Do you need to "run the car"

[copernicium]

It's just occurred to me that I haven't driven my car since before the New Year. When I started driving, you'd always be told to give the engine a run every week or whatever...

Is this still a thing with new cars? Will it be dead if I don't take it out soon?

[Clymene]

Just in terms of how long to run your car, my rule (only really relevant in winter but they tend to run a bit better in summer) is to keep going until he in car heater is blowing hot.

[BobbinThreadbare123]

Keeping a full tank is a good idea because moisture gets in - it can't if the tank is full. The back box of unused cars can get damp over time too - DM had a car she barely used and the exhaust sounded terrible because moisture was building up. The battery is the same as any other rechargeable battery; the anode and cathode and electrolyte lose their efficacy over time so they have a shelf life.

[GiantKitten]

@Clymene

Just in terms of how long to run your car, my rule (only really relevant in winter but they tend to run a bit better in summer) is to keep going until he in car heater is blowing hot.

I think you’re better to run it at least until the temperature gauge has moved well off zero (heater will blow warm before that?)
The exhaust system gets condensation in it and if you don’t burn that off it’s likely to corrode much faster.
I think

[Lurkingforawhile]

@BobbinThreadbare123 thanks for info re petrol tank. I didn't know that and will fill up tomorrow!

[Clymene]

Gosh mine doesn't @GiantKitten! My engine is very warm before my heater gets hot.

[FinallyFluid]

Having posted here on Wednesday, I went to use it on Friday.

Nada.

Took DH's car (another Honda) which I hate due to spilt rear windscreen, anyway I digress, dropped in to our mechanic and he told me that CRV's have a smart charge system (which according to him is not very smart at all) basically he recommended turning the headlights on as soon as you get into the car, therefore the battery then has to produce more power, and by default it is then charging the battery more.

Hope this helps someone.

[ErrolTheDragon]

@Wester

Drove my car today to take my cat to the vet, previous to then I drove it in March.

13 plate diesel.

"You must drive you car every week for x amount of time otherwise your battery might go flat" sounds like marketing spiel to get us to drive more, consume more fuel etc etc

Has the battery been replaced in that time?
We replaced the battery in my car last summer, it's holding charge reasonably well. DHs battery otoh is the original and isn't holding charge well, especially in the cold weather.

[cautiouscovidity]

Yes. I tried to take DCar out today for the first time in a week and the brakes were seized.
Will have to get it towed to the garage now.

[GiantKitten]

@Clymene

Gosh mine doesn't *@GiantKitten*! My engine is very warm before my heater gets hot.

@Clymene
I took mine out for its fortnightly run today (poor neglected thing ) and was definitely getting warm air within a mile - long before the engine temp moved off the bottom of the gauge.