Barkley45

I will be working from home for at least the next 30 days, and I havent driven my car in about 3-weeks. There's no real need for me to drive the GS, and whenever i need to drive to the grocery store I use my truck because it's easier to get to in the garage. In any case, a few years ago i went on vacation for about 2-weeks and when i returned home I had to use jumper cables to start my car. Do I need to start my car every week or so, or can I just let it sit for the next month?

CAKETOWN

iTrader: (7)

Just put it on a trickle charger until you're ready to use it. I use the Ctek MXS5.0, can be had for pretty cheap and does a very good job, i was even able to bring a frozen battery back from the dead with it.

peasodos

iTrader: (1)

I've had my 450h sit for almost a month and no issues. Just take it out for a joy ride once every 2 weeks and you'll have nothing to worry about. If your battery is dying after 2 weeks something is draining it with the car off or it's a weak battery.

Barkley45

Thanks for the replies all. Ill ssee what happens after 2-weeks. The time i mentioned about the car needing to be jumped, i think the battery was on its way out, and i have since replaced it with a new one (last year), so i think ill be ok. I just wanted to make sure that leaving a car sitting for a few weeks wouldnt be a bad thing.

jdpdata

Definitely get a trickle charger. I rarely drive mine even before this whole mess. It's always on charger, never have any issues with the battery. I even charge my other cars now that we never driven anywhere.

charley95

If mine sits for more than a few days I always hook my Battery Tender up.

jonathancl

I fired mine up and let it run a while over the weekend when I washed it.

It will likely stay clean longer than it ever has before.

bclexus

Just drive around the neighborhood for 15-20 minutes once or twice a week. Drive it when it's time to buy groceries.

GoodRevs

Not something I worry about with my GS (even during quarantine), but it’s been a concern for years with my 1993 Seville which is a weekend car (albeit a very different beast and set of issues from a GS.) Some things to be concerned with when cars sit for extended periods (esp. in cold temps, which many of us are still in):

- Dead battery
- Bald spots on tires
- Engine starved for oil for longer periods upon startup due to oil pooling at the bottom
- Fuel separation
- Rust on rotor surfaces that turns to pitting, amongst other rust issues
- Dry rot and separation of rubber components/tubes/gaskets

My Seville stays exclusively garaged so many of these concerns are mitigated or eliminated, but if your car is sitting outside particularly in cold temps I personally wouldn’t let it sit for more than a week especially if it’s rained.

703

Top up gas and put it on a ctek once every 2 weeks. Move it slightly to prevent flat spots.

PGA71

iTrader: (3)

Been driving my 11 mile daily commute.
Gas has never been cheaper for the GS lol.

But remember after a two week vacation came home and car did not start.
Bought new battery after jump starting.
Battery was 5-6 years old.

davian112

Just curious. Last week was my last day of work because of the shelter in place order. I don't know how long this will last but I won't be able to go back to work for another two month. I'll be driving to the grocery stores for essential needs but that's the only driving I'll be doing for the next two month. Given I won't be driving everyday, how can I make sure my car stays healthy? Cause cars are meant to be driven, I don't want my car to just sit and only driven a couple of blocks to the grocery store. Plus I'm not suppose to drive anywhere during the shelter in place order. Any advice?

Stay safe everyone!

bclexus

Take a drive once a week or so and drive around for 15-20 minutes, maybe 5-6 miles around your neighborhood. That will keep the battery fully charged and fluids circulated even though the engine, transmission and fluids will not reach their normal operating temperature in such a short driving time. Every time you crank the engine the battery is loaded down briefly with an heavy inductive load - that is why you should drive around a little and let the battery fully charge back up.

davian112

Thanks bc!

charley95

Does California let people drive on the open road like the freeways? I mostly drive mine on the highways even though we have shelter in place orders.