My car hasnt been taxed so I kept it off road...the battery is pretty flat so how long would it take to fully charge it? Also, could there be any faults with it as its not been driven in so long?
2006-06-26 07:23:23 · 21 answers · asked by Carly 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Safety
It flashed up once with "ABS Fault", but the warning hasnt come back on since, could this be down to the brake fluid sitting stale for a while?
2006-06-27 02:24:33 · update #1
Fitasafiddle - I have to drive to to the garage, which is 30 miles away, so I needed to know whether it was gonna die on the way and also any faults that could come up on the way!
2006-06-27 03:12:46 · update #2
I've just done the same with my summer car.
I would take it for a gentle run for about an hour, just to make sure everything is as it should be. I sat mine running in the driveway for an hour and it didnt charge at all, but after a short run it was charging fine.
Don't thrash it though! Wake her up gently. The brakes need a gentle warming to make sure they are still ok and yes, I too found I had to bleed the brakes (all round) as they were spongy as hell.
For next year consider getting a trickle charger (mains or solar) or remove the battery completely for the winter.
I tend to overinflate my tyres before mine goes away too, so if you did remember to let some out.
2006-06-27 03:37:33 · answer #1 · answered by 'Dr Greene' 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You say that the battery has been flat therefore you can go to some shops like Sears or Autozone to get the battery checked for the specific gravity level. Provided it starts..there could be a chance that you may need a new one--check the fluids and before you do anything when and if you start it and put into gear to drive..slowly apply the brake, alot of condensation can build up on the brakes and will either stick or you could have a brake fade--again do this slow. First thing do also will be to go and check the air in the tires, and do this as close as possible...the further you drive the more the tire will expand...depending on how much gas you left in the car hopefully less--run it to almost empty to get all the old gas out of it..then you are checking on the battery charge and getting rid of the old gas..and fill up with new gas..hope this helps..
2006-06-26 13:54:56 · answer #2 · answered by 69Stang 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a bit dodgy but it's what we do in the motor trade. After starting you need to drive until the choke goes off. Whilst doing this brake hard a couple of times to blow the rust of the brakes. Engine at normal operating temperature, take car onto good straight fast road. At fifty mph switch the engine off, the power steering will get quite heavy but hang in there! Now try to start off the key, If it works you'll be fine. If it won't start your still going fast enough to bump start the car. Bloody dangerous technique for most drivers, but for the select few it's the easiest option. Enjoy!
2006-06-26 08:31:24 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
A few kilometers drive without using light would charge the battery, once you jump start it. Better get the car serviced for oil change. Lastly, I agree with another answer - don't you have your regular garage, who can help you with this problem, rather than ask for advice from strangers?
2006-06-27 02:52:18 · answer #4 · answered by fitasfiddle 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its possible the gas has gone bad, its best to put fresh gas in. if a battery is drained out even from leaving lights on usually after ten to fifteen minutes of driving will fully charge it. sitting still takes a long time. if it sat, it might be bad or go bad. if you are going to jump it to start you may have to run about five minutes and drive at last ten miles to charge up. i use my van once a month and if it goes low, i jump it and run it about five minutes and drive it ten miles and she is charged enough for another month or two.
2006-06-26 07:31:18 · answer #5 · answered by hollywood71@verizon.net 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A30 minute drive might do but you are better off taking the battery out and recharging it properly to take pressure off the alternator. Check your water and oil levels especially. Also leave the car warm up in its own time, do not rev it up in the first ten minutes as to allow the oil to reach all the necessary components properly without causing damage to tappetts etc.
Also a note to previous posters, there are people in here who know what they are talking about
2006-06-26 07:31:00 · answer #6 · answered by finnykid 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Driving your car doesn't charge the battery. When you crank your car, your alternator charges your battery. If you just crank the car and run it the alternator will charge the battery.
You may want to check and change the fluids such as oil, anitfreeze, trans oil, as well as gas. If these fluids get gunky, they will damage your engine. You want to run it for about 30 minutes to get the engine nice and warm.
2006-06-26 07:29:00 · answer #7 · answered by bridetobebrandie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you have a battery charger then the lights wil tell you when it is charged probably about 12-24 hours is best. run it around once/twice a week to keep it charged. remember to check your oil water and tyres and lights if not been used in a while also
2006-06-26 07:27:57 · answer #8 · answered by T 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe, just let it run in place for about 10 minutes. IF you can get it started!! But, if you drive it on the road, and have an accident, they could take more than your car, and something else, TOO!
2006-07-05 10:31:36 · answer #9 · answered by wonderfulcounselorhealer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to drive it for approximately 20 minutes. That gives ample time for the alternator, which is what charges your battery, to fully excite a charge.
2006-06-26 07:39:05 · answer #10 · answered by Renny J 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋