My mums car isnt being used for minimum of 6 weeks but would it do the car any harm to just sit there for that long ? Would it help if i started the engne every other week ?
Is it going to be left outdoors or indoors? If outside make sure antifreeze is at correct concentration, personally I would take it for a long drive before laying it up to make sure the exhaust has no condensation in it. I wouldn't worry too much about the car being in any way harmed as most second hand cars sit on garage forecourts for months before they are sold on. I also wouldn't disconnect the battery but be prepared to maybe have to jump start it so park it so that access to the battery is not hindered.
Phew, I wouldn't leave the handbrake off, but that's me... is anyone else insured to drive it? running it round the block every couple of weeks might be useful.
The handbrake should never be left on for long periods of time because, as has been mentioned, there's a strong possibility that it can seize, especially if the car is old and the weather is cold. Not a huge problem and won't damage any of the rest of the vehicle, but a garage will have to come and recover it for repair.
Leave it in first or reverse with the handbrake off.
If it's pointing up the slope, leave it in first; if pointing down the slope, reverse.
After parking, put the clutch in, engage the appropriate gear, switch the engine off, press the foot brake, let the clutch out, and then slowly release the foot brake until the the gears "catch". The car won't move after that - no handbrake required.
Its going to be left outdoors and i cant leave the handbrake off as its parked on the drive, yes id thought of taking it for a drive but its a car im not good at driving due to not driving it much. Its a manual car as well.
Mark the drive is on a slope so if i leave the handbrake off the car will roll backwards which isnt what i want to happen, i dont have anything to chock the wheels