Car not moved for 7 months.

J_B

Briefly, we own a house in Cyprus where we have our own car (Honda HRV 2005 petrol manual)

Since we came back home in early November last year, it has not moved.

We have a solar battery charger fitted to it.

Sadly, Easyjet cancelled our flights for March so we've been unable to go.

A friend out there has a key, would it be a good idea for him to start it up and take it for a quick spin, or not??

marlot

He may have to charge the battery first.  But once done, a 20-minute drive so that it gets completely warmed through is probably a good thing.

AdrianC

I wouldn't bother, tbh, unless he was going to give it a proper run and get it properly warm.
If the battery's charged, it'll start and run. The climate's dry enough the brakes won't have rusted on. Have the tyres held air?

Starting it and just running it for a minute or two is likely to do as much harm as good.

Herzlos

I'd either get the friend to take it for a service and use it for a few weeks, or just leave it alone. It's got a trickle charger on so the battery will be fine.

avoidtheupsidedownbottles

Might be worth pumping up the tyres and pushing it forward or backward a foot to reduce the chance of flat-spotted tyres. 

kbcorbs

Is it in a garage, or out on the street?

J_B

Herzlos said:

I'd either get the friend to take it for a service and use it for a few weeks .....

The insurance is 'suspended' (just fire & theft maintained). Friend is 'over 70' so the policy we have is any driver from 25 to 70, so he would need extra cover. To suspend the insurance, we have to be there in person 🙄 (don't ask me, I don't make the rules!)

kbcorbs said:

Is it in a garage, or out on the street?

It's in the complex car park.
I'm just slightly concerned that with summer temperatures hitting 40C some of the 'moving parts' (I use the term loosely!!) will dry out and perhaps 'seize up' - am I right?

forgotmyname

Rubbers dry out yes but a quick spin around the block wont cure that.  Regular use will work.
Otherwise just leave it parked and sort out what needs doing when you need it.

J_B

forgotmyname said:

.... and sort out what needs doing when you need it.

I need it now, but sadly, there doesn't seem like I'm going to be allowed to (practically) travel there any time soon. 😢

J_B

J_B said:

Briefly, we own a house in Cyprus where we have our own car (Honda HRV 2005 petrol manual)

Since we came back home in early November last year, it has not moved.

We have a solar battery charger fitted to it.

Sadly, Easyjet cancelled our flights for March so we've been unable to go.

A friend out there has a key, would it be a good idea for him to start it up and take it for a quick spin, or not??

Just a little update ..... 22 months later .... had to put a new battery on the car as the old one was kaput.

Started first time - passed MOT with flying colours this morning.

Only issue was the radio code which we retrieved by fair means or foul!! 

brianposter

Just be careful - passing the MOT does not mean that everything will continue to work perfectly.