Stop-start Journeys

[muchlovex]

As I am now working only 3 days per week I am using my car a lot less now. For 2 days of the week I do a 60 mile journey each day (there and back to work), but for the rest I use my car for very short journeys for shopping etc. I understand that stop-start journeys are not good for cars.

I have noticed that when i turn the key the engine hesitates for a moment or two before starting. I service my car at regular intervals and it has 40,000 miles on the clock for a 2003 reg car.

Is there anything I can do to help my car from deteriorating in terms of the above (obviously, I do go out and walk to the shops sometimes, but there are occasions when I need to use my car for shorter journeys).

Thank you in advance for any helpful advice given

[TWR]

Hi, add Petrol / Derv additive to a full tank of fuel REDX or the likes from any Auto Spares shop, or Halfords £5.00 I add this to my own car very often, take the car for a good Motorway / duel carriageway blast, stop / start does not do the battery any justice, if its a top up battey " Check it" if you are on a short journeys " Shop" try not to use all the electric, Eg/ Radio, heater, A/C all these takes a lot out of your battery.

[derekpara]

Could I also recommend that you change your engine oil and filter between services. I always change mine every three months irrespective of mileage.

[gingejbee]

In addition to the above, is the car parked in a garage or outside? If inside you could use a battery trickle-charger occasionally; if outside, you can get solar -panel trickle-chargers that rest on the top of the dash and plug into the 12v socket (cigarette-lighter). My neighbour has one and swears by it. Cost was a tenner from Maplins Electronics.