Storing a vehicle for long periods of time in garage

1999 TOYOTA TACOMA

185,000 MILES • 2.4L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC

RUSSELCA

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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.

Dec 27, 2018 at 12:39 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
110,193 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

Dec 27, 2018 at 3:17 PM

BMDOUBLE

✓ASE Certified 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.

Dec 30, 2018 at 10:21 PM

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