What are you doing about your cars?

[QuestionableMouse]

Mine hasn't moved for the best part of two weeks. I have no essential reason to go out but I'm thinking about going for a quick drive just to keep the car ticking over. (Can do a loop, up to the motorway and back) I really don't want a flat battery if I do need to go out because I don't have anyone to jump start it!

FFS...... it’s people like you bending the rules that will make this go on longer.

It’s not an essential trip - no.

Hopefully the police will start to clampdown on this stupid behaviour.

She's not going to get out of the car. Jeeze. Op I'd maybe just drive it around the block. That should be sufficient.

Yes just keep it ticking over that's probably safer than it needing jump starting and the risk of cross infection that could cause.

Round the block would drain the battery further. It isn't enough. I'm just leaving mine. If it needs jumped it needs jumped. Have you not got leads?

I can't honestly see what harm taking your car for a drive around the block will do - I'm assuming that the poster above doesn't need to drive to do their weekly shop, honestly what difference will a person getting into their car and driving round the block make, not coming into contact with anyone. Having the AA out to restart it or needing to jump start off a neighbour's car means more risk of contact and spreading the virus, than getting into your car by yourself and just going for a bloody drive round the block!

My car is at my local garage, it's been there for a couple of weeks having stuff done and I'm hoping to be able to collect it today as they will need the space when it's ready. It's an automatic so can't be jump started if the battery is dead and I will be keeping it ticking over for this reason.

It's surely sensible to make sure your car can be driven, if you have one! But if you said you were going to mend a bike puncture, someone would leap on here to swear at you for bending the rules . .

We've not had to drive for a fortnight. I've suggested to DH that he starts the engine once in a while (so we'll do that on our walk today).

We should probably also check DD hasn't left an apple core or something in the back!

Good idea OP.

We have two cars and one only gets used once per month if you’re lucky.

It makes no difference. It starts fine and drives fine.

So I think you’re being a bit over cautious there

I’m about to collect it from it’s MOT. I’ve been using it every couple of days for food shopping, not buying much stuff each time but it feels ‘more self isolating’ to drive there and back than walk.

I went out and started mine and revved the engine a bit yesterday. On the drive before someone has a go at me for unlawfully idling the engine. I’ll be going to my parents house with food tomorrow so I’ll drive it then.

I've suggested to DH that he starts the engine once in a while (so we'll do that on our walk today).

Unless you have a reason to, don't. Starting and running the engine but not driving anywhere is likely to contribute to the decline of your battery power. Just leave it alone.

I went out and started mine and revved the engine a bit yesterday.

Why?

Dh needed his car a few days ago to do essential shopping. It broke down in the supermarket car park and he had to sit there for 2 hours waiting for RAC who had to replace the battery. They said this is happening all over as people are only using the cars a bit. It feels more vulnerable breaking down in these times more than ever. Not sure what the answer is.

I thought you needed to do quite a long drive to charge up the battery. So not sure round the block will do much.

I've wondered the same. I need my car to deliver food to my parents who are in shielding group.

Also for work but I'm only having to go in one a week and wfh the rest of the time.

I'll also drive tomorrow for a big shop to tide me over basic essentials for a few weeks so I'll only need fresh stuff from the local butcher.

I’m just leaving mine and worrying about it later.

Oh jog on @NorthernSpirit. I'm probably less of a risk going for a drive than people piling into supermarkets.

For the record, I have been out. Got on the motorway at one junction, had a blast (@70mph before I get moaned at for speeding) and came off at the other.

I saw maybe three cars and we all stayed at a respectable distance.

I have leads but my parents are self isolating due to their health, my sister drives an automatic as does next door. I could ask my BIL but his van is parked at work... I need the car in case my parents have a emergency.

Ford Assist specifically told me to run the engine for 30 minutes once per week, with the car left stationary on the drive. That’s enough to keep the battery healthy and uses far less fuel than actually driving the car unnecessarily.

I got a dead battery when i was on mat leave and didn't drive for 6 weeks. It's sensible to go for a short quick drive imo. Obviously don't get out and see anyone.

www.rac.co.uk/drive/advice/driving-advice/coronavirus-covid-19-answering-drivers-questions/

Please see above for the RAC advice

Why?

Oh sorry I should have explained that lol because it can sometimes be a bit of a twat and have problems starting if it’s not driven for a few days.

I think you should
Take it for a quick run. (Although depends on the car - some more resilient to not being used than others) Getting a flat battery isn't going to help anyone.

Ahh, ok cancel
My last post. I'd follow the RAC guidelines

Oh sorry I should have explained that lol because it can sometimes be a bit of a twat and have problems starting if it’s not driven for a few days.

Revving the engines will only contribute towards that.