Leaving my car for a month, any tips?

**iamproph** · 12-18-2008 10:24 AM

I am heading home for about a month and will be leaving my car here in North Carolina. Its getting pretty cold and rains almost everyday. The car will be garaged, but does anyone have any tips on what else I can do so when I get back the car doesnt run like crap?

**Lugi20** · 12-18-2008 10:28 AM

Honestly, if you have a GOOD friend that you TRUST I would just drop him the keys and tell him it better have a full tank when you get back. Easiest/cheapest way to handle this... at least this is what I've done.

**GameBreaker** · 12-18-2008 10:34 AM

If it is stored inside it should be fine the only real issue that might come up is the battery draining. For some reason Mercedes, BMW, and Audi cars drain batteries faster than most cars and can wipe it out if left too long. My suggestion to make sure this doesn't happen is to go on a decent drive for at least 20min before you park your car, that way it should have enough charge to last the entire time that you are gone.

**Bpitz15** · 12-18-2008 10:45 AM

little fuel stabilizer and a trickle charger would even be overkill

**FourRingRider** · 12-18-2008 11:00 AM

You will be fine... I only drive my garaged S4 maybe 3-4 times per month... starts up perfect everytime, even after sitting over 2 weeks straight...

**WinterRunner** · 12-18-2008 11:42 AM

I wouldn't worry, I mean if your overtly concerned, just grab a trickle charger for the battery. Other than that, you should have no worries.

**NYCS4Avant** · 12-18-2008 11:50 AM

over inflate tires if your going to leave the car. It would suck to come back and have 4 un/under inflated tires

Honestly, if you have a GOOD friend that you TRUST I would just drop him the keys and tell him it better have a full tank when you get back. Easiest/cheapest way to handle this... at least this is what I've done.

I would disagree, this can lead to problems. What happens if said friend damages/totals car etc. Perhaps have the friend start it from time to time but I never let anyone drive my car without me in it.

**WinterRunner** · 12-18-2008 11:54 AM

Originally Posted by NYCS4Avant

over inflate tires if your going to leave the car. It would suck to come back and have 4 un/under inflated tires

I would disagree, this can lead to problems. What happens if said friend damages/totals car etc. Perhaps have the friend start it from time to time but I never let anyone drive my car without me in it.

I agree, as much as I enjoy the company of my freinds, I don't enjoy them using my car.....esp. on their own.

**RAudi Driver** · 12-18-2008 12:09 PM

another good tip is to have someone start the car every now and again to keep the seals moist. It might not make that much of a difference with only a month of sitting.

**ieatfishburitos** · 12-18-2008 01:11 PM

Originally Posted by Bpitz15

little fuel stabilizer and a trickle charger would even be overkill

^ I agree

**iamproph** · 12-18-2008 06:59 PM

Cool thanks, I found a buddy to start it for me and he wont drive it, he has enough cars already, thanks for the help!

**Swanky** · 12-18-2008 09:29 PM

if you want to let it sit unattended and don't want a trickle charger just disconnect the negative battery cable, that will guarantee no system drain just regular battery attrition

**GotRS?** · 12-18-2008 10:50 PM

Originally Posted by iamproph

Cool thanks, I found a buddy to start it for me and he wont drive it, he has enough cars already, thanks for the help!

Well just starting it and not running up to temp is bad in my book, all sorts of acid and oil dilution going on, I don't see the point, let him take it to top up at a gas station five miles away for some fun.

Just garage it with a full charge and 40+psi tires, sorted.

**todd1010** · 12-19-2008 03:02 AM

No worries at all especially if its inside. I've left my car parked for 2.5 months and no one started it or anything. I came back turned the key to the on position and let if set for a minute and it started right up no problem.