I just realized that we're all fanatics!

 

i started mine religiously last year, once every two weeks - let it ran for 15mins or so etc etc.

im just going to leave it this year - i personally think its the better option, but ultimately im not sure it makes any difference. If it makes you feel connected to the car go sit in it and take it for an imaginary spin, that is if your battery isnt dead!

...which reminds me, must charge mine up! (yes, I left my trunk, hood and windows open!)

 

hahaha...i guess im making a big deal. im just going to drive it this week...as soon as i pick up a new battery from dave.

 

I agree that overall it doesn't really matter what you do. I do, however, recommend leaving the E-Brake OFF.

I left my Integra for a long time with the E-brake on and it really messed up the rotors.

 

If you're really anal about it, then here's my .02:

Leave the car off until the driving season is back for you (don't turn it on even once). However, before you turn the car on, take off the valve cover. Drain the oil out of the pan regardless of age.

Now pour about two quarts of new oil over the valve train. Replace the valve cover properly. Continue to re-fill with oil with another 2-3 quarts.

Reconnect the battery. Fire up the car. Before pulling out of the garage, make sure you've called the insurance agent to start your coverage on the car again.

My REAL suggestion is to keep coverage on the car all winter. There are some days that are worth pulling the car out of the garage and going for a drive....maybe even top down in some cool, crisp Winter air.

 

I didn't know if I was going to be able to come up with a winter car this year like last year, but my dad ended up getting something new and giving me his '02 grand cherokee... so I stored my car just before thanksgiving, but did not change the oil since july, since it was not due for a change yet. I figure if the weather warms up a bit, i'll drop the oil, but as long as I don't start it, all the oil should have drained down into the pan by now, so I figure there is no harm in leaving the older oil in there for a little while longer... as long as I don't start it, no oil is coating the motor anyways...

 

Well, combustion causes acids to form and dirt to settle into the oil. Dirty oil could (after a LONG time) etch the crank shaft and/or foul the main bearings on the crank.