[KTE]

https://www.lv.com/breakdown-cover/h...ery-going-flat


5 minutes idling... not quite sure about this advice...

[TodmordenLad]

Originally Posted by KTE

https://www.lv.com/breakdown-cover/h...ery-going-flat


5 minutes idling... not quite sure about this advice...

Sounds 100% incorrect to me
I've always understood that short journeys and idling when the engine is cold do nothing to help battery life - the opposite, in fact. Starting the car alone is a big draw.
The solution to preserve the battery is an unused car is a battery conditioner/charger

[HighlandPete]

An appropriate intelligent charger/conditioner is the best way to keep the battery in a good SoC.

5 minutes idling is not going to do much to boost the battery, plus not best practice for the engine either.

If you must idle the car, ensure electrical consumers are switched off, to get the best charge rate while running the engine.

[MashinBenzin]

I went for this, for less than the cost of a week's fuel:

https://www.halfords.com/motoring/ba...er-230278.html

[Isow]

I bought a CTEK MXS 5.0

[davyk31]

Ctek trickle charger is the answer. I have one that I keep on the Macan as it doesn’t get used a lot over winter. Problem now is I need to share the charger between 3 cars.

[KTE]

Slight problem is I live on a second floor maisonette. I assume there isn’t one of these chargers that run off battery power - even if I have to charge that for extended periods of time?

I do already run an extension reel for the jet wash once every 3-5 weeks to wash, but I am there in person. Not ideal to run cables and leave the device unattended in a public space.

[isleaiw1]

I took mine for a 25 min run on clear roads at decent speeds with minimal load where possible, even turned AC off and opened window....

I'll probably do the same next weekend....

[Panchoa]

Originally Posted by isleaiw1

I took mine for a 25 min run on clear roads at decent speeds with minimal load where possible, even turned AC off and opened window....

I'll probably do the same next weekend....

Yep same here. Both cars once a week for about 15 mins going the long way round to the supermarket.

[EvilDrPorkChop]

Van had nearly gone flat after nearly two weeks of non use and very nearly didn't start - whacked it on the charger for 4 hours this afternoon.

Will probably do the same on the car tomorrow, I think systems had started to shut down (Although no warning notice) so think i'd better give it a charge.

[Scoobyd]

Mine's on a CTEK trickle charge as we speak. Best way to maintain the battery condition I believe.

[davyk31]

Put the charger on my wife's M135i today as it hasn't been out for 2 weeks. Also the miles are at a very neat 2222 so I'm not keen on moving it lol.

[Hooded]

Originally Posted by Panchoa

Yep same here. Both cars once a week for about 15 mins going the long way round to the supermarket.

That’s what I’ve been doing .. long way round to the supermarket 20 mins or so each way once a week.

[TodmordenLad]

Originally Posted by Scoobyd

Mine's on a CTEK trickle charge as we speak. Best way to maintain the battery condition I believe.

+1
I have the version 5 stop/start version, clever little bit of kit, connect and forget about it until it's ready

[MashinBenzin]

Originally Posted by TodmordenLad

+1
I have the version 5 stop/start version, clever little bit of kit, connect and forget about it until it's ready

Yes, the Noco is the same. Had my wife's car recharged within 12 hours or so and has gone into trickle mode since. Will try it on the big car soon.

[NISFAN]

If you have a garage, just disconnect the battery. Don't latch the boot/tailgate. Battery will last for months like that.

[flashollie]

Originally Posted by NISFAN

If you have a garage, just disconnect the battery. Don't latch the boot/tailgate. Battery will last for months like that.

This. Batteries aren't kept on charge in the warehouse.
The chap in the second floor flat you can take your battery out and charge it in a ventilated room. Though in the days of sealed batteries this isn't as important.

[Blacktemplar]

We had an unused car that sat sorned on the drive for 6 months from late November. Started first time. To be fair it was an older Toyota with minimal electronics so probably not much draw on the battery, but it was a 12 year old car and the original battery.

Do you leave your car on trickle charge when you go on holiday for three weeks? Me neither. If the car gets a wee “up to operating temp” run every 2-3 weeks it’ll be fine....

[un1eash]

Haven't checked the BMW for a while but after 2 weeks I went shopping in the Qashqai and after shopping came out to a flat battery. Electric handbrake meant I couldn't move it but managed to jump start it with cables in the end.
It's on my ctek trickle charge now.

[Nobby Clark]

Originally Posted by isleaiw1

I took mine for a 25 min run on clear roads at decent speeds with minimal load where possible, even turned AC off and opened window....

I'll probably do the same next weekend....

Originally Posted by Hooded

That’s what I’ve been doing .. long way round to the supermarket 20 mins or so each way once a week.

Glad to hear your following the government’s advice!

[isleaiw1]

Originally Posted by Nobby Clark

Glad to hear your following the government’s advice!

On everything else yes, and as it was my turn to go to the supermarket I went the long way.

Hope that is acceptable to you. And that you aren't throwing stones whilst living in a glass house...?

[Sennen]

Originally Posted by isleaiw1

On everything else yes, and as it was my turn to go to the supermarket I went the long way.

Hope that is acceptable to you. And that you aren't throwing stones whilst living in a glass house...?

If I had a diesel 3 series I would want to go the quickest route too