tooloud10

My 996 has been parked for 3-4 weeks in the garage at my other home. I haven't gotten back there in a while but may be able to swing by for just a few minutes sometime this week.

If I only have 15 minutes or so to check on the car, should I start it up and let it run for a little? Should I take it for a quick drive? Am I better off doing nothing?

It could be another 3-4 weeks until I get a chance to stop by and check on the house and car again...

Guybrush Wilkinson

I would definitely drive it. 15 minutes is enough to get the car completely warmed up.

I used to sell used cars for profession and for some reason cars that were not driven for a lengthy period of time tended to develope weird problems. Here is something that comes to my mind when a car has to stand for long periods of time. Others may add some other things to consider.

- Electrical parts, oxidation problems
- Engine, regular circulation of oil, formation of sediment on the bottom of the oil pan
- Hydraulic valve lifters: when starting up an engine it takes time for oil pressure to build up and lubricate valve lifters
- Flat spot problems with tires. My car had been standing for over a month before I bought it. Flat spots on rear tires could not be driven off. I had to buy new rear tires even thogh there would have been a lot of miles left on the oldies.

gota911

Are you talking about the car in your avatar? It looks like it has been parked for longer than 3 to 4 weeks!

ivangene

no, no... thats less than 3-4 weeks otherwise that cooler full of beer would have been packed back into the garage

Palting

LOL!!! You guys are too funny!

Yup, definitely drive it. Idling at a standstill actually is not good. Need to work the brakes, suspension, tires, gearbox. 15 minutes should be just at minimum. Better than not, anyway.

medtech

I hope you have a trickle charger at that other house. May come in handy.

Receiver

+1 on drive it

Barn996

No question but to go for a 15 min. drive, that will probably extend to 30 min.You'll use your brakes, warm up the tires, get the engine up to temp., recharge your battery, and probably pt a smile on your face all at the same time.

Phil G.

Why is this post making me so nervous?

gota911

Uhmmm.... I wonder why?

let's see.... flat spotted tires..... extended neglect of a P-car.... prolonged exposure to cold temps... water condensation in the fuel tank... I know there is one more thing.... what the hell is it.... oh yeah, now I remember.... sulfated battery.

Phil, I think you have nothing to worry about!

Oh, BTW, how is your therapist doing? Are you still seeing him twice a week? He wrote and told me that he is really enjoying his Turbo, but whats to know if I can help him get the Bugatti Veyron he has his eye on.

ivangene

I was expecting some real expert insite from Phil... Car storage... the thread should be full of useful tips.


honestly I am a bit disapointed in his response

TamiyaGuy

Relax, Phil, you're not the only one who hasn't driven their car. After almost 6 years, the car has finally broke the 10,000 mile mark. I've taken to disconnecting the battery and putting a cover over it now.

Yes, the tires go flat, but they come back to life after a few miles. Between travel, bad weather and a general lack of motivation I've decided that I'm probably more suitable to Ferrari ownership.

Seems that most aren't driven, so I'll fit right in.

BTW - If you know you're not going to drive it for a while, crank the tire pressure up to the max on the sidewall. It helps with the flat spotting. Leave a sticky note on the steering wheel to remind yourself not to drive it in that condition and you'll be fine.

tooloud10

OK, I'm going to try to take it for a short drive.

JDSStudios

Somebody here also suggested, if you are going to
store your car for a while, to put the cruise control "on", so
p-car thinks is going somewhere.


(was that you Phil?)

Phil G.

I make a point of doing this during storage time and haven't had a problem with flat spots. I also plan to drive the car periodically during winter storage season when the weather and roads permit. Best to drive to operating temperature for at least 15'. Car's going under the cover in 1-2 weeks. Still pretty warm here in SE PA.