rosskoss

I'll be away for 3 weeks this December. My car will be at my apartment. Will I have to do something special like disconnect the battery?

whoster

i don't think 3 weeks will be too big of an issue... unless you're running some crazy active alarm system that feeds off your battery.

Redpaste

iTrader: (4)

fill up the gas tank.

helps prevent additives in the gas from settling or something like that... but thats what i heard many times

jracerlmn

fill up the tank to prevent condensation from forming inside the tank,

overinflate your tires to prevent flat spots

i dont remember what else

@lpher

Most cars nowadays uses somewhere around 0,5A in "standby" mode...and 3 weeks should not present a problem

mmarshall

LOCK it.

Seriously.....most cars today are good for a couple of weeks.....10-15 days.
3 weeks might be stretching it but should be OK if the weather isn't too bad and the temperatures are comparatively mild.

If it's kept outside, though, I'd consider putting a cover on it while you're gone. Bird and insect droppings, stuff dropping off of trees, acid rain / snow, etc......all of that stuff can hurt the paint and trim if left on too long.

I also agree with the above comments to fill the tank and pump up the tires a little.
But do NOT exceed the maximum pressure rating on the tire.....that is marked on the sidewall of the tire itself and is usually NOT the everyday recommended pressure you will find on the door jamb, glove compartment, or in the Owners' Manual.

DriftNsc3

As long as you have a big wet cell battery you should be fine as far as the starting thing goes. My friend has a small compact dry cell for his car and he can't leave his car for more then 2 days or else the battery will die. I forgot what type of battery it is but its very popular with people tring to lose every pound they can for thier car.

Incendiary

We have 2-3 cars that we leave sitting for a month at a time without starting. No problems (at least so far). Been doing it for a couple years now.

Gojirra99

I have let my cars sit for at least 2 weeks, & up to 3 weeks once, when I vacation every year, I never had any problems starting them when I came back, so I think 3 weeks should be fine.
If it's significantly longer than that, maybe not, I think it depends on the condition of the battery in your car too.

bizzy928

Don't worry about it. But if you really want to...

Fill up the tank.
Fill your tires to the recommended pressure (no need to over inflate... flat spots are mostly a thing of the past)
Wash your car
Before you store your car, take it out for a spin on the highway to get everything up to running temperature (esp the exhaust system)

silvius

Good response.

DriftGirl

iTrader: (6)

I havent started my Lexus in months...always fires right up

STIG

there's always jump start? why worry?

mmarshall

Jumps are a lot more tricky than they used to be. I used to do them myself but don't want to fool with them any more. If not done exactly right, they can really screw up today's electronics and computers.

rosskoss

Thanks for the advice guys. I'll do as recommended here by everyone.