Minimum effort to keep a car running

[JRM]

I want to store the S2000, as a 'keeper', but am very aware that cars left for years just rot and it's when they are not used that things go wrong.

So what would people suggest would be the minimum useage required to keep the car alive, or at least in a condition that if I suddenly wanted to jump in it and use it for the weekend I could without issues

[Alexdaredevilz]

Start it up for 20 mins once a week,
Some people like to keep the car jacked up,
How long in-between uses?

[A205GTI]

All depends on the frequency of usage. if say you are storing it through winter and only using for summer my suggestions would be. Remove tyres to and leave on axle stands and disconnect battery. But remember that if you do leave for 6 months, you will possibly need to service it before use. IE changing fluids etc...

If you are just using every fortnight then not a lot you need to worry, just ensure battery is charged up and usual checking of fluids and air etc...

But it does all depend on the frequent use of the vehicle.

[wombat172a]

Give it a good drive every other weekend, ensuring it gets up to temperature. This will ensure that all seals, bearings and gears are properly lubricated (and not just in the engine).

In my experience just running the engine up to temp still leaves you with fked brake pistons, corroded discs, suspension bushes dried and cracked etc. etc.

[steveo3002]

if you do start it , run it until the oil is at full temps and the tailpipe is hot , otherwise the exhaust will sit full of condensation

dont need starting every 2 weeks imo ,maybe 6-8 weeks

id park it up with new oil in it

[R11ysf]

steveo3002 said:

if you do start it , run it until the oil is at full temps and the tailpipe is hot , otherwise the exhaust will sit full of condensation

dont need starting every 2 weeks imo ,maybe 6-8 weeks

id park it up with new oil in it

This is much nearer the mark. Don't get panicked about everything killing itself just because you haven't used it. Take battery out and fill with fresh oil and brim petrol tank. Axel stands save tyres from flatspots, but I've parked cars before for 2 years and then only started them up to drive to the MOT (which only failed needing new windscreen wipers)

[Ozzie Osmond]

IMO a car that's not in regular use is best sold - otherwise just becomes a PITA.

[jon-]

R11ysf said:

steveo3002 said:

if you do start it , run it until the oil is at full temps and the tailpipe is hot , otherwise the exhaust will sit full of condensation

dont need starting every 2 weeks imo ,maybe 6-8 weeks

id park it up with new oil in it

This is much nearer the mark. Don't get panicked about everything killing itself just because you haven't used it. Take battery out and fill with fresh oil and brim petrol tank. Axel stands save tyres from flatspots, but I've parked cars before for 2 years and then only started them up to drive to the MOT (which only failed needing new windscreen wipers)

Pretty much this. People starting their cars weekly for a 5-10 minutes are doing more damage than good due to condensation. If you can't get it off the tyres, over inflate them as much as is safe. If it's sitting around for a long time, pop the spark plugs out, put a small amount of oil in and crank it to coat the cylinders.

Other than that, make sure it's not in a damp garage. A decent dehumidifier will be your friend. Something like an S2000 won't kill itself.

[Liquid Knight]

Drive the car and don't such a gaylord concourse polishing freak!

I personally wouldn't touch a car that's been long term stored unless it was a barn find project. Even if you start the car for twenty minutes a week all that means is the engine's had a lot of static time running instead of mileage. The best way to keep a car within its operational paramiters is to use it.

[JRM]

Thanks for the information guys, useful stuff.

I'm not turning into a polishing freak, I'm leaving the country for a few years, so my father is going to have the car in his garage whilst I'm away. At the moment I just drive it ever 3 weeks to keep it ticking over, with a few long runs in the mix.

I want to give him a guide to follow, so really useful to know about the condensation issue, I'll tell him to drive it for 20 mins every 2-3 weeks as I want the effort to be minimal - and not have another 50k on teh clock when I get back!

[jon-]

JRM said:

I want to give him a guide to follow, so really useful to know about the condensation issue, I'll tell him to drive it for 20 mins every 2-3 weeks as I want the effort to be minimal - and not have another 50k on teh clock when I get back!

Personally I'd aim more for 30-45 mins (with a good thrashing when warm) every 4-6 weeks, and preferably when dry.

If you're away for 2 years there will be periods of salt on the road. I'd want to keep the car in the garage during these periods.

[Dan_The_Man]

Don't remove the battery, connect it to a CTEK type smart charger that way it stays fully refreshed.

[Oilchange]

I leave my 156 for 10 weeks occasionally and if my wife uses it once a week it wont rack up the miles but will ensure it is in running order for when I return.

[rehab71]

A friend of my Dad bought one of the last Capri's drove it home, put it on axle stands drained all the fluids and he turns the engine over a few times by hand every week and there it has stayed, got less then 50 miles on!

[Oilchange]

He drained the fluids and still turns over the engine regularly???

That'l be worth lots when he comes to sell it...