My car is my DD, but I will be deploying for the next year and a half, so my wife will be taking over maintenance and driving during that time. Shes terrified of the car, and needless to say, will be driving it as little as she possibly can. I know a lot of guys only drive their cars on the weekends which is why this question is directed more towards them.
Question being; How much driving can she get away with while still preserving the internals as much as possible? I know long periods of sitting is bad and starting the car up without driving it weekly is bad as well. Im Trying to put together a schedule for her so the car will be good to go when I get back.
What would you guys recommend?
Im thinking maybe Sat or Sunday go for a 30 minute drive with freeways. And the occasional commute to/from work (about 10 miles) During the week.

Any added info I need for limited driving?

Thanks for any useful input you can give.

 

The important thing is to get the car up to operating temperature for a while. 30 minutes on the highway once a week should be fine.

 

Okay cool. maintenance is still at normal intervals correct? or does any of that change with this particular driving habit?

 

You may need to get a Battery Tender to keep your battery fully charged.

 

got it thanks!

 

Option one - leave it parked.
Research 'winterizing' the vehicle (gas stablizer, parking brake off/wheels chocked, battery removed and on a trickle charger, frame jacked, etc...)

Option Two - run it once every two weeks for 15/20 minutes (like stated above).

Expect to do an oil change when you get back - regardless of mileage.

(and thanks for serving! Stay Safe)

 

Yeah the wife is going to be driving it. Just gotta set up a schedule for her so she knows when, how often, maintenance, etc.
Thanks!

 

To bad, i would have driven it for you during your leave.

but if your wife at the least drive your z once a week to get the juices flowing then the z should be fine until you arrive.

 

haha I got a bunch of offers to drive it, so its good to know she'll have a backup lol.

 

First of all, Thank you for your service! I am currently serving in the U.S. Army myself and I'm getting ready to head out on my second deployment to Afghanistan in may. So my hat's off to you man!!! But I could also use a little advice as pertaining to what to do with my Z as well.. Hmmm... Mine is going to be sitting in a garage for a year until I get back I'm a single soldier so Noone will be taking care of mine while I'm gone.. that's for sure.

 

Thanks man. Never been to the sandbox, but good luck to you out there.
Honestly if the car is going to be sitting I would do what Sylvia Zcarr recommended in post 6. Ive been told by a few people that leaving it sit is not bad as long as you follow the proper precautions.

 

i had two of my cars stored during deployment ( im in the army infantry) be careful with the on post storage they dont take care of the cars at all, when i got back both cars were completely flat dead batteries and my car covers were stolen and the cars looked like a pile of dirt, for tunismo try and have a married soldier keep it at his house and have his wife drive it around here and there, and pizzato you have the right idea twice monthly will be fine. g/l over seas.

 

Hey thanks a lot bro! And you too man. The deployment is not quite as bad as some people make it out to be... you'll enjoy it man!!

 

Infantry?? Nice. I'm a cavalry scout (19D) we have a pretty good mix of 11B and 19D in my unit over here in VA. But I'm going to take your advice into consideration man. I guess ill know about a month before I head out in may.. its just that I'm not totally comfortable with leaving my valuables with others while I'm gone for a significant amount of time.. ya know? I'm sure you know where I'm coming from on this one lol. And by the way, thanks for your service as well!!

 

My car was a DD, but drive it on the weekends now. I drive it once a week, for about 30 min. to an hour. If I leave it for two weeks, my battery dries up and doesn't start. I have a Viper system that might be draining it faster. Anyways, as mentioned previously, suggest a trickle charger. I also keep it covered for the days not driving. May want to consider a cover.

 

I work with a lot of 19 series guys, if any of you army or marine guys come through NTC at ft irwin hit me up, anyways g/l with the car and deployment.

 

Sure will bro!!

 

I jost got back a few months ago and my old lady didnt run the car as much as I like. She started once a week and drove it to get washed once a month. Did change the oil either. Got home cranked the car up and drove it first day. The next day got cold and battery was dead.

Just have her crank it once a week and let it idle.

 

I have let my cars sit for up to two months at a time with no problems. I have a battery maintainer on each and park them in the garage on carpet squares to avoid the flat tire problem.

 

-I have written out a plan for her to drive it, maintain it, etc. I have included two possible alternatives for her. 1. she drives it to work twice a week about 10 miles each way. or 2. she drives it once every two weeks in the designated route for 45 minutes total highway time. She likes option 1.
-I have also included oil change dates and mileage (whichever occurs first) As well as purchased the oil and filter to have someone replace at the designated time.
-I have someone contracted to come down and detail the car twice a month ( buddy of mine).
-I also have some local specialized shops should anything happen and a mobile mechanic at the ready.
-I have raised the car to close to stock height now and removed the V1 lip so shes not worried and Im not worried.

I think everything is in order now. I leave Friday.
Appreciate all the inputs!