RapidMax

iTrader: (2)

I have my car in college with me in upstate NY and sometimes I don't drive it for almost a week at a time. I've heard I should just start it up inbetween those periods because its not good for the car just sit there in near 0 degree weather. How often should I do it and exactly what should I do? Just let it run for a minute or actually take it for a very short drive? Or is it not necessary at all as long as it doesn't go too long

twiggy144

No need to start it at all unless the battery is getting very old. In fact starting the engine is detrimental. It is in the first couple of seconds / minutes that engines wear the most. If you feel inclined to start it, let it run for at least 15 minutes in cold weather, or drive it around for same time. Dont start it for only one minute.

DanIAm

iTrader: (5)

i'd start it every 3 days or so, let it idle till it warms up and then drive it around, dont just shut it off after a minute...my cars siting over the winter but i try and start it and let it run when i get the chance, gives it a chance to charge up the battery, leaving it for a week in the cold will weaken a good battery...i work at a parts store and all we've been doing is selling batteries and many of them are out of cars that sit for more then a few days, these cold nights we've been having can def. harm a good battery...just my .02

--Dan

MaxiSpeed97

iTrader: (2)

it also helps to have your gas tank full if you don't drive/start up your car for as long as a week