Car Not driven for a Long time.

Hi Everyone,

I have a Getz GLE. It has clocked 28850 kms only. I'm leaving my home town and will be expected to return only after 11 months. The Car would be idle till then and will not be driven by anyone till i return.

Can i sell it and buy a new one after i return?

What steps should i take before leaving my home down?

I'm bit worried - That will it be of no use, if it has not been used for a Long time?

Need Suggestion. 

Hi Srni

1, Do you have a secured place whre you can park your car.

2. DO you have auto cop in your car. If not then you can remove the bettry incase you have a secured place to keep your car.

3. Any body in your family/best friend , who can atleast start the car once in a day & can acompany any friend or relativ for a small drive may be once in 15 days to keep car in running condition. If you have some one then this is the best option.

if your car is taken care then certainly no need to sell as you will be loosing some money doing so.

Do advise.

Hi Satish,

Yes i do have a secured place and i dont see anyone can touch it if i can have ot parked there.

Yes the car has Auto cop, so i should detach the Auto cop and then the battery please advice.

I do have family members who knows to drive; but afraid that they wont take care as i did. I dont think it will be a promising act.

If i leave the car idle for 11 months and then give it for a complete service from Hyundai Will that still be a problem.

Neither i dont want to loose money by selling it. It is just bought few months back and it is a good car.

Please advice.

Hi Srinivasan, yes you would be required to remove the auto cop and then disconnect the battery as in 11 months the battery is anyway going to die down and auto cop wont work. its better to lock it manually if not using for long time.

Also as Satish suggested, ask your friends/family to start the car or atleast drive the car for even 2-3 kms once in 15 days. I dont think you need to take care of the car much in that way. The only thing would be the dust which they may or may not get cleaned. Still as the car has to be parked for 11 months its better to give the keys to the person whom you trust.

Alternatively, fill the tyres with little more amount of pressure than usual, cover the car properly, get the battery disconnected. Once you come back, first get the battery recharged, then connect it and try to start the car. Please ensure that you also clean or empty the fuel tank if not used for such long. Fill the fuel only when you return and try starting. Then give the car to ASS for complete servicing. The car would be fine and back to normal.

Thanks Anshu, I think i have to do as you people suggested. The battery is a new one which was bought 1 month back from Exide. I guess that wouldn't be a problem. Thanks for the answers and please do post me if you have anyother tips. Thanks.

Srini

 A trusted friend (responsible & good driver) would be of help in this case.  11 months of parking would result in progressive damages.  You need to do a complete check/overhaul after your return which would be a costly affair. Its better you request one of your friends to take care of the car. Request him/her to drive it once in a fortnight and to park & cover it  in your place.

And, out of curiosity - Why was the battery replaced with 29K Odo reading?

Hi Selva,

Yes, i had asked my wife to learn driving for this reasons. I had also asked my uncle to take care of it. God knows in what condition they will keep.  I love my car so much.

Regarding the Battery:

I went for a Business Trip and came after 2 weeks. The car was idle and there was no one to take care of it. After my return; i tried starting it, the battery didnt work. I called up the Exide and they said it has to be changed. So no other option and i was in need of my car that moment; had to digest.

Regards,

Srini

you can sell it,because it looses value for every day in possession even if not driven,besides you can buy a VW polo when you are back

Srini,

Dont worry , just ask your wife to start a car every day & as discused if can find some one to drive your car every 15 days.

Selling & buying a new car is subjective. I personaly feel you should not sell your car if you are confident on the arrnagments you have done & you have littile to loose even if you car has few scretches & getting the same repainted rather then buying  all new car on your return.

All the best.

You should ask some one to start the vehicle once in a week and he or she should keep it idle for engine to reach to normal temperature.

Keep the typre pressure normal as per car so that typre remains in good condition and do not get deflated.

Once a while car should also be driven.

Get the car cleaned by someone daily or weekly.

Cover the car.