starting your car
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 4,017
Likes: 492
From: Poughkeepsie New York
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 13,602
Likes: 12,865
From: Virginia
Of course once isn't going to hurt anything, but not really a good idea to get in habit of starting a C7 and just let idle and shut off.
Last edited by Kevin A Jones; Jan 30, 2021 at 08:51 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 248
Likes: 196
From: Miramar, Florida
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
St. Jude Donor '22 thru '26
Hopefully Punxsutawney Phil will predict an early spring for you on Feb 2nd. By the way, nice tractor. I don’t see much of that where I live.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 395
Likes: 194
From: Goderich, ON
Starting it during hibernation - very bad idea, just leave it until you are ready to drive it far enough to heat up all the oils.
Sitting in it during hibernation - very good idea to help counter seasonal affective disorder.
Sitting in it during hibernation - very good idea to help counter seasonal affective disorder.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,560
Likes: 485
From: Moberly, Mo
I live in Missouri and it gets pretty cold here during the winter months. I drive mine a much as I can during this season. So if its in the mid to upper 30s and no snow on the ground or rain it get it out and drive it. These cars are meant to drive and I guess I'm not sure why people put them up in the winter. I can understand it when you live in an area where it snows all the time and stays on the ground for long periods but if its warm enough get the dam thing out and drive it. GM didn't say it could be driven when its cold. So go for it.
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Pro
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 579
Likes: 130
From: Chaska Minnesota
I say get out there and get that bad boy roaring. I am on my 4th Vette in 10 years. Normally I put it away in late Nov or early Dec. That is when the pre-treatment of the roads goes on. I then start it up around Jan 1, Feb 1 and Mar 1. I run it for about 45 min to an hour. It gets good and warm. I have had no issues with doing this in my C4, C5, or C7.
Then depending on our March weather it comes out for good. So fire that thing up and let it get to temp for a while and give it a few revs. It's great therapy. It sure beats the revs of my snowblower.
Then depending on our March weather it comes out for good. So fire that thing up and let it get to temp for a while and give it a few revs. It's great therapy. It sure beats the revs of my snowblower.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 111
Likes: 52
If it is high 40* or higher (I have new A/S 3 Plus r/fs) and no salt is on the road, I uncover the C7 and go for a ride for at least an hour or more. Good for the soul! Last run was early January, and with up to 12” of new snow predicted, that may be the last “exercise” it will get until the end of he month or into March.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 25,021
Likes: 2,714
From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
St. Jude Donor '13
Twice a month when our driveway is clear, I start it up and let idle for a while. Back out of the garage and idle some more while I test every cotton picking switch and control in the cockpit. Then drive it up and down 100' driveway a few times but stay off the salty street. Make sure I turn the steering full lock a few times. Etc. Usually takes about 20 minutes and gets the oil up to normal temp. Then park inside and shut down.
For those who say this is bad for the engine, I get an oil analysis after each change, just for fun. Changes done in the spring after 4-5 months of my starting technique, produce the same results (always good) as changes done with just a summer run on the oil. We went 8 years/102k miles on our 2009 and it was just fine.
I would not recommend running for just a minute or two only idle.
For those who say this is bad for the engine, I get an oil analysis after each change, just for fun. Changes done in the spring after 4-5 months of my starting technique, produce the same results (always good) as changes done with just a summer run on the oil. We went 8 years/102k miles on our 2009 and it was just fine.
I would not recommend running for just a minute or two only idle.
Racer
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 414
Likes: 95
Move to the Carolinas! My C7 is driven year round....I will go for a Sunday Morning Drive and love every minute of it. Battery tender is all I need. Very few Sundays missed due to rain or snow....maybe three times a year. I would NEVER live in northern climes.......
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,075
Likes: 570
From: Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada
Same here in Toronto! I was able to drive it until just before New Year's with the very mild snowless winter we've had here so far...hoping for an early spring in March!
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,415
Likes: 24,798
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Drove mine a couple of weeks ago. Since then, either rain or some snow with cinders/salt on the road. But it did rain today so hopefully that got a good start on washing away the salt/cinders.
