I have a 2000 Cadillac sts which sits in the garage alot?

[Rick W]

I only drive the Cadillac about once a month, less in the winter and more in the summer as I live in Chicago and dont like salt on the paint. 3 weeks ago was the last time I drove it. I went to start it up this morning and the interior lights wouldent go on because of dead battery. I purchased a new battery last year. Is the security system draining the battery? Is this common? Am I letting the car sit too long, I hear it's bad for the seals. How often should I drive the car? I dont drive it very much out of fear of paying $3500 for headgasket.

 

[Firemedic]

Honestly those cars had more problems with the lower end of the engines leaking oil than they do headgaskets. The engine half seals leak and cost $2000-2500 to fix. Yes, you are causing problems by not driving the car. Things go bad by both time and mileage. The battery is draining to keep the engine computer, clock, radio memory and other things alive. If it is not driven the battery drains until it is dead. If you drive it only for short distance the engine never recharges the battery. You need to be driving it at least 10 minutes at a time before shutting it off, and at least once a week or more. Gasoline goes bad in approx 1 month to 6 weeks. Your gas is going to gel up in the fuel injectors and fuel tank before you use it all. If you arent willing to drive the car then the best optino is to sell it.