During the Winter or wet summers - tips

[acepoole]

Can someone please advice me on the best way to treat an S3 if you do not manage to take it out for weeks on end. Should i start the car once a week and leave it running, and if so for how long. Or is it ok to use it as and when???

[rustoni]

If leaving it for a week or two you shouldn't really have a problem as long as you keep the battery in tip top conditon using an Accumate charger or similar. I can only use my car at the weekend so try to use it at least once a week even if it's just a 30 min blast up the motorway.

You didn't say how long you leave the car without using it ?

[acepoole]

Well i use it just at weekends at the moment and if its wet some weekends it may go 3 weeks without a run. Does it do the car any harm just to start and let it run for 5 mins, if the above occurs. Where can i purchase a battery maintainer?? Many thanks

[Rower]

I agreee, as long as the baterey is topped up you will be fine, but I do not think that running it for few minutes is good at all, a lot of unburnt petrol will be left in the bores which tends to run down the side of the pistons, disolving the oil film which will result in wear to the bores, condensation in the exhaust is another issue unless you have S/S.Ideally get it out get it up to working temp and enjoy it , a bit of water is not going to result in a pile of rust lying in the garage next time you look !


Guy

[Podie]

Agreed - get out and drive the bloody thing..!

[roy c]

The engine takes so long to warm up and a lot of the wear takes place when it's cold, so I would agree that it is best not to run the engine if you are not going to drive the car.

Get an Airflow Battery Conditioner:
www.calamander.co.uk/batteryconditioners/airflow.htm
or an Accumate:
www.accumate.co.uk/

>> Edited by roy c on Thursday 6th March 15:33

[S2 giles]

I generally run mine for an hour every couple of weeks to keep it in prime condition. I'm a beleiver that letting it sit for 6 months will create loads more problems.

I charge the battery up slowly (just to top up)about twice a winter. Otherwise you can buy a trickle charger device based on solar power (no good in my garage) or from the mains (i worry about anything being plugged in full time while i'm not there)

Anyway if you warm it up then you may as well go for a blast

Have fun