Due to advancing years (us not the Octy) we always migrate to Spain for the Winter, but every time we come back the battery is in the same state as the Dodo. Anyone know the quiescent current drain or reasonable state of charge for a new Octavia battery? Or any practical suggestions as to what I should expect or what I can do. For instance - If I should disconnect the battery would I have to have any re-programing done when I re-connect?

just get a small trickle charger, the solar type you plug into the cig lighter are usually good at keeping the battery alive.

I know a couple who go to Florida for 6 months every year. They put the car in the garage and disconnect the battery. When they come back they reconnect and starts first time.

You can get one of those solar power chargers that boats use to keep it charged. If its outside do that!

AccuMate 6V & 12V Battery Maintenance System

My garage recommends disconnecting before going away for 3 weeks let alone longer - the car is always draining it due to the amount of gadgets on it.

My garage recommends disconnecting before going away for 3 weeks let alone longer - the car is always draining it due to the amount of gadgets on it.

Yes fine - But - Does everything still work 'as was' by just re-connecting?

Yes fine - But - Does everything still work 'as was' by just re-connecting?

Usual problems revolve around the stereo mainly. So if it needs a keycode, make sure you have the code. Will also lose all settings/station pre-sets. Other than that things should all be fine.

My vRS killed it's battery in 11 days, if that's any help?

BMW needs a new battery, it was dead after 3 days of not using the car... :(

I'd recommend a trickle charger of some description, be it a solar one or a mains one, keeps the battery nice and healthy. Otherwise you should be fine disconnecting it for anything up to 6 months at a time. A healthy battery should maintain charge over when not being drained.

The car will be happy with either method. You will obviously lose trip computer data and the radio settings etc though.

I see you are in Cambridge, if you want someone to keep the car on the road while you are away just let me know :P

BMW needs a new battery, it was dead after 3 days of not using the car... :(

I'd recommend a trickle charger of some description, be it a solar one or a mains one, keeps the battery nice and healthy. Otherwise you should be fine disconnecting it for anything up to 6 months at a time. A healthy battery should maintain charge over when not being drained.

The car will be happy with either method. You will obviously lose trip computer data and the radio settings etc though.

I see you are in Cambridge, if you want someone to keep the car on the road while you are away just let me know :P

Think I'll get a solar jobbie even though it's Winter. As long as I get a good one. Thanks to everyone for the advice.