Think I'll be ok only...
 

using 1/2 tank of gas while my car sits this winter? Know it a little late but I noticed the other day its not full. Think I'm ok for another month or so at half?

You should be good. just start your car at least once a week for a good 15 minutes.. and if you are storing it, put towels under your wipers so it wont leave rubber marks on the windshield.

NO! Don't start your car!

From info I've seen, that's the worst thing you can do.
I'll see if I can find some links........

Running for 15 min does not bring everything up to temp.
The only way to run your car is to actually take it out on the road on a nice day & put a few miles on.

Here's a good site on storage

Still looking for one about not starting car.
"Exercising The Car
If you could not find anyone to drive your vehicle while you were away, you'll need to take your baby for a serious drive. Starting the engine and letting it run until it reaches normal operating temperature is not good enough, and could actually harm the engine. The best thing is a 40 mile drive every two months with the air conditioner on to keep things loose and limber. If this was done it will feel like the same vehicle you've come to know and love."

^ true story. bring it up the 3k- 3.5k too.

I agree with everyone so far, I left the car for a month in the cold but in a garage and had a friend turn the engine on once a week for me for upkeep. But at the end of the month I went to take it out for a spin since the weather was much nicer and boy, there were a lot of creaking....especially brakes and suspension, while backing out of my friend's inclined driveway. Brakes gave a little and wasn't stopping as before...but it definitely changed the ride. After awhile, everything was back to normal once driving it regularly. It's like waking up after a long deep sleep, all the joints are stiff and you just need to stretch out to get back in shape :)

Its been tucked away since November and has only seen pavement twice since. Prob wont get to really drive it anymore than in my subdivision till April. Guess I should just not start it until I'm ready to drive it every day again.

leave her be until Spring
 

Better to leave it until spring and don't start it for idling or short 1-2 mile trips. If you are going to drive it make sure it's for at least 20 miles or so to get it fully warmed up and all the condensation out of the engine and exhaust. If you're storing it keep the tank full, the tires cranked up to 40PSI and the park brake off.
Mine has been stored since NOv 19 and will be coming out of hibernation on April 9.


Deane

What about the tires...

Shouldnt they be driven up on carpet as to eliminate their contact with the cement ?

ppp