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How long can a Maxima sit without being used?

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Old Jun 20, 2006 | 09:40 AM
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How long can a Maxima sit without being used?

Im gonna go on vacation for a couple of months and the MAX will have to stay behind, i'm leaving the keys with someone I can trust. Do I have to tell them to start it up every now and then (it's summer and average temp is 65-70 f ) is it Ok if I leave it with a full tank or an empty tank? The MAX will go unused for almost 2 months, what should I get done to make sure it's driveable once I get back...?
Old Jun 20, 2006 | 09:46 AM
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I would fill the tank. Less chance of condensation. Also, change the oil now and after you get back. It's not imperative, but the acids that build up in motor oil can be caustic to an engine. It doesn't seem like it will be sitting that long so I wouldn't get too extreme.
Old Jun 20, 2006 | 10:27 AM
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Originally Posted by nelledge
I would fill the tank. Less chance of condensation. Also, change the oil now and after you get back. It's not imperative, but the acids that build up in motor oil can be caustic to an engine. It doesn't seem like it will be sitting that long so I wouldn't get too extreme.
i got an oil change about 2 weeks ago...
Old Jun 20, 2006 | 10:36 AM
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Tell the person to drive it from time to time. And tell them to run the AC when they do. It will help keep the seals intact. Keep the gas tank full as others have said to prevent condensation. Don't leave it in direct sunlight. Also when they drive it, it's best to drive for a long time to get everything hot to cook all the impurities out of the oil that will build up.
Old Jun 20, 2006 | 10:39 AM
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put the car on jack stand so the tires dont go bad
Old Jun 20, 2006 | 10:50 AM
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Originally Posted by diymaximakid
put the car on jack stand so the tires dont go bad
it isn't sitting in a garage it's parked out front.
Old Jun 20, 2006 | 11:01 AM
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Over-inflate the tires somewhat.
Old Jun 20, 2006 | 12:45 PM
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Originally Posted by JHowell37
...tell them to run the AC when they do. It will help keep the seals intact. Also when they drive it, it's best to drive for a long time to get everything hot to cook all the impurities out of the oil that will build up.
I don't understand those statements. What seals? Cook the impurities out? Where will they go?
Old Jun 20, 2006 | 01:06 PM
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Two months is a little bit too long to idle. If I were you, I would ask the trusted one to drive the Max at least once a week.

I used to left my Max untouched about two and half weeks (under porch, in open air, California winter). After I came back, my Max started and ran as usual.
Old Jun 20, 2006 | 01:31 PM
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I think it's a good idea to drive the car on a periodic basis, so rust doesn't start to form inside the engine or on your brakes .... good luck
Old Jun 20, 2006 | 02:06 PM
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1) Change the oil first.
2) Put in fuel stabilizer before your final fillup. I don't think the amount in the tank matters much, as long as you follow the directions, and run the car for a while so that the fuel stab. gets spread thru the whole fuel system.
3) The stuff about tires shouldn't matter for 2 months. Just be sure to check the tire pressure before the first drive.
Old Jun 20, 2006 | 02:09 PM
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Originally Posted by dgeesaman
1) Change the oil first.
2) Put in fuel stabilizer before your final fillup. I don't think the amount in the tank matters much, as long as you follow the directions, and run the car for a while so that the fuel stab. gets spread thru the whole fuel system.
3) The stuff about tires shouldn't matter for 2 months. Just be sure to check the tire pressure before the first drive.
I agree with everything but number 3. Flat-spotting can be in issue after just a week of sitting depending on the tire.
Old Jun 20, 2006 | 02:17 PM
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Originally Posted by nismology
I agree with everything but number 3. Flat-spotting can be in issue after just a week of sitting depending on the tire.
Well, then don't worry about it if your tires are Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3, Dunlop SP Sport 5000, Dunlop A60, Falken Ziex ZE-512s, and any other tire I've ever owned. My F1s would feel slightly flatspotted for the first 1/4 mile after a month of sitting, but that's it.
Old Jun 20, 2006 | 03:59 PM
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Ok, I agreed with the guy I'm leaving the car with that he can use it to run errands and shyt. so it doesn't sit unused. that should keep it running properly.
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