parking for longer vacation

[kthned]

Hi 

 

I need some tips from expert here... as I am leaving for 4-5 weeks vacation from scandivavia and i have no other choice to park my car under the open sky. There will be snow expected during the period :(. . 

So need your advice how can I leave the car, couple of things that I know off are 

1. remove battery wire too keep battery charged.

2. not using handbrake, put the car in second gear.

 

Do you have any other tips that can be useful to keep my car in the functioning so as to avoid any surprise after happy vacations   

 

thanks in advance,

Car is 1.9 tdi skoda octavia 2004

 

[Liger1956]

Handbrake off is a good idea but we left both of our cars, including a 7 year old Clio with it's original battery, for over a month last February whilst we went to New Zealand and they both started first time. If you do remove the battery you will lose the alarm and make sure tgat the door locks work. If the car is frozen up when you return then the locks may also be but central locking, in my experience, does not appear to suffer in low temperatures although the doors may be stuck to the seals.

[Octy0GG]

11 hours ago, kthned said:

 

2. not using handbrake, put the car in second gear.

 

 

Any reason for second gear?

Second would probably provide enough braking but first would provide even more.

[kthned]

On 21/11/2017 at 20:55, Octy0GG said:

Any reason for second gear?

Second would probably provide enough braking but first would provide even more.

no real reason it is just that it applies easily in turn-off standing position.

Edited 23 November, 2017 by kthned

[Tilt]

A solar charger for the battery, especially for diesel engines and more CCA needed on start up, is always a good idea to keep battery topped up.

This would be the best bet re the battery but otherwise as you are in Denmark (i assume v cold this time of year?) i would remove the battery and store it somewhere warmer otherwise if it drains too much the cold will likely kill it. Depends how old it is and how well it keeps its charge.

 

You could consider covering your wheels (possibly heavy duty bin liners) to keep your discs dry. Strap them on - an old t-shirt cut into strips worked well when i had to do this.

 

As mentioned, the door seals sticking would be my other concern if freezing weather when you want to get in.

I think one thing to do is make sure they are clean. Happy holidays.

 

Maybe chock a wheel or two, also.

Edited 23 November, 2017 by Tilt

[northturton]

When I was on the dole and rarely using my car during summer the battery would be near flat after 2 weeks without a good drive.

Either get a solar trickle charger, ask someone to drive it for 10 minutes each week, or prepare for jump starting.

 

[skodacarman]

Fill the fuel tank before you leave it.  Reduces the possibility of corrosion & condensation.

[AVHreplica]

Will it be a good idea to  have whole vehicle  covered with a protective cover (there are also specialised ones for snow and freeze..) in order to protect it the best way from frost, screen rubber blades, locks, tires etc?

Or this will make strangers suspicious to what is under the blanket?

I think leave the battery for as long as it will last for all this period and directly jump-start it in the initial try.

[Inex]

Remove the battery and take it inside. This is what I always do if I ever leave it more than 2 weeks.

 

As for the gear.... never heard of anyone sticking it into 2nd. Put it in 1st - that's where the engine brake is strongest. If you park inclined, lock the wheels against the sidewalk.

 

Topping the tank up is also a good idea as per the above reply.