gas/ oil additive for infrequently used vehicles?

[Jake]

Hello ETCG;

I have two vehicles (2004 E350 Super Duty van, 5.4 litre gas w/ 119K & 1995 Ford F150 5.0 litre w/ 75K) which I drive very infrequently. I have a job that provides me an assigned vehicle which I can drive 24/7 w/in my jurisdiction. I am a part-time contractor as a hobby and for friends who need h help on their houses. I need both of the above vehicles but they driven VERY little. The van was driven less than 1,000 miles in one year and the calipers seized. I watched ETCG vid.s and was able to push back the pistons and clean & relube slide pins (silicone of course) and anti-seize on hardware at contact points. Works GREAT thanks.
I keep vehicles on solar trickle chargers to keep batteries strong. I have a 4th car (camry) that I drive 2-3/ month, so I do not have troubles with this car. All cars are cleaned and waxed; oil changed, tires rotated, etc…. I use BG44K a couple times a year and water evaporator in the winter (live in Virginia). I am big on prevent maintenance, but I do have time to drive the vehicles. They are kept in back of property for HOA reasons and it is awkward to jockey vehicles around for a monthly maintenance drive.
I know non-use of vehicles is bad- if not just as bad- as poorly maintained vehicles. I understand on start up all the oil (cylinder lubrication) is in the pan.

QUESTION: Is there a gas additive or engine oil additive you recommend to prevent wear/ damage to engines that have not been started in awhile?

I know condensation from non-use in exhaust system causes rust and premature break down.
QUESTION 2: Are there other concerns/ solutions for infrequently used vehicles?

Thanks a bunch.

PS: I saw your most recent posting and you look great. CONGRATULATIONS on losing 60lbs. I am a big health advocate and believe in prevent maintenance in our bodies by keeping healthy (weight and exercise) is better than going to the doctor when trouble occurs.
Way to go!

PEACE !!
JAKE VA

Topic

[college man]

Keep the fuel tank fuel and use a fuel stabilizer of your choice.
stabil for ethanol or sea foam will stabilize your fuel.
Just start the vehicles to keep the engine and transmission seals
lubricated.

[Jake]

Thanks for quick reply.

I recognize the need to lubricate engine and AT seals by starting the engine. I have been told that short rides (or engine idling alone w/o driving)is bad b/c it introduces moisture to both systems. I thought it is necessary to ride vehicle for 20,30 minutes to burn off moisture.

Thanks again for quick reply and good information.

What do you think of RESTORE, LUCAS, TECHRON?

[EricTheCarGuy]

[quote=”college man” post=99496]Keep the fuel tank fuel and use a fuel stabilizer of your choice.
stabil for ethanol or sea foam will stabilize your fuel.
Just start the vehicles to keep the engine and transmission seals
lubricated.[/quote]

+1 It’s actually worse for them if you do nothing. In this case I think starting and running them is the lesser of 2 evils.

[Author]

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