I've recently had a medical issue which means I can't drive my car.  Just realised it's been sitting idle for over 3 weeks. 

Is there anything I should do to keep the charge of the battery up?  Would running the engine help?  Does the battery on a stop/start car resist discharge more or less?  There are a couple of other people on the insurance, would asking them to take it for a drive help?  Just resign myself to getting Skoda assistance to help when I'm cleared to drive again?

Bear in mind that the car is parked on the street in the west end of Glasgow so a charger isn't an option. 

 

Thanks.

3 minutes ago, Freakcrab said:

There are a couple of other people on the insurance, would asking them to take it for a drive help?

That's what I would do in your circumstances, a decent length drive (i.e. on the open road not just in traffic queues) also gets all the drivetrain up to temperature which is a good thing.

You might want to try something like this: https://www.amazon.com/Sunway-Solar-Maintainer-Motorcycle-Snowmobile/dp/B06WP95W51

At 1.5W I think it'd only delay self-discharging (esp. in a place like sunny Glasgow - sorry), but at least you wouldn't have to bug your relatives to drive the car that often...

 

You could try a portable booster like one of these: They are a bit pricey but could stay in the house or the boot until needed. Have a couple of them myself and they work well. 

Thanks for suggestions. Tried unlocking the car today and it seems fine. Door mirrors unfolded and everything. A portable booster may be just the ticket.

How much longer will it be unused for?

If its only a couple of weeks, I would avoid touching/checking it & you should be fine.

 

Otherwise I suggest asking someone else to take it for a drive to get everything warm 20-30minutes should be enough to keep the battery topped up enough to allow you to start next time.

 

Rather than buying an expensive charger, just invest in some jump leads & ask a friend to be on hand for the next time you need the car?

Just a quick follow up. Cleared for driving short distances today.

The car, after 4 weeks idle, started first time with no hesitation in 1.5 degree weather!

The brakes, however, are less happy and still grinding a bit after ten miles.

Just now, Freakcrab said:

The brakes, however, are less happy and still grinding a bit after ten miles.

Rust on the discs, it will take plenty of use to clean them off.