This question is not about storing the Cobalt, but it could be about any car...

I am looking at buying a 2000 Chevy S10 for $1000. I just want to have a pickup around for hauling things so I can stop using the Cobalt. Problem is, I would need it once a month probably, at most. I know what you should do to store a car for, say they whole Winter, but what should I be doing with a car that I plan on using still?

 

Hello,

There was a thread about winter storage a while back, and I asked our Technical Assistance Center for information on storage. I know you aren't looking for winter storage specifically, but thought the information might be useful for you anyways:

“Per page 5-40 of the Owners Manual General Motors advises the following:
Extended Storage: For extended storage of the vehicle, remove the black, negative cable from the battery or use a battery trickle charger. This helps maintain the charge of the battery over an extended period of time.

For any other possible concerns, if vehicle maintenance schedule found in section 6 of the owners manual is followed this will be the best course for customer in preventing any concerns if vehicle is stored. If customer is inclined they may want to start vehicle monthly and run 5-10 minutes, however, this is not required per General Motors. “

I hope this is useful for you,
Sarah
GM Customer Service

 

If you're gonna be driving it once a month just park it. We drive cara around less frequently than that all the time at work and never have a problem getting them started. The only time I would do storage prep is if you're gonna store it for 3 months or more (like over winter)

 

i put mine in for around 6 months usually. inflate tires to 40psi to avoid flat spots. park on peices of carpet as well. fuel stabilizer in a full tank of gas, insert steel wool into exhaust or intake to avoid rodents making a home, cover it to avoid scratches if people will be walking near it. disconnect battery. trickle charger is recommended but i never use one. three winters in the cold and car starts first turn no problem. you can put in silicon moisture absorbing bags or a small container of rice to suck up moisture in it as well. i had it in for 10 months and i had small patches of dusty mold growing in some spots. you can also latch the doors but don't close them fully so help prevent the door gaskets/weather stripping to become compressed permanently over time. hope this helps