First Newbie question; battery charge

[mgaut]

Hi

I'm now in posession of my new toy; '98 4.2 in Imperial Blue.

Given the lovely weather we're having, and the lack of a tax disk, it looks like the car will be spending a few days getting cleaned and polished rather than driven.

I've just ordered an Accumate, which should arrive next Wednesday, but meantime I was wondering how long I should expect the battery to last alarmed ?

Also, according to the handbook I shouldn't touch the 'master' key, which I thought would be a good idea to preserve the battery. Is this correct ?

Other than worrying about getting a flat battery, I'm chuffed to bits with the car (now I've worked out how the indicators cancel !!) although I only managed a sheepish 100 mile journey home on damp roads yesterday.

Any advice much appreciated

cheers

Mike

[Allandwf]

Mine lasts about 16 days, pretty good I thought .

[bam50]

I'd hope, assuming everything's ok (alternator, battery) that after a 100 mile drive it will still start way after your Accumate arrives.

[esso]

Depends on condition of battery,wouldn`t leave it more than 2weeks tho`

[petclub]

I used to leave my first one with a solar charger, this one is left attached to a trickle charger. I think they tended to last 10-14 days without.

PS, if you are in doubt with the battery, don't forget how the doors open

[mgaut]

thanks for the reassurance. I'll be trawling the post offices of Berkshire tomorrow to try and get a tax disk and put some miles on it before the accumate arrives.

Petclub; understood (re doors). I'm also reminded that I've got a solar charger somewhere, but not much use in the garage.

Mike

[volospian]

I left mine in the garage for two weeks and it didn't have quite enough to start the engine. It cranked over, but not quite enough to fire up. The battery is only a couple of months old as well.

Having said that, it's have a new set of plugs since then, and it would potentially benefit with a new set of leads and coil packs, as mine doesn't run 100% as it is.

[Olly]

mgaut said:

thanks for the reassurance. I'll be trawling the post offices of Berkshire tomorrow to try and get a tax disk and put some miles on it before the accumate arrives.

Petclub; understood (re doors). I'm also reminded that I've got a solar charger somewhere, but not much use in the garage.

Mike

As long as the car is insured & MOT'd, you can tax it online.

http://www.vehiclelicence.gov.uk/EvlPortalApp/

I've taxed a car online in the past & taken the print out with me & driven the car 10mins later. The Police records should update 45mins after you buy it online anyway....

Go & enjoy it !!!!

[Keithyboy]

Olly said:

mgaut said:

thanks for the reassurance. I'll be trawling the post offices of Berkshire tomorrow to try and get a tax disk and put some miles on it before the accumate arrives.

Petclub; understood (re doors). I'm also reminded that I've got a solar charger somewhere, but not much use in the garage.

Mike

As long as the car is insured & MOT'd, you can tax it online.

http://www.vehiclelicence.gov.uk/EvlPortalApp/

I've taxed a car online in the past & taken the print out with me & driven the car 10mins later. The Police records should update 45mins after you buy it online anyway....

Go & enjoy it !!!!

You're right but an offence is still commited and its an absolute one of failing to display the disc (notwithstanding whether or not it's actually taxed). . . it really depends on an officer exercising his discretion. Up to you of course whether you're prepared to take the risk.

[Essexboy]

Enjoy your new toy, particularly as its my old car. I sold it three years ago and only very rarely venture onto the site these days. I saw this for sale at Offords and nearly managed to persuade my wife to let me re-buy it! Looks like you have saved me from that dilemma.

[mgaut]

Essexboy said:

Enjoy your new toy, particularly as its my old car.

Hi Essexboy; you'll be glad to hear the car is in safe hands !!

if you've got any info on the car, please drop me a PM

Mike