[Zappo]

Originally Posted by condor

Guys, considering that this is a diesel, is it better to do regular idling than to make her hibernate.

@Zappo, what car did you leave idle for that period ? And that was a good point about the central locking.

hey condor, it was also Indica diesel.

IMO, just disconnecting the battery is better than idling. At least if the period is upto 4-5 months. The reason is for at least 4-5 months the battery will easily retain its charge when disconnected so as to crank the car in one attempt.

Of course, ensure that the battery is pretty well charged up before you park it for the next 2 months. How? Take it for a 5 km drive, preferably during the day time. Do not switch on any electrical accessory like music system etc. Lights, fogs etc will be off during the day. This will charge up the battery sufficiently.

The reason you should not ask someone to idle is because in a parked car at idle speed it will probably need 10 minutes of idling to charge up the battery once it has been started. Normally, the self draws up pretty big time when you start the car. Particularly so when the engine is cold (which will always be the case in a parked car). Now, when you ask someone to idle they will typically do it for 2-3 minutes, max 4 probably. That won't be sufficient for charging up the battery. And then in the next 2-3 days it will keep loosing that little bit of charge also (unless the idling is done everyday by someone).

[vivekiny2k]

saurabh, also keep in mind the possibility of having ur stay extended. you know how it works

[risga]

Best option if practical is to give the keys to a trusted person so that car can be driven atleast 8-10 Km every 2-3 weeks.

[theMAG]

Originally Posted by gr8guzzler

Guys, can you please explain a bit on why these steps need to be taken? Thanks!

gr8guzzler,

The logic is that if the tyres have to bear the weight of the car in the same points over an elongated time like months, coupled with the reduction in tyre pressure is conducive for the sidewall to weaken.

Again, all this is subjective to environment, but I prefer to err on the side of caution.