Car left standing/unused for 6 weeks - advice?

[richtung]

Morning Folks,

Will be leaving the ED30 parked on my mums drive for 6 weeks. I read a thread on here a few weeks ago about some prep i need to do but cant find it.

From what i remember, I need to:

its already had a winter detail so will give it a final wash,
Leave the hand brake off once its parked up

is there anything else?

Does the car need to be started once week and left to reach running temperature? I wont be able to drive it as it will be SORNed and insured TP/FT only.
I have a CTEK battery conditioner/charger but cant really leave it charging for 6 weeks as its an open drive way, maybe give it a charge at the 3 week point and then a day or so before taking it out of hibernation?

Thanks guys. All the best

Rich

[182_blue]

Personally i would leave it till just before you need it, then the day before just put it on charge, my R sat for nearly a month last xmas when it snowed and it was fine without a charge, the more you fanny about with it the more the battery will be affected so dont go opening and closing etc etc.

[rich83]

I'm certain that if left for 6 weeks it will start first time when you come back. No need to go OTT with precautions in my opinion.

[ILoveTuna]

If its left in the same spot in view for six weeks just remember to leave the key somewhere safe!! 

[Tfsi_Mike]

Mine was left for three months and started fine then three months again no probs.

I'm interested in how long I could leave the tomika battery.

[Black9]

No prep needed lol, it's just a car. Give it a good clean, don't leave fuel tank empty and make sure there's enough air in tyres

[rockape]

Mine was left for three months and started fine then three months again no probs.

Same here. I've left cars for 5 month stretches, admittedly left in a hanger but can't see any problem with just 6 weeks. Last year I left my Leon under snow for 3 weeks and it started first time.

[richtung]

Thanks for all you replies fellas 

All advice will be taken on board

Rich

[am1w]

My car was stored in a large workshop/garage from 7th Nov to 23rd Dec 2011, which works out as 6 weeks. It started immediately on collection day. However, the electronics had to settle down, there was a DRL malfunction, but all was fine after an hours use.

[jsklair]

How long would it be before the brake discs start to corrode really badly?

[Black9]

Discs won't corrode for ages, talking like 3/4 months poss depending on weather. Spray them with wd40 that should help a bit, also a few "emergency" brakes will clear any surface rust off

[vRSAlex]

I left my old ibiza runabout for over a year without even moving it or starting it.  I left the battery on trickle charge out of the car and the car started and passed its Mot the same day with no problems.  Took a good long drive to clear the rust of the discs but for a 150k car it runs a dream.

[Oli]

Spray your brakes with WD40??? Are you mad . Oil/lubricant should never come into contact with your brakes!

Reference leaving the car, you won't have to do nothing for six weeks.  When you retun, just start and drive it, and bed the brakes in.

[mortygttdi]

I didn't think you could insure a car TPFT if the car was worth more than £4k??

[am1w]

How long would it be before the brake discs start to corrode really badly?

I would leave the handbrake disengaged and engage 1st or reverse gear instead. This will prevent the brake pads from binding to the discs. You'll get 'surface' rust in wet conditions anyway within 24 hours, but this should not present any problems with brake function. A good use of the brakes when you first drive it again should provide an effective self-clean.
Just make sure the key fob is well separated from the car and hidden from itchy fingers. Why not keep one set with yourself?

I must admit I was worried sick when I had to find a place to store the car. But I found a wonderful place run by real gentleman. Not only was it secure and cared for perfectly, they even did a full valet. This was a quite a surprise.  In fact, the car was in a cleaner and better condition than when new on day one! All FOC. Miracles do happen

All the best.