HOW OFTEN?

[vande17941]

The obvious answer is "every minute you can".

But, how often should we drive our cars to keep them in optimum condition. I like to drive mine for special occasions, Pacific Coast Highway cruises, so forth. But I don't like to drive it in traffic.

But how long should we go and keep the car running great and all the seals fresh? Once a week, once every two weeks, a month?

[Cees Klumper]

I would think that a long (50 km) drive at varying including relatively high speeds every month or two would do the trick. Good question.

[Jonny B]

I would agree with Cees. It is not enough to just get the temperature gauge up to normal indicating position. You need to run the car long enough to get the oil hot to ensure that any condensation or water from the combustion process is boiled off.

[Tyler S]

If weather does not permit driving the car you should at least exercise as many items as possible. Sit in the car and keep the revs up around 2k. This conditions the battery better than just at idle. Helps boil off condensation as Jonny pointed out. Pump the brake pedal a few times. Cycle the parking brake. Shift into gears. Turn the wheel left and right. Exercise the heater controls especially the left connected to the heater valve. Lets coolant circulate through the core and also prevents the inevitable valve freeze-up. Cycle doors,  locks, and latches. And if all possible, move the car a few inches to change the tire to ground contact points. Prevents tire flat spotting.