Advice on storing my A6 for 9 months

[Jimmy2007]

ULEZ forced me to buy a scrap of a ford until new mayoral election in may in which I hope the emperor khant will be booted out.
So I have to keep my beloved A6 in my drive for 9 months and plan to use it once a month for days out.
What should I do to prevent any problems?
Any advice is very welcome.
Thanks

 

[daytonamart]

Smart charger on the battery would be a good start if you can, roll the wheels backwards and forwards to prevent flat spots every couple of weeks,I'd also fill the tank with fuel to stop condensation forming especially as we go into Autumn.

 

[AlS3BE]

Smart charger on the battery would be a good start if you can, roll the wheels backwards and forwards to prevent flat spots every couple of weeks,I'd also fill the tank with fuel to stop condensation forming especially as we go into Autumn.

Put a few more psi(5-10)in the tyres to prevent flat spots. Just remember to let it down when you use it. If it’s outdoors I would give it a good clean and wax/seal. I’m not a fan of car covers outdoors as it will just trap moisture and cause rust and mold in my opinion.

 

[Jimmy2007]

Put a few more psi(5-10)in the tyres to prevent flat spots. Just remember to let it down when you use it. If it’s outdoors I would give it a good clean and wax/seal. I’m not a fan of car covers outdoors as it will just trap moisture and cause rust and mold in my opinion.

Yes, I was in 2 minds about the cover.
Car will be outside.

 

[Jimmy2007]

Smart charger on the battery would be a good start if you can, roll the wheels backwards and forwards to prevent flat spots every couple of weeks,I'd also fill the tank with fuel to stop condensation forming especially as we go into Autumn.

Thanks.
I have a smart charger, but never used it, it's still in the box.
Do I leave it permanently plugged in and connected to the battery terminals?
Will occasionally take the car for a spin, hoping things don't seize up.

 

[Rob Avant]

I only use my A4 a couple of time a month at best. I don’t use a cover over the summer months but do over winter. Haven’t got space in the garage so it sits on the drive unfortunately. I don’t use a trickle charger, I just charge the battery every month, a bit more work but means I don’t have cables lying around all the time. I do try to take it out a minimum of twice a month to keep the breaks fresh and stop flat spots. Just don’t leave it sitting there for months and months on end not moving and you’ll be fine

 

[daytonamart]

Thanks.
I have a smart charger, but never used it, it's still in the box.
Do I leave it permanently plugged in and connected to the battery terminals?
Will occasionally take the car for a spin, hoping things don't seize up.

Yep, I use a CTEK5.0 permanently attached the battery terminal under the bonnet. Car sometimes doesn't move for 2 months at a time, no issues starting at all.

 

[NWHighlander]

This may sound wacky, but from experience I now place MOUSETRAPS under the bonnet on top of the engine. The mice have a taste for VAG rubber and it will be v expensive to rectify/replace.

Mike

 

[Jimmy2007]

I only use my A4 a couple of time a month at best. I don’t use a cover over the summer months but do over winter. Haven’t got space in the garage so it sits on the drive unfortunately. I don’t use a trickle charger, I just charge the battery every month, a bit more work but means I don’t have cables lying around all the time. I do try to take it out a minimum of twice a month to keep the breaks fresh and stop flat spots. Just don’t leave it sitting there for months and months on end not moving and you’ll be fine

Don't you lose all settings?
Mina has all electric with keyless start.
Once the battery went flat and it was giving all sorts of dash errors which admittedly disappeared after a couple of miles and never returned.

 

[Jimmy2007]

This may sound wacky, but from experience I now place MOUSETRAPS under the bonnet on top of the engine. The mice have a taste for VAG rubber and it will be v expensive to rectify/replace.

Mike

Point taken.
I'll set the traps and check them every day.
Although, I've never seen a rat around here due to the large number of cats owned by neighbours but living free.

 

[400ixl]

Park it without the handbrake on so that does not seize. Leave it in gear (or park) to stop it going anywhere. As others have said, if you have a smart charger then use that, add some pressure to the tyres, fill the tank, grease any hinges, clear any drain holes etc.

If you plan to drive it then don't forget to reduce the tyre pressure, and if you can mark where it was last sat on the tyres and when you return make sure you are on another part of the tyre and again add some additional pressure.

Car covers are fine if you get a good one that is fully breathable (you are usually in the £100+ range for these). Cheaper ones tend to cause more issues than resolve.

Good luck with the next elections, once in I can't see any newly elected mayor removing it.

 

[Rob Avant]

Don't you lose all settings?
Mina has all electric with keyless start.
Once the battery went flat and it was giving all sorts of dash errors which admittedly disappeared after a couple of miles and never returned.

I’ve not had the battery go flat as yet. I think if I were leaving it for over a month I’d use a trickle charger but a couple of journeys a month and a full charge once a month seems to work fine.
You normally have the traction control light flash up after the battery has gone completely flat, should disappear after a few miles of driving.