While not typically thought of as a maintenance procedure in of itself, actually “keeping it running” helps to ensure your vehicle will continue to keep running normally well into the future. Driving it long enough each time for the engine coolant to reach normal operating temperature is ideal. By contrast, “parking” your car or truck actually encourages component seizure, overall decay and devaluation.
Unless you have taken the proper steps to store your vehicle on a long-term basis (six months or more), you need to drive or run your car or truck at least once a month. Otherwise, if your collectible has a computer, operate it at least every two weeks. If you cannot run your car on the street, you can operate it on secured jack stands when all four wheels are safely off the ground and can freely move.
Before your operating ritual, make sure your battery is at a fully charged capacity. While your car is sitting (or better yet just after it was last run), disconnect the battery and/or connect it to a trickle charger, an inexpensive product you can pick up at a retailer such as Battery Warehouse or Battery Central Mall.
Once you enter the vehicle, before starting it, first crank your engine 2 – 3 times to circulate the oil 10 to 15 seconds per time. With a cold engine that has been sitting for weeks, all of the oil is at the bottom of the oil pan so this cranking procedure will help circulate the oil. (Incidentally, after changing your oil, also employ this cranking procedure before starting a warm engine to avoid metal-to-metal contact to help protect the bearings on an old engine.)
On carbureted engines, Stay Off the accelerator before or while cranking to slow the travel of gas to the carb. After the second or third crank, tap on the throttle and release to as you would normally start the engine.
On fuel injected vehicles, since turnover is instantaneous, you will need to interrupt the fuel pump relay and fuel pump circuit first. On cars and trucks with a key, first remove the fuel pump relay and/or if present, the fuse to the fuel pump. These are located in the fuse box and can be identified in your shop or owner’s manual. After cranking the engine 2- 3 times, replug these so you will be able to start.
On some vehicles with a push button start such as GM or Ford, first hold the accelerator to the floor with your right foot, while also depressing the brake pedal, with the left foot, press the start button and crank for 10 to 15 seconds. (On a manual transmission, you may need to depress the clutch instead of the brake, depending on the vehicle.) Do not release the accelerator and press the start button again to cease the cranking each time. (If you release the accelerator before you again press the start button off, you will rev up a cold engine, which could lead to engine damage). Once back in the ignition “off “position, start the vehicle as normal.
The cranking procedure discussed above may be in your owner’s manual, but can also be found online.. Not all makes and models have a push start button cranking option so check with your dealer or mechanic first to obtain their recommendation before attempting. Contributed by Alan Power
