Run or stay

[MOJO]

To start or not to start, that is the question.
Last winter I ran the van half hour stationary and sometimes on the road up to temperature each month. This question was raised by a forum member and I decided to follow advise he received for this winter. That is to better leave engine standing than just monthly starts to protect the exhaust system. Now I am confused as some think this is a mistake. Another point this winter is I can only run it stationary because of lockdown. Hymer 3 litre.

 

[jagmanx]

Use it to go Shopping..once a fortnight !
stay in the van with the engine running whilst someone else does a quick shop.

 

[The laird]

Done 5he same last weekend wife stayed in van heating on watching folks going about their duties

 

[TeamRienza]

I have read various views in the past on both positions. I was always told (many years ago) that on starting a vehicle it was best practice to move off immediately.
I still apply this to any vehicle I own, but as far as the Motorhome is concerned whilst taking it for a run I also turn on the fridge, make tea, use the toilet and fire up the heater. I am a firm believer in the idea that something that is used frequently is less likely to have problems.
Driving also forces replacement anti UV molecules to the surface of the tyres to replace those sacrificed while the tyre sits for periods. This can be obvious on the sidewalls when the tyres begin to lose their black colour and take on a grey powdery or cloudy look. A portent of eventual cracking and increased possibility of blow out. Cover the tyres if you are not going to use them for a period.
As an aside, the other advice I recall from many years ago, was never to turn the steering wheel whilst the vehicle was stationary. It scrubs the tread and strains the tracking etc. Much too easy to do now with every vehicle having power assisted steering. It annoys me to see people doing it! Maybe I am a bit ocd!

Davy

 

[MOJO]

I think as it's been 3 months so far might wait for some sort of relaxation of lockdown 3/4 weeks maybe.

 

[Sylvester 2019]

Take ours shopping once a week get it up to temperature.not good to leave engine ticking over .builds up soot in DPF filter.i was advised by diesel engine mechanics.

 

[HurricaneSmith]

I run mine for about 15 minutes at 2000rpm. Move it forwards and back to ensure the brakes are free, and most importantly, test the whisky to ensure its safe to drink.

 

[Kyran]

I run mine up to chichester once a month-ish, in 4th then back home in 5th the hardest bit it is getting it back in the garage. (take the guitar out first just lay the rest on the floor) i'm using it as a den.

kyran

 

[The laird]

I run mine up to chichester once a month-ish, in 4th then back home in 5th the hardest bit it is getting it back in the garage. (take the guitar out first just lay the rest on the floor) i'm using it as a den.

kyran

Hope your well kyran

 

[Kyran]

We're doing great down here in the south the wife is teaching online and I'm only working 10 til 3 in the back of the shop hardly see any customers.
I would retire but tried it a few years ago and got really really bored so went back to the shop.

hope you enjoy yours

kyran

 

[linkshouse]

"Fortunately" ours is our only vehicle so it gets used fairly regularly. Well actually that is still probably only once a week to the shops which is still only a three or four mile round trip so occassionally we go the long way round to make it a ten mile trip (woo hoo) so that exrcises the engine and mechanicals and we have solar which even at this time of year is enough to keep the batteries topped up.

 

[Rec]

Using ours as main vehicle too, while in Portugal. Solar should too batteries up but due to loads of rain, will have to put it on ehu soon. Even the solar fairy lights are not getting enough atm. Run it maybe once a week/ ten days for shops, bank, fuel or to go to the builders to order / collect.

 

[jagmanx]

Yep when we are in uk it is our only vehicle..which has its advantages.
The main one being it is used so everything is maintained or repaired !
A major mechanical or significant bodywork repair being the imponderables. So plans should be formulated.
A serious illness being another real problem x2.

 

[Northumborman]

I know everyone doesn't have the same opportunities that we do up here, but we try to get out once a week and use all of the facilities, as per TeamRienza (post #4). "Use it or lose it"!