Is it possible to not drive *enough*?

[Drew0318]

Reason I ask, I've got a '99 with 17000 miles on it. I drove it approx 1000 miles this year and now it's sitting under a blanket in a heated garage for probably another 4 months...


I've already replaced a couple pulleys (upper idler/tensioner). Is it a reasonable worry that non-use could contribute to other bits degrading? If so, which ones in particular?


I wish winter would hurry up and die already.

 

[squeak93]

Rubber pieces don't like long periods of time... Ur gas could go bad if not stored properly. But no, no real issues.

 

[bdp55]

just make sure you take the proper precautions such as fuel savor, full synthetic oil changed every so often (I would say at least twice a year). I have a 2000 GT that I have only put 1000 miles on in the last 3 years total and it still starts and drives like a champ.

 

[mustangman9812]

just make sure you take the proper precautions such as fuel savor, full synthetic oil changed every so often (I would say at least twice a year). I have a 2000 GT that I have only put 1000 miles on in the last 3 years total and it still starts and drives like a champ.

+1 same here, I also recommend a battery tender/trickle charger.

 

[SaleenGT2001]

i average about 3000 miles a year. mine has sat for LONG periods of time with no issues

 

[1992 2.3LX]

get a battery tender if you leave the battery in it.

 

[Drew0318]

It's got a trickle charger on it and a full fuel tank with stab-bil in it.

 

[Nightstick]

Reason I ask, I've got a '99 with 17000 miles on it. I drove it approx 1000 miles this year and now it's sitting under a blanket in a heated garage for probably another 4 months...


I've already replaced a couple pulleys (upper idler/tensioner). Is it a reasonable worry that non-use could contribute to other bits degrading? If so, which ones in particular?


I wish winter would hurry up and die already.

Seals around any rotating parts like the engine mains, trans shafts, pinion seal can start to dry out and leak eventually if it sat long enough without ever being driven. O-rings on A/C lines eventually can do the same....
I still have the original battery in my '01...never had a charger or battery tender on it...its got 35K on it.

 

[notchnut]

same boat here with my 99. Once the ground dries I take it out and drive it though. There is just no way I can let it sit in the garage all winter. I took it out last week for an hour.

 

[Drew0318]

I thought about doing that, but I've got the insurance dropped to comp only.

It'd be my luck, something would happen. It'll just make it all that more fun when it comes out of hibernation in a couple months.

 

[notchnut]

I thought about doing that, but I've got the insurance dropped to comp only.

It'd be my luck, something would happen. It'll just make it all that more fun when it comes out of hibernation in a couple months.

I hear ya.

 

[02nightmaregt]

I give you props for being able to store your car that much. There is no way in hell i could NOT drive my car(unless deployed) that long.

 

[theseeker411]

Seriously. I got my car in August last year with 79k on it. Currently has 104k.

Maybe I should get my beater running again and give the 'Stang a rest or something.

 

[99 AtlanticBlue]

+1 same here, I also recommend a battery tender/trickle charger.

What's a battery tender?

 

[Nightstick]

What's a battery tender?

Batterytender.com - Home of All Your Charging Needs

 

[Drew0318]

The ironic thing about this all, a week after I stored it and dropped covereage to comp, gas went to $2/gallon...

Ain't life a B.