Car not being used for at least 6 weeks

[DC_FC]

My mums car isnt being used for minimum of 6 weeks but would it do the car any harm to just sit there for that long ? Would it help if i started the engne every other week ?

[Psybbo]

One precaution. leave in gear, with handbrake off to avoid the handbrake seizing

[ummmm]

With handbrake off?

[eastern]

Is it going to be left outdoors or indoors? If outside make sure antifreeze is at correct concentration, personally I would take it for a long drive before laying it up to make sure the exhaust has no condensation in it. I wouldn't worry too much about the car being in any way harmed as most second hand cars sit on garage forecourts for months before they are sold on. I also wouldn't disconnect the battery but be prepared to maybe have to jump start it so park it so that access to the battery is not hindered.

[Psybbo]

Yes ummmm.

[boxtops]

Phew, I wouldn't leave the handbrake off, but that's me... is anyone else insured to drive it? running it round the block every couple of weeks might be useful.

[ummmm]

What if it's parked on a slope?

[MarkRae]

The handbrake should never be left on for long periods of time because, as has been mentioned, there's a strong possibility that it can seize, especially if the car is old and the weather is cold. Not a huge problem and won't damage any of the rest of the vehicle, but a garage will have to come and recover it for repair.

Leave it in first or reverse with the handbrake off.

[Mamyalynne]

AA advise handbrake off, of course chock the wheels if the drive/garage is at all sloped.

http://www.theaa.com/...advice/laying_up.html

[ChuckFickens]

And if it does have to be left on a slope (try not to) then chock the down side wheels.

[boxtops]

Thankfully then, I've never had to do it. I am paranoid about my handbrake.

[Psybbo]

The car should not move if left in gear, while if the handbrake is left on for that length of time it may seize.

[gollysailor]

If it's an automatic just leave it in "P", handbrake off.

[ummmm]

Wow...didn't know that :-)

[MarkRae]

If it's pointing up the slope, leave it in first; if pointing down the slope, reverse.

After parking, put the clutch in, engage the appropriate gear, switch the engine off, press the foot brake, let the clutch out, and then slowly release the foot brake until the the gears "catch". The car won't move after that - no handbrake required.

[DC_FC]

Its going to be left outdoors and i cant leave the handbrake off as its parked on the drive, yes id thought of taking it for a drive but its a car im not good at driving due to not driving it much. Its a manual car as well.

[DC_FC]

I can do a top up of A/freeze although shouldnt need much.

[gollysailor]

Can you chock the wheels with bricks or something similar??

[Psybbo]

See Mark's advice and if you are still worried, place wedges in front of the wheels

[MarkRae]

> i cant leave the handbrake off as its parked on the drive

That makes no sense whatsoever...

[DC_FC]

Mark the drive is on a slope so if i leave the handbrake off the car will roll backwards which isnt what i want to happen, i dont have anything to chock the wheels