car has not been driven for weeks- how long?

Question

should I let it run when I go to start it
I was always told to start a car every few days when its super cold outside..

I havent been able to go over and start this car for a few weeks
( It does have a brand new battery- so it should start ok)
how long should I let it run .or drive it .
to prevent future problems
ie: told that running a car for less than 10 minutes builds up moisture on the exhaust ultimately causing it to rust out

This car was not meant to be stored for the winter
Dad died a few weeks ago and with the other necessary things that need to be done re: paperwork, finances, legal crap
I havent had time to go start his car
I am going there tomorrow to start it
wondering how LONg to let it run so condensation doesn't build up on the exhaust system

Answer 1

Leave the car set and don't worry about it. If it sets for 2 days or 2 months makes no difference. I own collector cars worth a lot of money and sometimes I may not even uncover them for months. I make no special preparations to store them at all. However when I do want to drive them I simply put the key in the ignition and they start right up and drive fine. The battery might possibly need a jump start but in my experience a battery (particularly a new one) will hold an adequate charge for a long, long time. The gas in the tank despite what you may have been told will be fine for up to a year, maybe longer. How many times have you read about somebody finding an older car in a barn and all they did was drop in a new battery and some good gas and it started right up? I hear or read these stories all the time. Don't fret about the car sitting for an extended period. It will be fine.

Answer 2

The important thing is to make sure there is enough anti-freeze in the radiator when storing a car outside in cold weather. The battery, if it's fully charged, will usually start the vehicle with no trouble. If possible, drive it for a short period of time to make sure that the other fluids are at operating temperature (oil, transmission fluid, power sterring fluid, brake fluid and rear axle). I wouldn't worry too much about moisture build-up in the exhaust system as it normally dissipates when the car is at operating temperatures.

Answer 3

If possible, run the engine until it reaches operating temperature (mid gauge). It's difficult to do that by idling the engine. One trick you can try (carefully), is to take a piece of carboard about 1 foot accross and put it on the front of the radiator (the opposite side of the fan) Keep a close eye on the temperature gauge if you decide to use the paper block.

Answer 4

you should drive it at least once a week unless you are storeing it if it is being stored there are preperations that need to be done before going in to and coming out of storage