My car has been sitting the better part of 4 months now without running. It's also time for an oil change on the motor, engine, and diff. Wondering if it would be better to change the fluids without even firing up the engine (keep all the "bad stuff" at the bottom?), or drive it around for a while to get things nice & warm so they flow more freely and drain more completely?

Or am I way over analyzing this?

 

I don't think there is a right or wrong answer. If it was my car and it had been sitting that long I would change the fluids without moving the vehicle or starting it up. If you have to move it or start it up for some reason then get it fully warmed. It's a good question.

Next year change the oil before you put it into hibernation, you'll have less acids on the metal parts.

 

I say just fire it up! The best thing you could have done is change all the fluids before storage. But since you didn't, it won't hurt anything more by using the old oil that is in there. If there was any damage to be done, it's already been done. You will just exacerbate the problem by giving it a dry start from changing the oil filter (it will be empty on your first start). It would be better for the engine anyways if that filter is full. All they other fluids are easier to change if the oil is warm or hot too, especially if you're using LE1605 in the diff.

 

haha just as I expected, differing opinions!

wondering if some other people want to chime in, but with warm weather and rain for the next several days, I think I may as well just jack it up and start draining. too bad the trans fluid won't be here till next week