Leaving a car sitting

[E36BMW3series]

I'm in college now, only 20-30 min away from home, but I am not keeping my car on campus. I have a question about leaving it at home in the garage. I will probably drive it on weekends every once in a while until it starts snowing, but anyways.

Should I leave the gas tank pretty full, or keep it emptyish and only fill it before I drive it?

I think it would be best to leave it emptyish and fill it when I want to drive it to get fresh gas in there, but my friend said something about buildup or whatever if it is not full.

Maybe get some fuel stabilizer and dump a little in before I park it.

[gregmm6]

If you're driving it weekly, it'll be fine sitting as is. Fuel doesn't degrade that quickly.

[AwesomeIsLuke]

If you're driving it weekly, it'll be fine sitting as is. Fuel doesn't degrade that quickly.

This.

I had a full tank of gas sitting in my E38 for 9 months (over a winter too) while i did the swap, without starting the car at all. It started right up when it was done.

Add a bottle of stabil if you are worried.

[Y2KZ3]

Good Question. .

[jettore]

Start it up and drive it once a month and you'll be fine as long as the battery is strong, or better yet leave a battery tender on it. Just make sure you warm it up and drive for a bit if you only take it out once a month.

[sbblowz]

ur fine if ur gonna drive it every weekend

[E36BMW3series]

Thanks for the replies. I really wasn't too worried, just wanted some opinions.

Anyone have an idea how long gas lasts?

I'm planning on just leaving the tank pretty much empty and adding new gas when I get back home to drive it.

[gregmm6]

I'd add a fuel stabilizer if I were going to let it sit for 4 months or longer. However, I think fuel will last much longer than that if stored properly, I just like to stay on the safe side.

[tiFreak]

are you using ethanol gas? that breaks down a lot faster than regular gas so if you have it you might want to keep your tank empty

[Mad Machine]

Leave the tank FULL and add a stabiliser. As the temps slowly drop as fall and winter approach, the fuel tank will develop condensation inside and slowly dilute the fuel with water. The More full the tank is.. the less condensation that can occure and the more fuel there is to compensate for what water does find it's way in.

[duxhockey24]

my dads 79 triumph spitfire never see's the sky in the winter and sits with a full tank and stabil in it. Starts right up in the spring

[Cheyne]

One of the Fiats I have in my garage awaiting restoration sat for two and a half years without being started. It started up first time (once I reconnected the battery) by which time the petrol would have been at least three years old. Not that I'd recommend you treat an M3 in the same way :)