I am planning to join the army and was wondering if it was ok to leave my car sitting or if I should have someone drive it occasionally or how to go about it. It would be 23 weeks before I could take the car with me and was wondering if I needed to drain the fluids, disconnect the battery, etc. I can have my so drive it once a week or so to the store and back or more depending on what you all say. Thank you for the help.
It’s a 2012 Countryman s with 70,000 miles.

 

Generally leaving it on a battery trickle charger (like BatteryTender etc) would be advisable. If in a cold climate, fill up the tank and add fuel stabilizer additive to keep condensation low inside the tank.

 

Best if you can arrange to have someone you trust drive the car regularly. Once a week may not be often enough to keep the battery topped up. Two times a week for around 30 minutes each time would be better. And every other drive fill up the gas tank with fresh gasoline.

Ask whoever drives the car to use the A/C system too. And believe it or not the wiper washers. I moved to CA and didn't use these for months and the nozzles were partially plugged. Not a MINI but another car.

Whoever you have drive the car should either be able to check the oil level on a regular basis: Every fill up; and be sure the tire pressures are ok. Even with no leaks the tire pressures change over time from the ambient temperature changing with the seasons. Or if not able to keep the tires pressures correct to have someone to call upon who can.

Try to arrange to have all servicing done before you leave so no servicing comes due while you are gone.