I'm currently suffering from chronic back and sciatic pain which means I can't drive my pride and joy.

At the moment, she's sitting unused in the driveway and has done so all week, but I'm concerned that non-use will damage components, battery or oil ( and I don't want to get into the "Optimax in your tank" debate again )

So, any suggestions ?
Can I realistically start her up and let her tick over for 5-10 mins without any damage ?

I'm not sure how long my back problems are likely to continue, but it could be for a couple of months....

 

You have to rotate the wheels as well, it's good for the bearings and tyres afaik...So, just "roll" the car forwards or backwards every week or so, to get another part of the wheel at the bottom...

I hope this post makes sense...

 

Makes sense, cheers

Worried that there's been a few discussions about short journeys, and running the car on idle for 10 mins can't be good for the engine.

 

seen as my scoob has self destructed - could I borrow yours and I'll drive it at weekends for you..?

 

I've got a suggestion!

Get someone local to take her for a quick spin down the backroads to clear those cobwebs

 

Do you have a trusted friend? I'm with Saxo Boy - get somebody to take it out for 30 miles or so once a week. Nice and gentle to start with but then a nice work out to keep everything in good shape.

 

Sucks, look at that........'trusted friend' and 'saxo boy' in the same sentance.

Say....isn't it a 30 mile round trip to my work??

 

Oh crikey !
Is SaxoBoy the only "local" 'netter I can use here ?!
I'd lke my car back in one piece gents !!!

And when all my mods are in place in the next 4 weeks or so, I doubt the little chap will be able to handle the power, hehehe

 

Very funny, got my downpipe and mid-section today so I'll be snapping at your heels

 

With my current back problems, even a snail on acid would overtake me !

Just you wait, young whippersnapper till I'm back to full strength.
I'll wipe the bypass with you

 

Ive left cars sitting for months before. The tyres shouldnt cause any problems, unlesss left for a very long time. Just disconnect the battery, and most other things should be well. Starting it every week, for 10 mins, wouldnt be a good idea, I would rather just leave it alone. Leave the handbrake off also, as it may sieze up, although I have left my subaru sitting outside for several months, with no problems.

 

mine has been sat months.. battery is permanantley on charge..

David

 

I never realised your back problems were so severe that you can't drive at all!!! Sorry to hear that mate.

On a serious note I'd be more than happy to carefully turn her wheels for you for 10 mins. I personally wouldn't leave mines un-run for too long cause it feels soooo rough all over when you drive it again.

 

I would help too, but I've got my hands full taking Scoty's car out to play!!

Missed you guys at Kames, although your back problems will obviously affect your getting around. Hope it gets better soon m8.

 

Lucky git!! Isn't scoty's car a total beast?

 

Saxo,

I may take you up on your offer mate.
I'm having to go private because the NHS gave me an appointment which was for August 2003 !!!!!

I've got concerns that my condition is actually far worse than I imagined (ie not just a trapped nerve or "bad back") and could result in surgery, depending when the NHS get their act together.

Could be out of action for at least a couple of months if nothing is done swiftly, so your help would be grateful.

Mail me offline or give me a buzz on the mobile.

 

2003!!! [img]images/smilies/mad.gif[/img] You pay your national insurances, etc for years to be told to remain crippled for a year.....great!!

I'll mail you off line!

 

As well as the above suggestions.

I leave my battery connected for the alarm, but I also push the clutch t the floor & then put a block of wood on it then against the seat frame to keep the clutch on the floor, it stops the flywheel/clutch seizing, most cars should be Ok for a few months between drives, do not keep starting it, but do wash it if it gets covered in crap especialy bird crap

 

Yeah, bird sh*t is another problem too.
Saxo, I'll pay you a couple of quid to wash her down an' all

 

I work away for two weeks out of four and my car never moves I haven't had any problems that could be put down to lack of use only the very low mileage

 

I'd consider it. Although I hate washing cars so you'd better make it worth my while

 

I'd be only too happy to take my old car for a spin for you mate - after all you can't get anyone who knows the car better

Seriously tho - I still need to get that exhaust to you, so if I'm free and not working then I can drop the exhaust off and take it for a careful drive (will probably have the wife with me which is more effective than having the traffic cops sitting beside you )

 

Thanx for the support guys, much appreciated.
However with things the way they are, I may have to consider selling the car, depending on the length of time thi is going to drag on

Seriously, if this doesn't clear up within a couple of months, I can't justify the car sitting in the driveway doing nothing but eating my money up.

It's enough to make a grown man cry, since I love the car to bits.
What am I to do......

 

How has this condition got so bad so quick. Last time I saw you you were complaining about it and now you can't drive

What a total nightmare. I'd keep the car till you see how it goes over the next month or so, you'd probably make a big loss selling it so soon after buying it.