Basic winter question…
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 13,602
Likes: 12,864
From: Virginia
I don't think anyone is saying it will hurt the engine (unless I missed it). The point is it is pointless to let it idle for 5-10 minutes. In 30 below I've been know to let it idle for almost 5 minutes but that is just so all the frost melts off the outside of the windshield if it's been parked outside.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 1,202
Likes: 569
From: MSP
Even still, I'd have to dangle that thing out the hatch and plug it into a wall, and now I have a damn cord laying out there. My garage is annoying enough to walk through already, disconnecting the battery is free, easy, and lets me dolly the car around without a care! :P
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 13,602
Likes: 12,864
From: Virginia
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 13,602
Likes: 12,864
From: Virginia
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 5,887
Likes: 1,555
From: Calgary Alberta
Unlike last winter, I have another car (Mazda 6) available to me this winter. This does not mean I intend to store my C7 all winter. I do plan to take it out on decent sunny days. It does not snow much where I live. Temperatures hover between 20-40 in winter.
My question is, how often should I start it up and drive it? Is it okay to park it for 10, 15 or 20 days or more or should I ensure I get it out to ensure it (tires, oil etc) remains optimal. If yes, how often?
My question is, how often should I start it up and drive it? Is it okay to park it for 10, 15 or 20 days or more or should I ensure I get it out to ensure it (tires, oil etc) remains optimal. If yes, how often?
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 14,606
Likes: 219
From: Ohio
That looks like a trip hazard. Hope you have good health insurance for the broken hip.
jk
obligatory
Actually a very nice setup.
I run the cord through my cracked passenger window.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 1,202
Likes: 569
From: MSP
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Safety Car
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 3,680
Likes: 1,040
better)
Why?... what Exactly is "better" in the "let it sit" method of start up and go time. Cold engine, cold oil, cold bones! Let it sit... I gotta Move when I'm cold.. Some how, some way, I gotta move...says the C5!... So I let it warm up a bit.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 45,267
Likes: 8,542
From: Rochester, NY
I guess I am one of those old guys - when I am not driving the car, it is hooked to a battery maintainer. Not sure why the hesitancy to use one, but your car, your choice. I have never had a battery fail using one and only replaced them after a lengthy period of time as a preventative measure.
I would agree with do not just start the car and let it idle for a few minutes. Better to just let it sit unless you can take it out for a ride and get all fluids up to temp.
I would agree with do not just start the car and let it idle for a few minutes. Better to just let it sit unless you can take it out for a ride and get all fluids up to temp.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 1,202
Likes: 569
From: MSP
What you quoted was intended to communicate that if you're storing the car, going out to your garage and firing it up "just to get the fluids moving" or whatever is pointless at best, destructive at worst. Cold starts aren't nice to the engine, as you have minimal lubrication from the remaining oil film until you gain oil pressure and flow throughout the engine. There's no reason to subject your car to that every however often when you could instead just not.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 329
As the kids say, Corvette owners are “extra”. All the warm climate guys must be having a good laugh but the rest of us are suffering with these issues critical to the delicate nature of these exotic GM vehicles. This is no laughing matter. A knowing smirk is OK though.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 955
From: Central Commiefornia
Sitting unused and unmaintained kills batteries, especially in extreme climates. In the absence of my battery maintainer I'd want to drive it at least a half hour once a week to help battery longevity.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 329
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 1,202
Likes: 569
From: MSP
under a car cover... I can stretch this one to say yes.
not on jackstands though, and never a tender
safe and sound, guarded by a cheap camera.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 83
Likes: 44
From: Tyrol
Tipp:
Buy an extension from CTEK. So you can close the hatch complete. There is enough space that the cable will not be damaged.
Reason: the car will not fully shut down when hatch ore engine hood is open (sensors!)
