I seldom use my car. I only use it for about once a month. My question is How often do I have to warm up my car at a time when not in use.

In order to keep the battery charged and a new flow of motor oil, every five days in warm weather and every three days in cold weather. be sure to allow your engine to run for at least fifteen minutes, each time.

If your cars battery is over or approaching three years old, i would start the engine more often. older batteries can acquire a dead cell at any given moment. a dead cell means your battery will no longer hold a charge and its time for a replacement.

Personally I would recommend selling your car and renting one when you need one. They will pick you up, it will cost about $50, and that's it. Sorry, add gas costs. So, $50 x 12 = $600 per year to use a new, well-maintained, different (you can choose any car you want everytime) vehicle once per month. $600 is less than basic insurance, nevermind your additional insurance, the car's cost, maintenance, certification, etc.

Like I mentioned, you can choose any vehicle you want every month. So, if you need to move some boxes, get a small pickup. If you need to take people to a party, rent a minivan. See where I'm going?

Now, if you want to keep your car anyways, then you need to prep it everytime you leave it.

1. Leave the gas tank completely full. Fill it up close to home, and when the pump shuts off take it out. Don't top it off. This will keep air out of the tank and keep the gas fresh as well as keep water out of the gas.
2. Clean it before you park it. Any dirt, salt, etc. on wheels, paint, metal, etc will rust/corrode the surface and be a big pain to repair when you come back to it.
3. Check the fluids. Change your oil every 3 months. Period. You don't drive much but the oil still breaks down. To keep the engine in good condition change it every 3 months.

While it's in storage, you should take it out and drive it around for at least 5 minutes every week. Around the block, etc. Don't just let it idle as this does nothing for the drivetrain components that need to keep moving. Turn left, turn right, stop and go a few times, and make sure every component gets a little workout. Don't drive it for 30 seconds down the street, pop into the store, then drive it 30 seconds back. This is horrible for the car because it doesn't get a chance to warm up.

I personally recommend the rental option for you, but if you want to keep your car then I strongly advise that you follow my tips.

Good luck,
Hope this helps

I would say at least once a week should do it unless you live where it get below 0 quite often in winter then every other day. When you are not useing your car how are you getting around?

I am in the same situation...but sometimes I go for weeks without starting it up..However it is in a heated garage if that makes any difference.But it has never been a problem.

When I am away from home working my friend starts my car for me and leaves it to get warm every three days