How long can it be left? (any car) | Technical matters | Back Room Forum

Thu 4 Nov 2004 19:49

How long can it be left? (any car) - Roberson

Hi all,

For the past month or so, I have been using my car to commute to Uni. I had been doing park and ride schemes until now, but I'm thinking of using the bus instead, as its cheaper and less stressful (and better for the environment;-))

Thing is, this would mean the car would be left standing outside for long periods of time without use. It'll probably be left for about a week at a time.

So the question is, how long could it be left without a run? And what are the problems if its left too long? The chances are that when it does get used, it'll be for journeys of about 20 minutes, mainly by dual carriageway. When I used it to go to college, it was used once a week, and didn't have much trouble.

The car is a 1993 Polo with 103000 miles. Its also just been fully serviced.

Am I being paranoid?

Any thoughts much appreciated.

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Thu 4 Nov 2004 20:30

How long can it be left? (any car) - AdyBeee

Roberson,
I have an RS Turbo Escort in my garage. It's a 1988 with 126,000 miles on it.
The car went into the garage because it had starting problems, ie, dizzy and immobilzer.
It had been sitting there for so long the tyres had gone down and it was sitting on the rims. When the pre-exsisting problems had been sorted it started up like a dream, and still does.
Due to the fact it still needs a hole in the sill welding it is still in the garage, but I do start it every month ( if I remember ) and it's fine.
I have heard stories of oil seals drying up and shrinking due to none useage, also piston rings bedding into the cylinder bores, and other bits and pieces packing up due to prolonged storage.
My little 1.6L, 16 year old CVH has no such qualms about being neglected for 1 year +, it dosn't smoke and still pumps out 195 BHP on full boost.
I think your car will be fine, all these rumours you here about engines and regular use are ( in my opinion ) not true.

AdyBee..

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Thu 4 Nov 2004 21:18

How long can it be left? (any car) - Schnitzel

Obviously, it's not the best thing for it, but shouldn't cause devastation.
There are loads of OAPs who only use their cars to go shopping once a week.
Just try and go for a long run every month at least.
Make sure all the fluids are change before winter, such as coolant, brake fluid, oils etc.. as a precaution.

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Thu 4 Nov 2004 21:28

How long can it be left? (any car) - Roberson

Thanks for those comments so far.

It'll definitely get a long run at least once a month (20mins+?) so I?m ok there.

In the service, oil and brake fluid were changed, and the coolant was replaced last year, so they should be ok too.

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