Is it worth servicing?

[DougX]

Due to the coronavirus I have only undertaken 300 miles in my XK8 since the last major service at my franchise dealer in May 2020. The car has been service by a franchise dealer every year since new in 2005. It is unlikely that I will be using the car until the latter end of the year, if at all! I am currently taking out of the garage on 1st of each month and starting it up and run it for 1/2 hour, just to keep the engine lubricated. I suspect other members are in the same position due to the lack of use over the past year. I would welcome other members thoughts whether it is worth considering having it serviced when it become due in May.

[davidr]

Hi Doug - my view would be yes. There are many things on the car that will deteriorate with age so the car that you think you parked up will not be the car you bring out again.
The oil will also deteriorate, especially if you run it up regularly without driving it properly as that will encourage the build up of moisture in the oil that in the absence of a good run that properly gets everything up to temperature will accumulate.
My view would be that at the very least an oil change would be good idea. In addition I would be checking the rubber components for perishing and making sure the brakes aren't sticking or dragging.
I've used my XKR a bit during lockdown (approx 1000 miles in the last year) but my XJS had only done about 400 miles between MOTs but both got an annual service including oil and filter change anyway.
Hope that helps

[DougX]

Thanks David for your points of view. I may just change the oil and filter myself as I have an oil tray.

[Astromorg]

The 'lost' year will also count in determining when some time-dependent items should be done.

So 5 yearly for the later orange coloured coolant. (4 yearly for the earlier versions?)
Every 2 years for the brake fluid.
Ten years (absolute max) for tyres, five is better.
Serpentine and supercharger belts. Normally at 100k miles, no time interval given by Jaguar, but include them in the rubber checks mentioned by David.

What better to do for a day than pore over your XK8 looking for ways to ensure it runs reliably into that bright future on the horizon

[J44EAG]

Regular short runs whilst in long term storeage are to be avoided.

For every cold start actioned, it takes thirty miles of road going use to burn off the harmful side effects of a cold start. ie oil contamination and moisture content.

Best to store a car with fresh oil and preferably change again when recommissioning comes about. Expensive given the cost of the oils we use but the best thing you can do for your pride and joy.

My XJR350 hasn`t been used for over a year now. An oil change will occur once the warmer weather gets to us again. Too cold for me to crawl around under the car at the moment.

An invitation to Davidr. "Come and give me a hand, Mate"! Beer and steak at The White Bear if you do!!

Mike K