How infrequently can a car be driven without problems?

[Sukhoi]

I have a 2009 RAV4 that right now I only use for road trip vacations and ski trips. That means in the fall and spring I have little need to drive it. How long can I let it sit at a time before getting into battery or other issues? I generally drive it to the gym once a week, but I'd rather do it ever 2-3 weeks and avoid the mileage.

 

[SSSnail]

Why did you buy the vehicle if you don't plan to use it? I think a rental plan would fit you nicely.

 

[Sukhoi]

Oh I drive it plenty. Only owned it for about 1 1/4 years now, and already have 22K miles. 🙂 Also my '95 Corolla isn't exactly the most reliable car in the world, so I really do need something else around for getting to work and whatnot when the Corolla breaks.

 

[SSSnail]

I used to have to leave my car for months at a time (usually 6 months 😉) and the problems I had were deflated tires, dead batteries (just require a jump even though I disconnected it) and putting new gasoline in the car. Probably a good idea to change the oil too if you're gonna leave it for that long (6 months at a time).

For three months time, you shouldn't need to do much except check the tires. As for your car, I think the quick short trips are far more damaging than leaving it. The car hasn't get up to operating temperature yet and you shut it down already.

 

[LTC8K6]

Every 2-3 weeks will be fine as long as the trip you take is long enough to charge the battery and get all the fluids up to temp.

 

[jlee]

Spend the ~$15 on a battery tender (the inexpensive ones at WalMart work fine) and keep your battery healthy.

 

[Sukhoi]

It's parked in a carport at my apartment, so unfortunately a battery tender is not possible.

The gym is about a 15 min drive, of which 75% is freeway. Especially on the way home I should be getting the fluids up to operating temperature. Sounds like I should be fine going more like 1.5-2 weeks between drives.

 

[LTC8K6]

It's parked in a carport at my apartment, so unfortunately a battery tender is not possible.

The gym is about a 15 min drive, of which 75% is freeway. Especially on the way home I should be getting the fluids up to operating temperature. Sounds like I should be fine going more like 1.5-2 weeks between drives.

I think you'll be okay.

 

[hanoverphist]

my stepdad leaves an old 96 chevy pick up at the airport in michigan for when he goes back to his "summer house". he just disconnects the battery and everything has been OK so far. hes been doing this for 3 years so far, same battery. the truck has over 200k miles on iit as well, with some overhaulin at about 160.

 

[CurseTheSky]

Driving it once every couple of weeks shouldn't be a problem. Just remember to do oil changes and whatnot based on time and not mileage. Twice a year or so should do it.