Should we be starting our cars during lock down?

[sharpyboy]

Hi Guys

Just changed my spark plugs and started my car for the first time in a few weeks and the lifters were very noisy I suppose with not using the oil had drained out. My question is should we be starting our engines periodically during lock down to prevent this. Any advice on this? I think this is the longest I've not used my zed in the 3.5 years I've had it.

Thanks Stay Safe Out There

 

[Chippie]

I would say you would do more harm than good with keep stating it every few weeks, if you anticipate not having using it for several months then you could consider putting it on axel stands or putting a little more pressure in the tyres, also charging the battery would be a good idea

 

[Silverzedtom]

I agree with the above. I’d just pump the tires to max, leave it in gear and on charge. The most I’d do is nudge it back and fourth a couple of times a month in gear to ensure the brakes don’t bind if it’s outside

 

[Nota TR5 man]

I just put my battery on charge and gave the old 2.2 a wash. Lifted the bonnet and admired the whole look of the Z as I am 68 and semi retired toolmaker (who has chosen not to work at the moment) I pondered whether to sell it for a brief moment :? . Then I looked at my MX5 turbo engined Lotus 7 (clone) special that I built 5 years ago and suggested the plan of selling to my wife, who has a pristine MX5 Mk1. She replied that the cars stay until we have to sell so they are staying for a while Petrol heads dont die they have to be shot 8)

 

[scootr]

She's a keeper That goes for the Z4 as well.
I'm starting my cars once a week. Moving them out of the garage and back so the tires do not develop flat spots.

 

[-Tom-]

I don't know, is my answer. Mine has survived the last 2-3 months SORNd and the battery has been fine, but it would now normally get a bit of use and won't be doing so for another month or so I guess.

My garage doesn't have a mains supply though ... so? My plan was to get it out this week and stick it on the drive and give her some attention ready for Summer. But there's still no poss' of charging there. The joys of living in a flat within a townhouse

 

[sharpyboy]

I don't know, is my answer. Mine has survived the last 2-3 months SORNd and the battery has been fine, but it would now normally get a bit of use and won't be doing so for another month or so I guess.

My garage doesn't have a mains supply though ... so? My plan was to get it out this week and stick it on the drive and give her some attention ready for Summer. But there's still no poss' of charging there. The joys of living in a flat within a townhouse

I know what you mean I have a parking space in a covered area adjacent to my flat but no electricity.

 

[Smartbear]

I don't know, is my answer. Mine has survived the last 2-3 months SORNd and the battery has been fine, but it would now normally get a bit of use and won't be doing so for another month or so I guess.

My garage doesn't have a mains supply though ... so? My plan was to get it out this week and stick it on the drive and give her some attention ready for Summer. But there's still no poss' of charging there. The joys of living in a flat within a townhouse

I know what you mean I have a parking space in a covered area adjacent to my flat but no electricity.

You could always get a solar panel charger to stop or slow battery discharge, I use one on a motorbike & it works well
Rob

 

[srhutch]

Starting them up without driving them is not good. They’ll be on choke for a long time till they warm up. Best to leave until you can actually drive it to get nice and warm.

 

[Mr Tidy]

As I have no way of connecting a charger to mine for the time being I'm alternating between using my Z4 and my daily for any essential trips, partly in the hope I may get to use it properly in the not too distant future!

But if that starts to look unlikely it may well get SORN'd with tyres pumped right up and my solar charger fitted, although I hope it doesn't come to that. :roll:

 

[colb]

Solar charger only way to go if you havn't got mains access, may require some way of remote fitting the panel and feeding the wires to the car to get the sun on the panel. Most panels come with a cig lighter plug to connect to the car, just check the socket in the car remains live when the car is switched off, if it turns off then wire in a connection to the battery terminals under the bonnet and mount a connecting plug inside the front grill area so you can fish it out with a finger to connect it. Alternattive is direct connection to the battery in the boot but fitting a quick connection plug may be a problem finding a suitable place outside the car.