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

GTS · 24th October 2006, 12:36

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

DueLLeR · 24th October 2006, 13:24

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!

gd1418 · 24th October 2006, 20:42

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

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

Speedme · 24th October 2006, 23:12

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.

NikN · 25th October 2006, 22:50

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.

taranonline · 24th April 2012, 15:35

I dont think there is any difference between modern diesel and petrol cars in terms of hibernation period.

1self · 24th April 2012, 16:14

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.

bblost · 24th April 2012, 16:21

Similar Topic exists: http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/techni...t-new-car.html

24th October 2006, 12:36	#1
GTS BHPian Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Chennai Posts: 69 Thanked: 6 Times	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
	() Thanks

24th October 2006, 13:24	#2
DueLLeR BHPian Join Date: May 2005 Location: Vashi / Navi Mumbai Posts: 214 Thanked: 123 Times	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! Last edited by DueLLeR : 24th October 2006 at 13:38.
	() Thanks

24th October 2006, 23:12	#4
Speedme BHPian Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: New Delhi Posts: 53 Thanked: 12 Times	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.
	() Thanks

25th October 2006, 22:50	#5
NikN BHPian Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Mumbai Posts: 65 Thanked: Once View My Garage	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.
	() Thanks

24th April 2012, 15:35	#6
taranonline BANNED Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: India Posts: 282 Thanked: 109 Times	Re: Is it a problem if the car isnt take out for a spin once or twice a week? I dont think there is any difference between modern diesel and petrol cars in terms of hibernation period.
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24th April 2012, 16:14	#7
1self BHPian Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Pune Posts: 629 Thanked: 330 Times View My Garage	Re: Is it a problem if the car isnt take out for a spin once or twice a week? 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.
	() Thanks

24th April 2012, 16:21	#8
bblost Team-BHP Support Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Hyderabad Posts: 11,008 Thanked: 15,366 Times View My Garage	Re: Is it a problem if the car isnt take out for a spin once or twice a week? Similar Topic exists: http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/techni...t-new-car.html
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