Kibkom North Cyprus Forum

thinking about buying a car, but it may be left for up to six months at a time un-used.

I know it is possible to get a solar trickle charger for the battery, but was worried that the tyres would likely become flat in that time, or develop serious problems.

Is there any other solution, is there a service in North Cyprus that will store and keep an eye on cars left for a while, if so, is it expensive?

thanks

frugal

I've just done exactly what your asking about,my car started first time,my tires were fine and the car ran well,I filled the tank to brimming and did the tyres or psi38,hand break off,cling film under the window screen wipers,airfresheners in the car, I bought a mobile battery jump starter of amazon just in case but didn't need it to my absolute shock like I said it started first time!!. I've just done the same again when I left,so I will see what happens next time I'm out,but I'm not worried now and if the batteries flat I can jump start it my self anyway. Hope that helps

I was asked to keep an eye on a friend's car, so I stuck a solar trickle charger on, to be safe - even the clock will run the battery down eventually!

Just make certain that you do not have the even tiniest of 'slow punctures' - because if you do, then the tyre concerned may well be knackered by the time you return!

The other items mentioned in the previous post sound eminently sensible

I simply disconnect my battery, then reconnect it when I return. Have left cars for 6 months, no problem.

We are swallows and leave our car parked up, covered with car cover for up to 6 mths at a time. Usually disconnect battery before we leave. We have a battery charger just in case. As soon as we arrive we see if car starts, if not charger on whilst we get organised. Had no problems.

The only problem with disconnecting the battery (or it goes flat) is that it can cause problems with the cars onboard computer and radio systems. You may need to know how to reset the system I think (and have radio passwords to hand).

I have often left my car for 11 months, garaged. When I do this I raise the car onto axle stands, disconnect a battery terminal lead, release the handbrake, leave the front windows slightly down, unfasten the convertible roof locks and, finally, lock the car doors and boot manually. I cover the car with a generic large car cover bought on eBay. The battery generally gives me a little spark when I reconnect the terminal lead so I know the car will start up.

I have returned once to find the battery dead even after attempts to recharge.

Prior to using axle stands I had returned to a flat tyre. I also noticed tyre flat spots when driving soon after - not so now I use axle stands. I use a trolley jack to raise in order to move into place the axle stands.

Under 20 minutes is all it takes, thereabouts, up or down.

Always careful when returning to the car... looking out for snakes or spiders.

Hector wrote:The only problem with disconnecting the battery (or it goes flat) is that it can cause problems with the cars onboard computer and radio systems. You may need to know how to reset the system I think (and have radio passwords to hand).

That is a good point.

However our vehicle of choice for North Cyprus is not that sophisticated!

As it is a soft top with not such a great fitting roof a cover is essential, not only to keep out the rain and weather but also to try and stop the local cats deciding it's a great place to hang out!

seen a few people trying leave car covers and they always seem to get blown off?

However I guess it would help with the solar wear and tear, what do folks do about wiper blades - do you remove them?

other advice seems really good

frugal

Our car cover is trussed up like a chicken - wouldn't bother but confidence in the existing soft top is not good, so a cover is needed. Do agree that some covers are either blown off or badly ripped probably due to the wind in the winter months.

We leave wiper blades as is.... never had an issue. They don't cost very much anyway.

Tiga will take you to the airport (ercan) and keep your car safe then pick you up and take you back to your car. There is a fee of course.

What sort of charge does yoga have, do you know?

Meant to read tiga, not yoga!

Sorry I dont know you can call Bob on 0533 868 5819 they will service your car while it is there too.

It just saves me lots of typing: https://www.edmunds.com/car-care/how-to ... orage.html

The only thing I would add is - also protect the tyres from the sun... if they are stationary for long periods in the same position you can get rubber 'set' which means the tyre is likely to form cracks when moved again. All those 4x4's with a rear spare tyre on display and exposed to the elements constantly in the same orientation run the same risk.. when you come to use it you might find it set like stone and bursts when at speed in a very dangerous way.

I think wrapping the ones facing the sun in black bin bags should help if you don't have any form of cover that can do this...

Will this type of charger recharge a battery from flat if so how long would it take?