Leaving car parked for a long period of time question

[doowopaudi]

I currently have my 2010 A4 for sale in the classifieds section and it's been parked since April 14, with the exception of me taking it out for a spin around the block once a week. My question is, should I be driving more frequently in order to prevent anything bad from happening? Thanks.

[zcspec]

If you don't plan on driving it for an extended period of time, I would put some fuel stabilizer in the tank, drive it around just to mix. You should be covered from the fuel breaking down into varnish.

[Gunnark100]

I currently have my 2010 A4 for sale in the classifieds section and it's been parked since April 14, with the exception of me taking it out for a spin around the block once a week. My question is, should I be driving more frequently in order to prevent anything bad from happening? Thanks.

No need, my car was resting 5 years, 4 weeks over 4 weeks, have not seen anything bad happend with this schedule, brakes needed to "drive in" a bit longer after 4 weeks:), all rest good!

[poweredbyaudi7]

I have been deployed for 10 1/2 months. Only issue on my car after the first 6 months was my battery was bad. I say put a tender on it and you should be fine....

[Allowencer]

For any vehicle, over a long period of time (I'd say multiple months), you should prime the oil again. This will ensure bearings are not damaged as the oil, over time when the car is sitting, will eventually run off from the areas it was at. To do this, disconnect the fuel pump fuse and pull the spark plugs then turn the motor over several times. This drives the pump and you'll prime oil and basically achieve idle oil pressure. Reassemble and start it up.

[Shimmy]

If its up to 3 weeks, a battery tender is enough. If its a month or longer, i'd probably add some kind of fuel stabilizer especially if the car is stored outside. It its inside you can go a decent amount of time without anything additional.

[doowopaudi]

It's garaged until sale. So what about driving it once a week? Is that also enough?

[Shimmy]

It's garaged until sale. So what about driving it once a week? Is that also enough?

Thats plenty.

[Allowencer]

It's garaged until sale. So what about driving it once a week? Is that also enough?

Yeah, that's plenty. Just ensure you get it up to operating temp for a bit.

[doowopaudi]

Thanks gentlemen.

[EuropaVin]

If possible, you should also try to lift the car so the weight is not resting on the tires - this will help you avoid flat spots. Additionally, if you're going to drive the car, you should drive long enough so the exhaust gases are hot enough to evaporate any moisture that can accumulate in the exhaust pipes.

[Allowencer]

If possible, you should also try to lift the car so the weight is not resting on the tires - this will help you avoid flat spots. Additionally, if you're going to drive the car, you should drive long enough so the exhaust gases are hot enough to evaporate any moisture that can accumulate in the exhaust pipes.

Good point too.

To my reply, if you drive around enough when the car is at operating temp, that will avoid that. Also, you want to avoid moisture buildup within the crankcase which is what causes a 'milk shake' effect where water vapor and oil mix. Driving around while under operating temp boils that water off and isn't an issue.

[The Infiltrator]

I go on many long period work trips and leave it in the garage for years now, some 6 month periods too. I've never had an issue what so ever.

[doug97gxe]

my mechanic had my car parked for 2 years only to change the spark plugs... car still ran so yeah its possible

[ccoaston]

If its up to 3 weeks, a battery tender is enough. If its a month or longer, i'd probably add some kind of fuel stabilizer especially if the car is stored outside. It its inside you can go a decent amount of time without anything additional.

i agree