Thank you for your help. My brother has a 2010 (or 2011) Honda Accord, but is in the military overseas. I've been in charge to maintain the car while he is gone (due back May 2012). I live in New England and the car will be staying outside in my driveway. My question is: How often should I drive it and for how long so that the car isn't damaged from sitting? I would like to put the least amount of miles on the car as possible.

 

I would start it up once every week or two. Maybe drive it once a month?

I would consider getting a cover for the car, so the elements don't take a toll on the paint. Maybe store the battery inside when it gets cold outside.

Maybe someone on here will have some better suggestions for you.

 

Couple different ways to do this...

Probably the best is for you to actually drive it say once every week or 2. Not just around the block, but use it for the day. Of course, he'll need to agree & do the insurance thing so you're legal. But there's the risk of you getting in a crash or something silly like that.

Or you could prepare it for storage.
Full tank of fuel (no air-space for corrosion in the tank).
Change oil - old oil is more corrosive than new.
Sta-bil or some kind of fuel stabilizer product - pour into fuel tank.
Pump up the tires to something like 50 psi so they don't flat-spot from sitting.
Then REMOVE the battery & don't drive the car.
When he comes home, pull the spark plugs out & squirt a bit of oil in each cylinder. Pull the fuelpump fuse & crank it to circulate the oil.
On a 2010 I don't know what the alarm will do without a battery for a year.
The other problem with this method is mice eating the air filter & the wiring harness. Warranty won't cover that...