Care & Feeding Of A Garage Queen

[litespeedp]

I've always changed the oil each year regardless of miles as the stuff gets contaminated and dirty fairly quickly.You don't want that junk sitting in there.In a perfect world, the short drives should be long enough to thoroughly warm the car--maybe 30 minutes and after it is completely warmed,run it pretty hard.Let it cool down a bit before parking.

Don't know where you live, but Arkansas is Captain Humidity King with nothing separating us from the constant gulf air but soggy Louisiana! Have never tried a desiccant but seems like a good idea.

My 2000 S,purchased last year,could use a good rubber treatment to keep the very expensive weather stripping/trim soft and pliable.There has been a very recent thread on "rubber moldings" within the last day or so.I'm getting the stuff they recommend and applying it to my car.

Keeping the car OUT OF THE SUN is number one.

[Johnny Danger]

I'm in similar situation, where I don't get to drive my vehicle much either. In fact, I've only clocked 2k miles in the last 3 1/2 years. However, since my vehicle is always garaged, and it's never experienced the effects of direct sunlight or harsh weather of any kind. Being extremely OCD has helped. Anyway, keeping the vehicle meticulously clean and serviced annually, along with a battery tender has been essential to it's longevity.

[rp17]

Originally Posted by Johnny Danger

In fact, I've only clocked 2k miles in the last 3 1/2 years.

Are you guys serious about these mileage quotes? Well, changing the oil once a year at least should be standard practice. Battery maintainer also. Usually cars that sit too long end up with dead batteries and shorter life span alternators.

[thstone]

Originally Posted by Johnny Danger

... I've only clocked 2k miles in the last 3 1/2 years.

Wow. With 25 track days in the plan, I'll do 2K miles this year entirely AT REDLINE (or near enough).

As for maintenance, Perfectlap got it spot on - oil change yearly, battery tender, and get it up to temp monthly to cook the water out of the oil.