Going on holidays

[Ivica]

Hi Guys,
Just trying to get some tips/feedback on what to do.

I will soon be going overseas for 7 weeks, and dont know what to do in regards to looking after my diesel tig.

I will have it parked in the garage, but it is not good to leave it for long periods of time without being driven ?

Can anyone give me some tips on what I should do while I'm away so that the car remains all ok.

Thank you guys

[Transporter]

Here is the minimum what I would do:
Before parking in the garage;
Fill up the tank and put good quality diesel additive to protect from the algae.
Block the inlet and exhaust so no moisture can get in.
Jack the car up and put it on the stands so the wheels are not touching the ground.
Connect the C-Tek battery charger to the battery (without disconnecting the battery). Unless the battery is Optima or similar in design (for starting the vehicle after lets say 6 months).

[Greg Roles]

Wow....I'd just park it.

[Transporter]

Naah... it's only 1/2 hour job and peace of mind that the car starts after holiday and the tyres don't get the flat spots, especially if you go on holidays regularly.

[gregozedobe]

For only seven weeks I'd just fill the tank and make sure the car was dry when I parked it. If the battery won't start it after that short a time then either the battery needs replacing or you have a parasitic drain.

If I was going to be really fussy I'd make sure there wasn't any bird crap on the paint (it'll eat into the paint just sitting there) and maybe disconnect the battery (but remember to reconnect before you try to start it, otherwise you may have a mild panic attack).

For longer periods of un-use Transporter is right on the money.

[neil]

I had mine sitting in the garage for 6 weeks over Christmas a few years back.
Started first go, engine cranked over as though the battery was fully charged.
Its a big battery not like the little ones in petrols these days.
As mentioned refuel to reduce moisture in the tank.

[gerhard]

Cars sit on ships for 7 weeks, in holding yards for many weeks, in dealer yards for weeks. Only thing different to everyday use, is the tyre pressures are very high during this phase (and they have vinyl sheets stuck over them).

For 7 weeks you don't need to do anything at all, maybe whack some more air in the tyres.

[Ivica]

Thanks for all your help and feedback guys.
Very much appreciated !!

[Transporter]

Cars sit on ships for 7 weeks, in holding yards for many weeks, in dealer yards for weeks. Only thing different to everyday use, is the tyre pressures are very high during this phase (and they have vinyl sheets stuck over them).

For 7 weeks you don't need to do anything at all, maybe whack some more air in the tyres.

When the cars are on the ship ECU is switched to transport mode, so there is less power drain on the battery. Car is prepared for this 7 weeks or whatever time it takes to reach the destination. Finally when the ship lends and some car doesn't start there is a personnel to deal with it.

Otherwise I agree with you, there is a good chance that the car will start after 7 weeks as long as he doesn't drive very short trips and the battery is fully charged when he parks it.

It is just that some people take more care of their cars than others. I have customer that paint any scratches on the metal under his car.

[NiekSavio]

Cars sit on ships for 7 weeks, in holding yards for many weeks, in dealer yards for weeks. Only thing different to everyday use, is the tyre pressures are very high during this phase (and they have vinyl sheets stuck over them).

For 7 weeks you don't need to do anything at all, maybe whack some more air in the tyres.

Last year September/October I was on holidays for 7 weeks.
All I did was fill up, increased tyre pressure and disconnected battery.
On return from holidays after putting everything back together the car started first go like I haven't been away. Did the same a few years back with the Golf MkIII with same result.

Greetings...NS