Maintenance For A Rarely Driven Weekend Car.

[KezR33]

Hey guys,

I've recently bought a 180sx with the intention of getting it out onto the track. It's registered, but not very street friendly, plus it lives at my parents house, so needless to say it gets driven at most once a fortnight and for 30min tops (ignoring track days).

My question is what can I do to maintain this car when it is rarely driven?

It is my understanding that fuel can go stale, how long does this take?

Should I keep the bare minimum fuel in the car and fill it up as I use it?

My father told me that it's better to have a full tank than to keep partially filling as it keeps everything cleaner, running smoother, etc.

Should I keep a full tank and just throw an octane booster or something into it if it's been a while?

I've currently got the battery on a trickle charger, is this okay or am I better off just disconnecting it completely.

Are there any other issues I should be aware of, like the tyres sitting on the same spots for up to 4 weeks straight?

Is there any other advice you can give? Any thing I should or shouldn't be doing when I take it on its fortnightly drives?

Sorry for the noob questions, I just want to ensure I'm doing everything I can to keep the 180 running at its best.

Thanks.

[StevenCJR31]

depending on what tyres you have they should be fine

if it was my car id disconnect the battery

fuel should be fine, id keep it at a minimal level and would only put in what id need for it on the day

[dan.1337]

I left my R33 for about 6 weeks, drove it for 15 mins then left it for another 2 weeks. It'll probably be another 4 weeks before I drive it again.

DIdn't disconnect battery, tank was full from the last time I drove it and everything was fine. Car started first time, no flat spots on tyres. Checked coolant and that was a little low (have a leaky radiator which I need to replace) so I've topped that up and it should be fine to sit for another 4 weeks.

I think you'll be fine to just leave it for 4 weeks at a time. If it's months then i think people start to look at rotating tyres and putting trickle chargers on it.

[nick81xd]

My car gets driven very little had it just clicked over 20,000 in 6 years. Can sit for over month sometimes.

I leave tank just above quarter and put fuel in accordingly depending on use. Wouldnt hurt to run booster occasionally, just make sure if going for tune its all gone, don't want to have to run booster all time.

I run A battery cut of switch and give battery a top up from time to time with decent charger (ctek). Never have start issues when wanna drive.

I've haven't come across tyre issues, think sitting tyres are only issue if light truck tyres.

Always just check fluids and stuff before use.

On side note have pen and paper to make note of issues needing fixing/changing, I've found often forget about them until time to drive again.

Edited July 30, 2013 by nick81xd