going away car prep

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Feb 18, 2007 | 02:52 AM

dhamaka127

Thread Starter

Driver

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 183

Likes: 1

From: NY

going away car prep

hey guys,

I am going away for 6 weeks and I was wondering if there is something that I should do before i left. I have about 4 weeks before i leave so i wanted to know ahead of time.

at the moment i was going to:
- cover the car
- disconnect the battery
- oil change (synthetic) - already done
- ???

Thanks in advance.

- Monish

Feb 18, 2007 | 07:05 AM

xfirechief

Lexus Test Driver

Joined: Mar 2004

Posts: 818

Likes: 1

From: Wisconsin

Strongly suggest u do not disconnect the battery if it is only for 6 weeks. I am away for 10 weeks a year & don't do that & never had a problem. I do use 100% synthetic oil & also cover the car even though it is in a garage.

Feb 18, 2007 | 07:25 AM

Grumpa72

Lead Lap

Joined: Dec 2005

Posts: 604

Likes: 1

From: PA

There are tiny chargers out there, called float chargers, that will keep the battery topped off without boiling off the electrolyte. In the classsic car world, we have these chargers on our cars that might not get driven for months at a time. As I understand it, a standard charger isn't "smart" and will continue to add a small charge right up to the point of even baking your battery dry.

Here is a source (usual disclaimer - no interest in these products):
1. Battery Minder from Restoration Batter 513-574-4481
2. Battery Tender
http://64.187.109.56/why_batterytend...6d5d0996dee9d5
3. Battery Butler 708-563-0400

They all claim to keep the battery fully charged without over charging. In addition, it is my understanding that the memory function of the radio and seats will drain our battery in 4-6 weeks. I remember reading that new Corvette owners were having dead batteries in their cars when they sat for long periods of time for this reason.

Cheap insurance imho.

Gary

Feb 18, 2007 | 11:05 AM

jfelbab

Pole Position

Joined: Dec 2003

Posts: 3,283

Likes: 63

From: FL

I use the Battery Tender Plus and it has worked very well. I highly recommend it.

Feb 18, 2007 | 09:08 PM

32kcolors

Pole Position

Joined: Jun 2006

Posts: 283

Likes: 1

From: CA

If you leave your headlights on the AUTO mode, switch it to the OFF position for while you're away.

Feb 18, 2007 | 10:08 PM

salimshah

CL Community Team

Joined: Apr 2001

Posts: 16,583

Likes: 1,397

From: Austin, TX

6 weeks is not a long time. If the battery is old or weak, then having it tended will be a good idea.

The only other ting I would add is to fill up your gas tank. You may want to inflate your tires to a higher than reccomended air pressure (do not exceed the marked maximum on the tires). If you want to go an extra mile, think about jacking all four corners, so that wheels barely touch the ground.

Salim