends on how long you are talking. I wouldn't say weeks /couple of months is fine but years is when you need to start planning.

Also, dry storage is almost a must..

Dry storage is ok provided your garage is heated or well ventilated - condensation builds up big time on the chassis and everywhere else otherwise. I prefer outdoors although I got no choice lol!