Car advice anyone?

[sherrardk]

AA just been out to start my car, battery needed a kick up the butt, and the AA man said to take it for a run but I can't leave the house at the moment. Should I switch the engine off or leave it going (and if so, for how long)? Thanks.

[NOX]

If you're trying to charge the battery Sher, keep it running ( as long as there are no water leaks/ fan doesn't kick in or other danger of overheating), then take it for a run asap:)

[sherrardk]

Cheers, how long should I leave it just standing there running, it's been going about 15 minutes. I can't go anywhere for at least two hours or so.

[woofgang]

Keep a close eye on it if you leave it running. I have just had a reminder from my insurers reminding me that cars left with the engines running are not covered by insurance if they are stolen.

[Khandro]

Did the AA man say your battery was OK but flat, or did he think it was defective? If it is OK, half an hour will charge it up enough and the engine will also be warm to start easily when you go out in a couple of hours.

[deggers316]

if its having to have a boost before you can get it going without the AA the batt is no good for winter starting cut the hassle and buy a new one

[Hopkirk]

I agree with Deggers, it will let you down again when you can least cope.
Replace it.

[sherrardk]

Thanks all, AA man said it was a good battery - just that my engine is so big it needs a lot to get it going (it was particularly cold last night).

[ChillDoubt]

I've read or heard somewhere that a few runs around the block going up and down the gears a bit is better than a ten/fifteen minute run down a dual carriageway.
Would that not be feasible in your current situation?

[Hopkirk]

Perhaps invest in a battery charger then, if you can get the car close enough to a plug socket overnight.

[sherrardk]

Thanks everyone, might be able to go for a run in it. We have got a charger but one of the ends has come off and himself didn't have time to sort it this morning. Thanks fr allof your replies.