Semi-mothballed car

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Wed 8 Sep 2004 21:09
Semi-mothballed car - David Horn
Hi guys,

I'm being packed off to Uni in Leeds next week and I need some advice regarding my car. I have a Citroen Xsara (1.9TD) and am not sure what to do with it over the next 3 years.

I normally live in Devon, but the car will be living in my grandparent's garage in Rochdale, about 30 miles from the uni, so I can get to mountain bike competitions in the North West in my free time. (assuming I get any!)

I foresee it being driven approximately 50-100 miles twice a month (if that) and then about a 600 mile round trip at Christmas / Easter. The rest of the time it'll be turned off in the garage, in neutral with the wheels chocked and handbrake off.

What should I be doing to look after it? I'm getting it serviced next week (the 70k service is tiny, just an oil change and level checks) and new brake pads and front tyres put on.

Cam belt isn't due for another 10k or 1 year according to local Citroen dealership, so nothing to worry about there.

How should I be driving it when I do take it out?
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Wed 8 Sep 2004 22:34
Semi-mothballed car - frostbite
"How should I be driving it when I do take it out?"

I would let it idle for at least one minute at startup to allow the well drained oil to circulate into dry parts, then try not to exceed 2.5k revs until normal temperature is reached.

After that, drive as you normally do.
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Thu 9 Sep 2004 10:42
Semi-mothballed car - bazza
Hi J,
I think you're being unduly cautious, although it's good to see someone actually thinking about their motoring for a change! I wouldn't bother chocking the wheels (although it will do no harm of course). A couple of 50 to 100 mile drives a month is just fine for getting the engine oil, exhaust etc all nicely up to temperature and charging the battery. In fact, the motoring you describe is probably far healthier for the vehicle than a daily 2 or 3 mile trip to the shops (which is how many cars spend their lives!. A battery in good condition will handle this just fine, but a poor one will be shown up quickly!
Baz
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Thu 9 Sep 2004 10:50
Semi-mothballed car - David Horn
Unfortunately, it's an unpleasantly damp garage so I'm loathe to leave the handbrake on for any extended time. However, first gear will do nicely, I suppose!
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Thu 9 Sep 2004 11:04
Semi-mothballed car - bazza
Yes, don't leave the handbrake on, it is very likely to stick. I sort of mis-read "chocking" to mean jacking the car up to alleviate any tyre flat-spotting, you don't need that, but in neutral with a brick behind the wheel, that's fine! Give the car a good run before you lay it up and it will be fine.
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Thu 9 Sep 2004 11:10
Semi-mothballed car - NARU
I'd get some silica gel sachets and put them in the car to try to dry it out. Pop them in your grandparents oven for an hour or so when you go to visit to recharge them.

7dayshop.com sell them in packs of 10 (I'd put about 20-30 in something large like a car).

Does the garage attract mice? My friend lost his boot mat and wiring loom to them!
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