How long can it sit?

[Chaad32]

I have a question for any mechanics out there, or anyone who knows this stuff. I am going on vacation for about a month and I'm wondering what to do, should I just let it sit (because a month doesn't sound that long to me), or what? And what if I decide to extend for, say....3 months??

[Chris07LB]

Just get yourself a "Battery Tender".. http://www.batterytender.com/
It will help keep your battery fresh while your gone.

If it sits longer then 3 months in the same spot, i'd recomend jacking the car up, to get the tires off the ground.

[swng]

My car has been left alone for one and a half months once. Nothing went wrong.
Though the anti-theft divices kept on draining the battery, the car still started as usual after my vacation.

[Chris07LB]

My car has been left alone for one and a half months once. Nothing went wrong.
Though the anti-theft divices kept on draining the battery, the car still started as usual after my vacation.

Its not good to keep having a battery go dead, time after time.

A Battery Tender is pretty inexpensive, and they are very small. Might want to consider one next time you leave her for a while. :smile:

[swng]

Thanks for the useful recommendation! I might not have taken the same risks had my battery been older:wink::biggrin:.
I was trying to say despite that the anti-theft devices kept on consuming electricity, my battery remained quite strong and had apparently never been drained to an undesirably low level:smile:.

[msagowitz]

How do you afford to vacation for three months at a time?

[Chaad32]

Thanks everyone. I'm going to chance it for the few months I am gone. I may have a friend start it every once and a while too.

[tomjasz]

How do you afford to vacation for three months at a time?


Work hard and drive a Yaris!!

[El Jefe]

i'd say if you plan on letting it sit for 3 months, put about 50 psi in the tires (no don't leave it in there before you go driving) but this is how all car companys prevent the tires from getting out of round when being shipped.
that and a battery tender are good, if it sits for a really long time, try not to leave much gas in it and change the oil after 6 months of sitting.

[Chaad32]

Work hard and drive a Yaris!!

Thats the trick

[msagowitz]

Not convinced :)

[boxerboy]

I always been told that you should keep the tank full to keep condensation from happening. Use a fuel stablizer.