2021 Yukon 6.2L not driven much - how often does it need to be driven for good health?

[tagexpcom]

We recently bought a used 2021 Yukon Denali w/6.2L for towing our camper. I have a battery tender on it as it can be 4 or 8 or 12 weeks sitting in the garage between camping trips.

Question: How often (beside battery charging) does a vehicle need to be 'exercised' to keep oil / internals functioning smoothly? Is a 5 mile drive every month good enough? or every 2 weeks?

I read once that oil can drain more than normal (causing harm on startup) if a vehicle sits too long - making me think a vehicle must be exercised regularly to reduce harm but have no idea of it's true.

Advice welcome

 

[RST Dana]

I’m confused about your oil drains slowly statement. Draining where? Does the engine have oil leaks? The oil will drain into the pan much quicker at normal operating temp than only after a few minutes post start up. Otherwise I would suggest taking it out for a trip to the ice cream store at least once a month.

 

[tagexpcom]

I’m confused about your oil drains slowly statement. Draining where? Does the engine have oil leaks? The oil will drain into the pan much quicker at normal operating temp than only after a few minutes post start up. Otherwise I would suggest taking it out for a trip to the ice cream store at least once a month.

No leaks, just draining slowly in to the oil pan (adjusted my comment above). So that after many weeks there's less than normal oil/fluid in the engine causing excessive wear when one finally starts it.

Likely an old wives' tale

 

[Stbentoak]

Dump some seafoam in it, keep it on a tender, and don’t worry about it. i’d be more worried about the fuel going bad with non-use than anything. I have vehicles that sit six months at a time seasonally. Hasn’t hurt them a bit and have done it for years….

 

[Joseph Garcia]

You will be fine with the battery tender. As recommended above, take it out for a drive once a month, and try to have it active for at least 30 minutes on each drive.

 

[GMCnewbee]

As mentioned above, my biggest concern would be keeping fresh, or at least "good" gas in the fuel system.

 

[tagexpcom]

Thanks for replies!

 

[Fless]

You will be fine with the battery tender. As recommended above, take it out for a drive once a month, and try to have it active for at least 30 minutes on each drive.

^^ This. Every time it's driven it should get to full operating temp. 5 minutes isn't going to do that and will cause more harm than not running it at all.