What to do with my car?

[TheNerdAbides]

So I leave home in about 15 hours and there's one thing I haven't quite figured out yet -- what to do with my car?

Between pre and post camino travel, I'll be away from home for 50+ days, possibly a full two months. I'm single and have no friends or family in my current city to ask for favors.

It seems cars don't like being unused for long periods of time. The Internet, of course, has lots of opinions, but I figure maybe this particular group, where being away for the 1-2 month range is common, might have some more focused opinions?

The car will be secure in my apartment's parking garage, but I won't have access to outlets for any battery conditioners. It's a 2023 Mazda CX5 with only 7,000 miles on it, so I'm hoping that helps.

Any thoughts? Thanks!

 

[J Willhaus]

Well, our first Camino we came home and one battery was dead so we had use the other car to jump start it. It is a risk. But if you have no one you trust to take it for a spin, then you'll just have to hope for the best@

 

[henrythedog]

It probably spent a lot longer on the manufacturers parking lot. It should be perfectly fine. There’s an outside chance you might have to charge the battery on return; but it’s unlikely. Just don’t forget to lock it.

 

[Robo]

My car is usually OK for that long or longer.

 

[dougfitz]

This is hardly long term storage. You might need to get a jump start when you return, but otherwise I don't see the problem. But if you are unsure, consult your local Mazda dealer about any specific measures. Please don't expect forum members to offer specialist car advice. That's not why I am here, and I expect most others are the same.

ps perhaps you could get to know your neighbours, and ask one of them for a favour.

 

[trecile]

You could get a portable jump starter in case your battery is dead when you return. I have one that I bought at Costco.

These Editor-Approved Portable Jump Starters Are a Lifesaver on the Road in Any Season

The most reliable options to help get you to your destination safely.

www.popularmechanics.com

 

[Pilgrim9]

This is what I do when leaving my car in long-term storage:

0. Fill up gas tank, to help prevent cyclic breathing of ambient air into and out of tank headspace, and resultant water condensation and gum formation. Park it in a safe well-lighted place on level ground. If in an airport parking lot, try to find a space beside the route where the parking lot courtesy buses pass by, to get the benefit of the bus drivers' eyes. Close all windows. Remove all belongings from interior of car.

1. Automatic transmission in "Park", manual transmission in 1st gear, as applicable.

2. Leave parking brake "Off". This might seem counter-intuitive but it helps to prevent the brake pads from rust-welding to the brake drums or discs.

3. Disconnect battery. Hide applicable wrench in a secret place in car, but not in engine compartment.

4. Install a steering wheel lock, i.e., "Club". Take key with me.

5. Before walking away, verify that all doors are actually locked by physically attempting to open each one from outside of the car. Must do this because electric door locks if present will not work when battery is disconnected.

6. Write down location coordinates of car if in e.g. large airport parking lot. I tape my car location note into the back of my passport.

7. Remove cell from car-locking radio-frequency (RF) key-fob or turn RF key fob off per manufacturer's instructions. Place car and steering wheel lock keys inside my cross-body money pouch for duration of trip.

 

[alexwalker]

3. Disconnect battery. Hide applicable wrench in a secret place in car, but not in engine compartment.

Disagree, Modern days cars have a lot of electronics: Even my 25 year old BMW has 27 computers. Let them run on close-to-nothing electricity.

Put an Airtag device hidden in your car for tracking in case of theft.

Recharge when you get home.

 

[TheNerdAbides]

Disagree, Modern days cars have a lot of electronics: Even my 25 year old BMW has 27 computers. Let them run on close-to-nothing electricity.

Put an Airtag device hidden in your car for tracking in case of theft.

Recharge when you get home.

Funny, I just purchased an iPhone a few weeks ago, and just a couple hours ago purchased an airtag. I was going to put it in luggage, but putting this one in the car and buying another one at my next stop sounds like a great idea!

 

[TheNerdAbides]

This is what I do when leaving my car in long-term storage:

0. Fill up gas tank, to help prevent cyclic breathing of ambient air into and out of tank headspace, and resultant water condensation and gum formation. Park it in a safe well-lighted place on level ground. If in an airport parking lot, try to find a space beside the route where the parking lot courtesy buses pass by, to get the benefit of the bus drivers' eyes. Close all windows. Remove all belongings from interior of car.

1. Automatic transmission in "Park", manual transmission in 1st gear, as applicable.

2. Leave parking brake "Off". This might seem counter-intuitive but it helps to prevent the brake pads from rust-welding to the brake drums or discs.

3. Disconnect battery. Hide applicable wrench in a secret place in car, but not in engine compartment.

4. Install a steering wheel lock, i.e., "Club". Take key with me.

5. Before walking away, verify that all doors are actually locked by physically attempting to open each one from outside of the car. Must do this because electric door locks if present will not work when battery is disconnected.

6. Write down location coordinates of car if in e.g. large airport parking lot. I tape my car location note into the back of my passport.

7. Remove cell from car-locking radio-frequency (RF) key-fob or turn RF key fob off per manufacturer's instructions. Place car and steering wheel lock keys inside my cross-body money pouch for duration of trip.

Thanks for such a comprehensive list!

 

[TheNerdAbides]

You could get a portable jump starter in case your battery is dead when you return. I have one that I bought at Costco.

These Editor-Approved Portable Jump Starters Are a Lifesaver on the Road in Any Season

The most reliable options to help get you to your destination safely.

www.popularmechanics.com

Yeah, I had that thought too shortly after I posted this.

 

[TheNerdAbides]

This is hardly long term storage. You might need to get a jump start when you return, but otherwise I don't see the problem. But if you are unsure, consult your local Mazda dealer about any specific measures. Please don't expect forum members to offer specialist car advice. That's not why I am here, and I expect most others are the same.

ps perhaps you could get to know your neighbours, and ask one of them for a favour.

I don't expect there to be many car experts here, but, like I said, I would expect there are more people that have left their cars unused for the 1-2 month range, so I was curious what their experiences have been.

 

[TheNerdAbides]

Something I realized - I have cellular app-based remote start control. I wonder if I can start it from 10,000 miles away?? Kind of a scary thought! Won't help with moving the tires, but does at least get the juices flowing for a bit.

 

[trecile]

Something I realized - I have cellular app-based remote start control. I wonder if I can start it from 10,000 miles away?? Kind of a scary thought! Won't help with moving the tires, but does at least get the juices flowing for a bit.

Seems like a bad idea!

 

[dougfitz]

Something I realized - I have cellular app-based remote start control. I wonder if I can start it from 10,000 miles away?? Kind of a scary thought! Won't help with moving the tires, but does at least get the juices flowing for a bit.

Interesting, but I will repeat my earlier advice. Consult the service department of your Mazda dealer. Starting the engine every few days and leaving it idle doesn't sound like a very good idea to me if you are not there to ensure that nothing untoward has happened which might need to be attended to. Perhaps a remote prospect with such a new car, but not one I think I would ignore. More, as you have already identified, this isn't going to benefit any of the other major drivetrain components. And I am not sure what the other occupants of your apartment complex are going to think about having a vehicle being left idling in the parking garage. I have this image of a relatively enclosed space into which you will be pumping exhaust gases, but that might just be my imagination at work!

 

[alexwalker]

Something I realized - I have cellular app-based remote start control. I wonder if I can start it from 10,000 miles away?? Kind of a scary thought! Won't help with moving the tires, but does at least get the juices flowing for a bit.

If you do this, it will not be good for the battery of your car... Idle is not good for charging...

 

[chinacat]

This is going to sound very cheeky, but you don’t seem to be short of a bob or two …. new car, new iPhone ….
Have you considered becoming a ‘donating member’ to this site?

Buen Camino!

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

@TheNerdAbides , you've already said that your car will be secure in the parking garage so the only thing of remote concern is the fuel and the battery. My maximum period away was five months. For that I added an additive to the fuel at my mechanics suggestion and topped off the tank. Also at his suggestion I left the battery completely alone - I did NOT disconnect it - even when it is 'empty' it holds sufficient charge to keep the memory etc of the electronics alive - just like your cell phone. I didn't even raise the wheels ( on axel stands,) which some people suggest.
I did cover the car but that was because my shed had birds nesting in it at the time!
For 6 to 8 weeks all I ever do is top off the tank, nothing more. Whether your battery goes flat or not totally depends on the condition it is in prior to leaving. Worst case use the battery charger when you get home.

 

[TheNerdAbides]

This is going to sound very cheeky, but you don’t seem to be short of a bob or two …. new car, new iPhone ….
Have you considered becoming a ‘donating member’ to this site?

Buen Camino!

Well yes, but that was "before the event." I am now in the "after" which is why I have the time to walk at all

 

[TheNerdAbides]

@TheNerdAbides , you've already said that your car will be secure in the parking garage so the only thing of remote concern is the fuel and the battery. My maximum period away was five months. For that I added an additive to the fuel at my mechanics suggestion and topped off the tank. Also at his suggestion I left the battery completely alone - I did NOT disconnect it - even when it is 'empty' it holds sufficient charge to keep the memory etc of the electronics alive - just like your cell phone. I didn't even raise the wheels ( on axel stands,) which some people suggest.
I did cover the car but that was because my shed had birds nesting in it at the time!
For 6 to 8 weeks all I ever do is top off the tank, nothing more. Whether your battery goes flat or not totally depends on the condition it is in prior to leaving. Worst case use the battery charger when you get home.

Good to hear, thanks!

 

[chinacat]

Well yes, but that was "before the event." I am now in the "after" which is why I have the time to walk at all

 

[Bothydave]

So I leave home in about 15 hours and there's one thing I haven't quite figured out yet -- what to do with my car?

Between pre and post camino travel, I'll be away from home for 50+ days, possibly a full two months. I'm single and have no friends or family in my current city to ask for favors.

It seems cars don't like being unused for long periods of time. The Internet, of course, has lots of opinions, but I figure maybe this particular group, where being away for the 1-2 month range is common, might have some more focused opinions?

The car will be secure in my apartment's parking garage, but I won't have access to outlets for any battery conditioners. It's a 2023 Mazda CX5 with only 7,000 miles on it, so I'm hoping that helps.

Any thoughts? Thanks!

My Mazda CX5 has had to sit n the garage at home on 2 occasions for 7 weeks over the past 2 years. It has been none the worse for the experience.
can I suggest that you park it in such a way that you can access the battery should it need a jump start or trickle charger to get going again On your return.
central locking and alarms on modern cars run down the battery. On the CX5 you can switch the alarm off from the key. Fingers crossed

 

[jpwu]

We have been on the road for 4 months. We disconnected the batteries. No problem getting started upon return.

 

[Scott Sweeney]

So I leave home in about 15 hours and there's one thing I haven't quite figured out yet -- what to do with my car?

Between pre and post camino travel, I'll be away from home for 50+ days, possibly a full two months. I'm single and have no friends or family in my current city to ask for favors.

It seems cars don't like being unused for long periods of time. The Internet, of course, has lots of opinions, but I figure maybe this particular group, where being away for the 1-2 month range is common, might have some more focused opinions?

The car will be secure in my apartment's parking garage, but I won't have access to outlets for any battery conditioners. It's a 2023 Mazda CX5 with only 7,000 miles on it, so I'm hoping that helps.

Any thoughts? Thanks!

We live outside of Washington DC, we have a local limousine service.there is also airport services almost everywhere you have a major airport.

 

[Geebee]

It’s a car, it won’t get lonely !

 

[makingtrax]

This is hardly long term storage. You might need to get a jump start when you return, but otherwise I don't see the problem. But if you are unsure, consult your local Mazda dealer about any specific measures. Please don't expect forum members to offer specialist car advice. That's not why I am here, and I expect most others are the same.

ps perhaps you could get to know your neighbours, and ask one of them for a favour.

He only has 15hrs before leaving! And I thought I was a last minute. Com girl!

 

[dougfitz]

He only has 15hrs before leaving! And I thought I was a last minute. Com girl!

The count down on that 15 hours started nearly 25 hours ago. I suspect the time has well past where anything we offer will help with the original purpose of asking.

 

[makingtrax]

The count down on that 15 hours started nearly 25 hours ago. I suspect the time has well past where anything we offer will help with the original purpose of asking.

Hi Doug. Any camino plans for 2024? I'm looking at Ingles and cycling Via Francigena. Cheers kiwi k

 

[dougfitz]

Hi Doug. Any camino plans for 2024? I'm looking at Ingles and cycling Via Francigena. Cheers kiwi k

I've sent you a PM.

 

[Canche]

So I leave home in about 15 hours and there's one thing I haven't quite figured out yet -- what to do with my car?

Between pre and post camino travel, I'll be away from home for 50+ days, possibly a full two months. I'm single and have no friends or family in my current city to ask for favors.

It seems cars don't like being unused for long periods of time. The Internet, of course, has lots of opinions, but I figure maybe this particular group, where being away for the 1-2 month range is common, might have some more focused opinions?

The car will be secure in my apartment's parking garage, but I won't have access to outlets for any battery conditioners. It's a 2023 Mazda CX5 with only 7,000 miles on it, so I'm hoping that helps.

Any thoughts? Thanks!

Unplug the battery

 

[dougfitz]

Unplug the battery

On a newer vehicle like the OP's, this is probably not a good idea. Better to find a trickle charger and keep the battery topped up while they are away. Noting that they asked this question very shortly before they departed, they are unlikely to benefit from any further advice. Others might, but I would still recommend that anyone in this position speak to the service department of their local dealer or the mechanic shop maintaining their vehicle.