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Seadweller · 07-28-2020, 08:14 AM

I know, I know, I probably deserve, but don't need a lecture...Yes, they're meant to be driven, but let's set that aside for the moment.

My (actually, it was my wife's 30 year anniversary present) '98 Boxster has under 40K miles on it. I bought it around 5 years ago, and have put maybe 2,000 miles on it if that. I do notice when I start it after a long rest, I get the typical puff of white smoke and the chain rattle for 1 second. Otherwise, the car drives like new.

I believe I need to get into a better cadence with the car. I keep a detailed log of maintenance, and maintain it based on time, not mileage. The question is, I've had several folks recommend that I start it every couple of weeks, and bring it up to operating temperature. I believe Porsche recommends that you don't let it warm up, but rather head straight out and drive it easy until the temperature comes up.

My concern is of course making sure there's lubrication throughout the engine and other things are "exercised," so any recommendations would be great. Unfortunately, taking it out for a drive every week is not realistic. I know starting it and not letting it come up to temperature allows water in the system to not burn off, but with synthetic oil, is that a continuing concern or an old wives tale? Would it harm things to start it once a week, let it run for a few minutes, then turn it off?

Any ideas would be most appreciated!

Thanks!

07-28-2020, 08:14 AM	#1
Seadweller Registered User Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: St. Petersburg, Florida Posts: 345	Dealing with a Rarely Driven Boxster I know, I know, I probably deserve, but don't need a lecture...Yes, they're meant to be driven, but let's set that aside for the moment. My (actually, it was my wife's 30 year anniversary present) '98 Boxster has under 40K miles on it. I bought it around 5 years ago, and have put maybe 2,000 miles on it if that. I do notice when I start it after a long rest, I get the typical puff of white smoke and the chain rattle for 1 second. Otherwise, the car drives like new. I believe I need to get into a better cadence with the car. I keep a detailed log of maintenance, and maintain it based on time, not mileage. The question is, I've had several folks recommend that I start it every couple of weeks, and bring it up to operating temperature. I believe Porsche recommends that you don't let it warm up, but rather head straight out and drive it easy until the temperature comes up. My concern is of course making sure there's lubrication throughout the engine and other things are "exercised," so any recommendations would be great. Unfortunately, taking it out for a drive every week is not realistic. I know starting it and not letting it come up to temperature allows water in the system to not burn off, but with synthetic oil, is that a continuing concern or an old wives tale? Would it harm things to start it once a week, let it run for a few minutes, then turn it off? Any ideas would be most appreciated! Thanks! __________________ 1998 Porsche Boxster - Ocean Jade Metallic 1985 Porsche Carrera Targa - Guards Red 1978 Porsche 911SC Euro Non-Sunroof - Grand Prix White Last edited by Seadweller; 07-28-2020 at 08:18 AM.