Travelling Abroad for 9 months but leaving car

Jack_Clover

Hi there, 
Wondering if I could get some advice/opinions on my situation. 
Im going on a 9 month sabbatical to Australia to stay with my family in the coming year as soon as im able to.
I intend on keeping my car and not selling it
 I live in London in a block of flats on a development, the car is parked in a resident's marked spot in the buildings allocated carpark. The carpark isnt gate or anything. 
What do i need to do in relation to:
a) the legal side of things, tax, insurance etc
b) the physical side of things, removing battery or anything. 
Any tips/advice would be greatly appreciated. 
Many thanks 

Stubod

Sorn it, (assuming not on a "public" road), remove the battery and see what insurance you can get to protect it from theft / damage, (contact your current company, explain the situation and see if they offer any suitable cover, may help if you can have somebody to keep an eye on it while you are away). 

Car_54

I'd also advise the building management, in case someone reports it as abandoned.

Also, make sure someone checks your mail, in case you pick up any speed or parking tickets in the weeks before you leave.

knightstyle

Check what the rules are for leaving an untaxed car in the car park. Most say cars that are not taxed and MOT'd will be removed at the owners expense.
As others have said just disconnect the battery, handbrake off and leave in gear.

marlot

Assuming it's a petrol, I'd also put some fuel stabiliser in it.  Helps to stop the injectors gumming up.
You can get it from most motorbike dealers (lots of bikers use it over the winter) or Frost Automotive.

Herzlos

How precious is that particular car to you? I'd be inclined to sell it before you go and buy another one when you get back, or get someone else to at least run it for a while every month. Leaving cars parked for 9 months isn't great for them.

Scrapit

I'd get it off the tyres for 9months standing or else you'll get flat spots.

Jackmydad

Herzlos said:

How precious is that particular car to you? I'd be inclined to sell it before you go and buy another one when you get back, or get someone else to at least run it for a while every month. Leaving cars parked for 9 months isn't great for them.

That's what I thought. I'd just sell it and get another later. It's a car.

[Deleted User]

Another option is lend it to a family member of friend to use while you are away.

If you do leave it then get a cover for it.

Jack_Clover

many thanks for all your advice .
much appreciated