Storing your car while you're on El Camino

KyleJ

New Member

• Nov 23, 2011

• #1

Hello,

I'm planning to start El Camino Frances in March, and I'm wondering how to properly store my car so the battery won't die and the tires won't go flat. I live by myself, and I'm not sure how reasonable it would be to ask my friends to take it out for a drive once a week. Any tips?

Buen Camino,
Kyle

 

JohnnieWalker

Nunca se camina solo

Donating Member

• Nov 23, 2011

• #2

Hola Kyle

I always just left my car parked outside my house and there was never a problem. Do you live somewhere with horrific weather conditions?

John

 

W

wdbillingsley

Member

• Nov 23, 2011

• #3

Should not be any problem if you are only going for one or two months. Battery should hold its charge. If you are having to put air in your tires every couple of months, you have a leak that needs to be fixed before you leave. If you do have someone drive your car, they need to drive 20+miles without stopping to ensure the battery is recharged.

 

S

Sojourner47

Guest

• Nov 23, 2011

• #4

Also, don't engage the hand brake (parking brake) -otherwise the brakes might seize up - put the car into gear to hold it in place.....

 

sulu

Veteran Member

Time of past OR future Camino

a few since 2010

• Nov 24, 2011

• #5

My battery went flat when I did the Frances. Now, if I am going to be away for more than a couple of weeks, I disconnect the battery, it seems to work and re-assures me!

 

sharmuk

New Member

• Nov 25, 2011

• #6

Hello

If you keep your car outside then a solar charger can be useful to keep the battery topped up and compensate for the draw made by the car alarm. I live in the UK and used one from Maplin http://www.maplin.co.uk/solar-power...ckle-charger-98358?c=froogle&u=98358&t=module for many years without problem, though they used to be on offer at half the price they are now. There are alternatives available from other companies.

These days I keep the car in a garage without windows so solar isn't an option and instead use an Accumate battery conditioner http://www.accumate.co.uk/ which is quite a bit dearer but works very well.

Disconnecting the car's battery is OK but if you do have a car alarm or tracking device fitted it may have to go onto its back-up power supply so reducing the life of that.

Buen camino.

 

David

Veteran Member

Donating Member

Time of past OR future Camino

First one in 2005 from Moissac, France.

• Nov 29, 2011

• #7

modern batteries should be quite happy sitting for a month. If you have a modern car don't disconnect the battery! :shock: The engine management system needs continuous 12v power or has to be reset, and possibly your radio too.
Saying that there is a slow drain from items such as clock and alarm ...so, agree,
A small solar panel that sits on the dashboard and plugs in to the cigar socket is a great way to go.

Though - it does suggest to passersby that the owner has gone away .......... :|