NOT USING CAR IN BAD WEATHER

[llamekuf]

Because of the bad weather I have not used my car since the 3rd of December.
Should I be turning on the engine every couple of days to keep the car ' going '
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[jno]

yes, not a bad idea, keep the battery from going flat. It needn't be every couple of days but once a week, for say 15-20 minutes wouldn't hurt

[llamekuf]

Thanks for your prompt and helpful suggestion jno.

[TWR]

Hi, I would take the car for an hours run to put back into the battery what you are taking out starting it, with you just starting the car it's not putting enough back into it, the end result will be a flat battery.

[sigma]

What do you mean, "take it out for an hours run". Didn't llamekuf say they weren't using the car because of the bad weather ????

[TWR]

I can read sigma.!!!

[jno]

I think it depends on the state of your battery, mdoo. I went away for six weeks a year ago and my battery was flat when I returned; had to buy a new one from the AA man.

[logic]

Be very wary of running engine for short periods of time, as condensation forms in cylinders as engine cools down
this condensation can leave acid deposits on cylinder walls, if you do as TWR says, this condensation will be burnt away,
otherwise, a tenner will buy you a battery charger with the ability to recharge your battery when you are ready,

[Toleman]

Also short start ups and short journeys eventually lead to new exhausts as the condensation doesn't evaporate causing rust.

Based on your question with regards to the weather - I think these days when doing driving lessons you should have to do a lesson on a skid pan to give people an idea what to do in the event of a slide.

[llamekuf]

I am very pleasantly surprised at the amount of people who took the time and trouble to reply to my answer.
My thanks to you all.