Long term lay up

[Kendon]

I work abroad for periods of 6 weeks, not long term in some opinions but when I'm away it feels long term! Looking for any advice on what the best way to keep the car healthy (Battery, Engine, Body) and even nightmare stories if anyone has left their car for a long time. Car is driveway parked, Better half doesn't drive so cant even get her to take it for a weekly burst, will it start when I get home?

 

[bennesspipers]

Get yourself one of those small maintenance battery chargers (the sort that can detect when your car battery needs topping up) & connect up with an extention lead. Mine cost about £ 23 from Halfords,but there are other makes. This will stop your battery going flat & all the electrical problems than can occur on a merc when that happens.

 

[BTB 500]

My SL sometimes goes 6 weeks (or more) without being driven, particularly in the winter.

As above a maintenance charger is the answer really, but tricky if it's parked outside.

Main thing is to make sure it gets a decent drive (=battery charge) when you get back.

 

[kwakdonut]

Buy yourself something like an Accumate or Optimate charger (other brands are available!) - these are usually for motorbike batteries but will generally be good enough to keep a car battery topped up.

 

[Dunhamkid]

I work abroad for similar periods and bought a Ctek charger which has connectors permanently attached to the battery. Just plug it in and switch it on when I go away. No problems etc starting when I get home