I will be out of the country for ~2 months. I have really nice, trustworthy neighbors that will be taking care of the 'fort' while I am away. Should I have someone start the MINI now and then? How often and for how long? Any other things I should know about? Thanks for any advice! (I will note the mileage before I leave! )

 

>>I will be out of the country for ~2 months. I have really nice, trustworthy neighbors that will be taking care of the 'fort' while I am away. Should I have someone start the MINI now and then? How often and for how long? Any other things I should know about? Thanks for any advice! (I will note the mileage before I leave! )


Where are you located? I can take care of your Mini.

 

I don't think the car has to move much
just start it once or twice a week,give it a rev. or 6,idle a moment turn it off
Tires may get flat spots,so the odd drive would be good if you trust who has the
keys
Or buy the back through the lighter, battery charger ,and put the car on stands
done :smile:

 

2 months is not that long. The only problem you might have is the battery running down. An overnight charge from a cheap charger from Sears is all you'll need to take care of that when you get back.

If you really want to ask your neighbor to help out, ask him to use it for an errand every couple of weeks. That way it will reach full operating temp and the battery will get recharged. Just starting it and letting it idle for a few minutes does more harm than good.

 

Thanks for the advice, guys! I'll probably just let her sit and deal with the possible battery problem upon return.

 

I would either do nothing or have your neighbor take the MINI to the grocery store. Not much gained from idling the car and it is better to have all the working parts in motion.

But 2 months is really a short time. Cars sit on dealership parking lots for a LOT longer (well, not MINI dealerships) and they are just fine.

Regardless of what you do, your MINI will be happy to perform for you when you return.

 

my ride is almost one year old and its got 4900 miles

i tour half the year and often leave the mini in the garage for long periods of time.

definitely atart her up at least once every other week to keep the battery charged. it should run for at least 10 min. also move it a little bit. dont want any of those nasty flat spots in your tires.

now the question is: who do you trust to drive it?

 

lend her to me, i'll keep her worked out

 

If your car's going to be secure in a garage, I would first get the gas full,
unplug the battery, and pump your tires up to 40psi. No need to put on
jackstands if only 2months as long as your tires are over inflated enough.

When you get back, dont forget to check your tire pressure before you take
her out for a spin.

have a safe trip. :smile:

 

Thanks for all the tips and offers to drive my MINI while I'm away!
I think I'll take the advice to pump the tires up and disconnect the battery. Just curious though---what's draining the battery when the car is shut down?

 

"Just curious though---what's draining the battery when the car is shut down? "

Electronic stuff like the clock, the ECU, etc.

Your battery can still discharge in 2 months even if it's disconnected.

 

How long does gas take to go bad? We put sta-bil in the boat for the Winter, but I've never bothered for shorter spells like that.

I only ever worry about two things for vehicles that sit for a long time--bad gas and battery.

For longer durations I'll change the oil beforehand...

--Jeff

 

Gas oxidizes as soon as it becomes gas....EVERYTHING oxidizes as soon as it becomes anything......gas in a closed system like a car's fuel system will last for at least a year.

Kenchan has it right, battery off and tires up. if you have them handy, jack stands are not a bad idea.

In the winter I take all my batteries in to the basement and keep them warm and charged there.