Hi all,

 

I'm leaving my baby (03 Taurus) in New York for the holidays while I take the train home.

 

Should I do anything special to it? I have a full tank of gas, but am not sure if it needs anything else b/c it will be outside for 2.5 weeks.

 

Thanks

Is there any way some can start it for you periodically?

Is there any way some can start it for you periodically?

My roommate will be back in a week--would it help if I left her a note and some keys to ask her to do that?

I think it would. I know when it gets cold I set mine to start during the night just to keep the fluids moving and the battery from freezing.

She should start the car at least once a week and let it run for about 10 minutes.

Get some Heet and put it in the gas and maybe a little fuel stabilizer. You should be fine with those two even without someone starting it all the time.

Get some Heet and put it in the gas and maybe a little fuel stabilizer. You should be fine with those two even without someone starting it all the time.

How did I forget that one?!

 

Definitely do that.

Go with mreye. As long as the gas line doesn't freeze and the gas doesn't gum up, you should be fine.

If it's being left outside you may also consider a tarp to cover the exterior. Auto parts stores will sell you one that is made specifically for your size car.

Soxy, I would only do two things:

 

1) Make sure the tank is at least 1/2 full the entire time

 

2) Take the battery out, and put it in the house.(Very easy to do, would take you 5 minutes.)

 

An '03 Taurus doesn't need to be idled, or have fuel treatment added. Modern engines are extremely resilient.

An '03 Taurus doesn't need to be idled, or have fuel treatment added.  Modern engines are extremely resilient.

The fuel treatment would be for the fuel. Gasoline tends to "gel" at extreme cold temps.