I'm thinking about working away from home for a year or two and I'd only be able to drive my Dodge every 6 weeks or so. I read some tech letter today in Road and Track asking a similar question and it sounds like it might not be good for an engine to be run so infrequently due to all of the oil draining down, etc. Would I be causing long-term wear by driving it only once a month or so?

 

IMO the worst thing for a truck is not being used.

That said, 6 weeks is not a hugely long time to go without being driven. Just make sure that the engine gets USED when you actually do drive it-- ideally you'd be towing something. In lieu of that, just get it good and hot-- let it warm up nice and easy, then drive with a lead foot. Turn on the A/C whether you need it or not, and run it continuously.

You'll need to change the oil a little more frequently and keep on eye on fluids, but the truck should handle sitting for 6 weeks without problem.



I'm in the military and currently stationed in Hawaii. I couldn't take my truck here with me, so I had to figure out what I was going to do with it for the 3-year period when I was overseas. The Air force wanted to put my truck in storage for three years. My Dad related to me his experience with storing a car for just one year, and the thing was essentially destroyed by lack of usage: all the seals were shot, engine had rust, corrosion, etc. He agreed to "borrow" my truck while I was over here and be a custodian, sort of.

He wins because he gets to drive a hot rod diesel without making payments on it. I win because my truck is getting used regularly and responsibly.

My poor Dad had no experience driving something with almost 1000 ft lbs on tap--- he was pretty floored to be sure. In fact, the last diesel he drove regularly was his dearly beloved VW Rabbit-- which had all of 50hp


JH