Vauxhall Vectra B facelift (1999 - 2002) - Car sitting for a while

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Fri 16 May 2008 11:49
Car sitting for a while - ShineOnYouCrazyDiamond
Because of a operation my car has already been sitting for 2 months. Its going to be another 2 months before I can drive again.

Its a 1999 1.8 Vectra. When I start to drive it again how should I do it?
Take it for a long run straight away, short runs, pump the brakes, kick the bumper??
I have no idea... thats why I'm asking (",)
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Fri 16 May 2008 11:59
Car sitting for a while - Blue {P}
Just get it started, check the tyre pressures etc. then take it for a blast once up to temp to make sure everything still works. Park it up and drive it as normal, it should be fine. My MG restarted fine after 6 months in the garage with no prep work, no flat spotted tyres or anything like that, clutch and brakes were all fine.

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Fri 16 May 2008 12:02
Car sitting for a while - Mapmaker
Worth making sure that the tyres are fully inflated - overinflated is better still.

Also worth running the car up and leaving it running for a while to make sure that the battery is fully charged - or get a battery charger.

Leave the handbrake off, but leave it in gear - this will prevent the brakes from seizing.

TBH, for 4 months, I'd only really worry about the battery. If you can disconnect the battery then that will stop it from running down as a result of immobisers, clocks etc - but make sure you have your radio code...
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Fri 16 May 2008 18:15
Car sitting for a while - ShineOnYouCrazyDiamond
Leave the handbrake off but leave it in gear - this will prevent the brakes
from seizing.


That one has been done. My daughter inlaw was going to take it for a drive fro me and after 2 weeks the handbrake has seized. So handbrake is now off and left in gear.
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