I Realise This Should Be In Motoring..........

[Jeza]

But I feel I will get advice here please. My car is an 08 Corsa. Since Mic has been ill I am the only driver. I only go out when I have to, roughly once a week. Today the car "coughed" before starting so I realise the car needs a good run. So, how long is a good run and do I need to keep it in a low gear to keep the revs up. Normally Mic would sort this, but things aren't normal.

[Jeza]

No answers. I'm off to bed then. Thanks.

[Sammy48]

Perhaps it needs a service Jeza, sounds like the plugs need a clean.

[boxtops]

I don't use my car much, and when mine gets sluggish, nibble takes it on a 20-mile run to Canterbury. He just uses the gears as he normally would, and probably goes faster than I would, so it gets a good blow through.

[DJHawkes]

just have a run up the motorway for a junction or two and it will be fine

[ChillDoubt]

The recent cold weather has probably taken its toll a little on the battery, which often happens.
Contrary to popular belief, a run down a dual carriageway for 5/10 mins is not as good as 15 minutes of urban driving, up and down the gears, just to put the life back in the battery a little.

[Prudie]

Try again in motoring Jeza, there are actually some very helpful car types who wouldn't look in CB.

[Mass_Hysteria]

Try 15 - 20 miles Jeza. Bit of motorway at 60ish will clean it out a bit.
Will also charge up the battery as short runs tend to drain it quicker.

[Maydup]

If you haven't had one before, it might be worth having a new battery Jeza. It'll be 5 years old now and won't hurt to change it for peace of mind.

[deggers316]

if it turns over ok ya dont need a new battery ,but the car should start without "coughing if its been looked after service wise even if its been stood for a month + there all computer managed now get your plugs checked out

[tonyav]

Jeza when the car started was it misfiring ?.