Can you drive your car too little??

[Mikee]

Kinda worried as last week I found mayo under the oil cap and after speaking to 4 diff mechanics and taking it into seat I've been told its cos I only do short journeys.

My car was registered 3 years ago next month and it's only done 8k

I only drive 300 miles a month and use the Audi for everything else.

Any thoughts?

[daboy3000]

Yes, when I had my Porsche they used to talk about this all the time as one of the biggest reasons for faults.

Short journeys will kill the battery, sitting still for a long time can turn the tyres into 50p shapes, also things will seize up after a while.

Why do you need a car you don't use, drop it round mine and I'll look after it for you!!!!

[MAT ED30]

8k in 3 years   it's a car drive it   its not some rare super car it's a golf drive the thing

[Mikee]

8k in 3 years   it's a car drive it   its not some rare super car it's a golf drive the thing

Lol it's not a Golf it's a Leon. I've only had it a year it was mega low milage when I got it.

I just don't get the chance to drive it at the weekends cos we have an A3 sportsback for the dog lol

[Mikee]

8k in 3 years   it's a car drive it   its not some rare super car it's a golf drive the thing

That's pretty much what they said to me (apart from dropping it off to you)

[daboy3000]

Oh, it's a Seat!

I would just leave it in the garage then.  

[Mikee]

Oh, it's a Seat!

I would just leave it in the garage then.  

Haha I neede a cheap banger for work ;)

[MAT ED30]

Go fill the tank worth v power and don't come back until it's empty 

[Mikee]

Go fill the tank worth v power and don't come back until it's empty 

I never have the time mate :(

[MAT ED30]

If you can't drive it why have it? I know it nice to have a nice car but if your never going to drive it why have it  cars are for driving and enjoying. Get it sold and get a cheap fun little car that only costs a few grand

[gizmo68]

Yes you are doing it no good whatsoever, unless it's in a nice heated garage you are doing more harm than a high mileage car that is serviced regularly.

[Mikee]

I've thought that myself mate. I don't think I could downgrade now tbh.

Lol anyway the thread was about me wondering if I could damage the car by driving it so little

[Mikee]

Yes you are doing it no good whatsoever, unless it's in a nice heated garage you are doing more harm than a high mileage car that is serviced regularly.

Can you elaborate pls mate. What harm am I doing?

[gizmo68]

You are obviously only doing short journeys in the car and it is then sitting around for long periods, this is the worst thing for a car as it never fully gets warm - hence the 'mayo' under the cap, this is caused by condensation in the engine.
Brakes also need to be used regularly to stop them corroding.

Parking the car up over the weekend is not a problem, but doing just 14 miles per day (assuming 7 miles each way to work?) is nowhere near enough to get everything fully warm, just as your oil is getting up to temperature you are turning the car off again.
7 miles is just enough to keep the battery in shape though.

[rich83]

Go fill the tank worth v power and don't come back until it's empty 

I never have the time mate :(

In that case sell it and stop loosing money on an asset that you never have time to enjoy.