Storing a vehicle for long periods of time in garage

Tiny
RUSSELCA
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 TOYOTA TACOMA
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 185,000 MILES
I park my truck in garage for long periods of time, I do not drive the truck on a daily basis, but will start it up two times a week to keep the battery from dying. I want to find out what would be better for the truck if I continue to only start it twice a week.
Thursday, December 27th, 2018 AT 12:39 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

First, the worst thing for any vehicle is lack of use. The best thing you could do is at least move it around so all seals, bearings, gears are lubricated. Things such as gaskets and seals have a tendency to deteriorate when they get dry from lack of use. As a result, when the vehicle is put back into service, leaks develop.

As far as the engine, make sure you change oil on a regular basis to avoid condensation to develop in the engine.

Honestly, when you start it to charge the battery, consider putting a couple miles on it a week.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Thursday, December 27th, 2018 AT 3:17 PM
Tiny
BMDOUBLE
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,139 POSTS
Also keep the tank full of fuel to keep it from turning rotten. Today’s fuel has some ethanol in it that will absorb moisture and will not hold up to sitting dormant.
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Sunday, December 30th, 2018 AT 10:21 PM

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