How often does a car need to be run?

[Trvlr500]

Originally Posted By: OceanRuns
Thanks for the replies so far. As a follow-up, how often should the oil be changed (conventional oil). If it's driven once a month or once a week how long can the oil go for?


That would depend on whether you live in So. Cal (dry climate) or Nor Cal (wetter climate) with more temp extremes.

With conventional I'd go by the 3 month rule in Nor. Cal and stretch it to 6 months or a year in So. Cal.

I lived for 28 years in BOTH areas of CA. I know the weather there VERY well.

 

[Trvlr500]

Originally Posted By: Loobed


I think every 6 months at the minimum. Once a month is better. You don't need to run the engine more than once a month. As Astro said, you should drive it. All the moving parts need to be worked and re-lubed: Shock seal, axle seals, gears, brake caliper and master cylinder pistons, control arm bushings, steering linkage, etc.



VERY good point, loobed. My car was up on blocks in AR. for two years with all that humidity. I won't even go into the list of what didn't work on it when I took it out of storage.

Even for a month of sitting regularly there are certain parts that will deteriorate and not seal as well over time.

Cars NEED to be driven regularly, not just idled.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Originally Posted By: cmf
+2 on running the air conditioning, keeps the system lubricated. Even people who do not let their cars sit should run the AC once a week in the winter.


This is negated in almost any modern car by the compressor cycling no matter what position the climate control is set.

But definitely agreed if you own an old car. Note that even my 1970 Impala cycles the compressor anytime you move the controls.

 

[Scott88]

^ Wouldn't running the defroster cycle the compressor regardless of outside temps?