fdl

If your car is sitting for several days, during the cold winter...would it be better to

a) start it up once or twice during that week and let it idle for a few minutes..


or b) dont start it untill you need to.


I am thinking b) is better, since the less times you start the car the less wear and tear. On the other hand though, if its real cold perhaps its good to get the juices flowing a bit.

tsXgtp

Starting it helps your battery keep its charge. On a new car that won't matter too much. It also helps keep the water from seperating from the gas and freezing in the lines or tank. If you use synthetic, you shouldn't worry much about cold weather wear and tear at all.

osubuckeye98

Shouldn't be a problem with a new or recently-new car. Modern cars can sit for several days in cold weather with no need to run. But if you are talking weeks at a time it maybe a good idea to take her out for a spin once in a while to charge the battery and keep things flowing...much quicker and healthier than just letting her idle.

ahitchev

I have generally heard bad things about idling an engine in cold weather because it takes a very long time to warm up, which could cause carbon deposits to build up. I would just leave the car and start it when you are ready to drive it, as I don't think several days is long enough for anything to be affected.