"Light storage" of my 996
#1
Team Owner
Thread Starter
"Light storage" of my 996
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...
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...
#2
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.
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.
#3
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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...
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...
#4
Parts Specialist
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#5
Nordschleife Master
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.
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#8
Race Director
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.
#10
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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.
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.
#12
Rennlist Member
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.
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.
#13
Team Owner
Thread Starter
OK, I'm going to try to take it for a short drive.
#14
Burning Brakes
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?)
store your car for a while, to put the cruise control "on", so
p-car thinks is going somewhere.
(was that you Phil?)
#15
Race Car
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.