Team-BHP - Is it a problem if the car isnt take out for a spin once or twice a week?

- - Is it a problem if the car isnt take out for a spin once or twice a week? (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/technical-stuff/18355-problem-if-car-isnt-take-out-spin-once-twice-week.html)

Folks, as you know, with your help and suggestions I've bought a Baleno Lxi and is almost 2 months old with about 2700kms on the Odo. I have a query...plz guide me out.

The monsoons are here in Chennai and I rarely get the time to go for a ride in my black beauty. I want to know: Will it be a problem if I dont take out my ride regularly.

Rather, how many days once should I take it out for a spin so that the engine/brakes or whatever dont land up with disuse 'atrophy'!

TIA

Warm Regards
GTS

Hi GTS,

While it is a good idea to keep driving your car, it is certainly not that bad if you don't drive it for a week or two. However, you must ensure that it is parked in a cool, dry place and preferably covered to avoid bird droppings and dust.

As for the mechanicals and electricals, anything not used for long tends to die a premature death. A good long drive once a week or two will make sure that all the engine parts get warm and happy. The battery will also be a source of concern once it is two or three years old. Just make sure that your car is serviced at proper intervals and not left neglected. As they say, for women and cars: If she's on your mind, she's happy :)

My car lies in a similar fate too. However, she was used a lot in her initial days with me doing 10k kms in just the first five months. She is now 25k kms old and is driven only once every week. Everything seems in place, touchwood!

If the service and maintainance is regular then not using for a fortnight will not make much difference in petrol cars. Diesels need to be fired once in 2 days. Also standing for long at one place would also give a spot on the tyres & tubes.

A spin a week for about 5 Kms should keep the beast purring, happy & ready to pounce..

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTS

Well since you said Monsoons.. Just would like to add durring those damp weather the inside of the car starts to smell bad. To avoid that \
1.use the AC when out
2.try wiping your footwear
3. As I have done places 2 to 3 suds of Silica gel in the car

Helps a little since it will the standing for sometime.

I usually have a problem with my diesel cdi if i dont drive her atleast once a week , no such problems with the petrols tho, ive gone a month without starting her up , althought I did disconnect the battery.

You will have NO problems whatsoever mate! If you do drive occasionally, i'd suggest that you disconnect the battery (both terminals). This way your battery will last longer. Keep some mothballs for the interior & you are set. Do keep her covered in waterproof covering if parking outdoors. Also inflate your tyres a couple of psi over what you normally use.