Huddersfield Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 I got a new car back in September but obviously can't drive it now for the foreseeable. I've read that it's not good to leave a car idle for more than 2 or 3 weeks. Is that correct for a modern (petrol) engine? If it's not going anywhere for 3 months, should I at least be running it idle for a period of time every so often? Any other tips to keep it functional? Cheers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
euan2020 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 are you not self isolated if you stay inside your car ? unless its a new thing to do with electronics or catalytic converter, I've never heard that about lying idle 3 weeks - alternatively get someone else to drive it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huddersfield Posted March 24, 2020 Author Share Posted March 24, 2020 5 minutes ago, euan2020 said: are you not self isolated if you stay inside your car ? unless its a new thing to do with electronics or catalytic converter, I've never heard that about lying idle 3 weeks - alternatively get someone else to drive it The strict advice I'm under is not to go as far as the street in case I accidentally come close to someone, but it's quiet enough around here, so I could. I don't want to drive away in case of accident, breakdown, etc. To be honest, if I know it'll start fine come June/July, I'm not worried too much. My Plan B is to get my daughter to take it for a spin, but it's a Motability car, so although she's on the insurance, there are very tight restrictions about what she can & can't use it for. Easiest is definitely just to leave it where it is but I don't want to run into a bucket load of trouble with it further down the line. Cheers anwyay Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orraloon Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 Your battery might go flat but other than that it should be OK. Park it in a position where it's easy to get close to with another car, in case you need to jump start it. Also, the handbrake could seize on so, if it was me, I would block the wheels with bricks or something and leave the handbrake off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TDYER63 Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 Mr Tidy is an auto electrician. A flat battery is the only likely problem so just let the engine run occasionally. I would however suggest that this exactly the type of situation where your daughter should be allowed to use it. You have been instructed to self isolate therefore cant go to the shops, surely she should be able to use your car to go get you shopping. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ally Bongo Posted March 24, 2020 Share Posted March 24, 2020 If it's not going to be used for some time get someone to take it for a run round the block every couple of weeks Any good mechanic will tell you this Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fish Supper Posted March 25, 2020 Share Posted March 25, 2020 Flat Battery, also if left for prolonged periods you are at risk of flat spots on your tyres. Furry bastards getting in there and nesting. Then the normal vandalism by fecking Neds and Nedettes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Col Posted March 25, 2020 Share Posted March 25, 2020 +1 on the handbrake, if you are not going to use it A run of 5 miles or so once a week should be enough to keep it running fine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Huddersfield Posted March 25, 2020 Author Share Posted March 25, 2020 Thanks for the advice folks - as always, much appreciated. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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