I acknowledge that this issue topic has probably been covered many times elsewhere but I would like to ask if my simple approach solution will be suitable

My ’05 Skoda Elegance, which I have owned from new, is in standard trim except that I fitted a Dension Ice Link when it was 3 months old.

It is fitted by making the 6 CD changer redundant to use it's connector to access the Stream Radio HU)

Here is the issue.

I can leave the car unused for about 2 weeks (a short holiday) with no problem but if I leave it for 3 weeks (a longer holiday) then on return to the car it will not start due to a flat battery.

There may or may not be a battery drain problem but this is usually solved with a jump start. The two occasions this did not work, requiring a new battery, were when the car was 5 years old and again March this year.

Is there anything wrong with putting the battery on trickle charge whilst the car is being left unused for an extended time as many motorcyclists due when their bikes are not used over winter?

I can arrange for the charger to trickle charge the battery for only a few hours every other day with the use of programmable mains socket outlet.

get a smart charger like a CTEK MXS 3.8.  It should include the Comfort Connect kit.  Problem solved.

Agree with brad, but if you've only got a cheap 'dumb' trickle charger ready to hand then a steady 1 AMP or less should be fine. Good idea to have it on a timer, say, 4 hours a day, should keep it healthy. If you are continually charging, check the electrolyte level periodically.

If it is parked outside, a Solar Charger?

 

I use a 4 watt foldable type, available on  Ebay (and others) circa £16 including cigarette socket fitting.

 

I have one as my Octavia is sometimes left for longish periods, and I have not had a problem with starting since.

 

A bargain solution if it saves you having to buy a new battery.

I use my Optimate motorcycle battery conditioner on my car every month or so. It fully charges the battery and de-sulphates the plates. It takes a good 10 hours even if the car has been used regularly but it keeps the battery in A1 condition.

My bike battery lasted 11 years, the previous car was on its original battery when I sold it at 7 years old so in answer to your question, yes, a trickle charger is a good idea.

I use my Optimate motorcycle battery conditioner on my car every month or so. It fully charges the battery and de-sulphates the plates. It takes a good 10 hours even if the car has been used regularly but it keeps the battery in A1 condition.

My bike battery lasted 11 years, the previous car was on its original battery when I sold it at 7 years old so in answer to your question, yes, a trickle charger is a good idea.

The Optimate is a good little unit,I had one for keeping my old quadbike's battery at its best for 6 wet and muddy,electrics soaked, years

I would like to thank all who replied to my question. It was great to recieve reassurance for my plan.

If it is parked outside, a Solar Charger?

 

I use a 4 watt foldable type, available on  Ebay (and others) circa £16 including cigarette socket fitting.

 

I have one as my Octavia is sometimes left for longish periods, and I have not had a problem with starting since.

 

A bargain solution if it saves you having to buy a new battery.

A friend of mine has a Skyline thats frequently unused for a few weeks at a time and a solar panel keeps the ridiculously small battery topped up just fine, I use a Ctek myself

:clap:  What have I won?

 

(I'm asking for it here, aren't I, Lol)