Developing Flat Spots

April 13, 2009

Hey, I'm going away to university and won't be bringing my Yaris with me, I plan on leaving it for roughly two months by itself, sitting on the drive.

I was wondering if two months is long enough for it to develop flat spots and if it does, how serious will it be? Will they be permanent or will they go away after a period of driving?

I tried the search function but couldn't find anything, thanks very much

April 13, 2009

Hey, I'm going away to university and won't be bringing my Yaris with me, I plan on leaving it for roughly two months by itself, sitting on the drive.
I was wondering if two months is long enough for it to develop flat spots and if it does, how serious will it be? Will they be permanent or will they go away after a period of driving?
I tried the search function but couldn't find anything, thanks very much

Hi there, i would imagine it to be ok. If someone is available, like a parent for example, just leave them the keys and tell them to start it once a week just to keep it running or better still let then drive it a bit.

Just think of all those new cars being left stood for months on end in compounds!! :lol:

April 13, 2009

Hah, that's true. I do plan on leaving my keys with the parents, so they can start it up once a fortnight, but regarding the flat spots, my mum can't control the clutch because she likes to drive with no shoes and my dad isn't on the insurance! We've come up with a plan to just roll it down the drive once a week so it's not constantly sitting on the same spot so it'll definitely keep the flat spot business to a minimum.

Thanks for the reply, I can lock this immediately!

EDIT: Or not...

April 14, 2009

If the car was going to be left still for a few months i would let the handbrake off so the rear pads don't stick on the disc.

I only say this as once my mate left his Golf Gti stood for a few months (tax ran out and no money) and when he tried to move it, the rear brakes had stuck on! :crybaby:

Took both if us nearly all day to free them and move the damn thing! :ffs:

Good luck. ;)

April 15, 2009

Overinflating the tyres to 40 psi or so will help prevent distortion. I would do this if the car is not going to be driven. If it is only going to be left for two months then it's unlikely to be a problem if the tyres are standard profile. If <50 then there is more risk.

As Raeman suggested leave the handbrake off and car in gear (if possible) otherwise the brakes and/or cable may sieze.

In addition get someone to depress the clutch regularly otherwise the same could happen with this.

The Battery is another consideration as it is likely to go flat if left for two months unless disconnected. It will also go flat if the car is started regularly but not run for very long in the drive. Unfortunately leaving the car to idle for long periods to charge the Battery is not very good for engine wear :( If the car was stored undercover and near power you could use a Battery conditioner to keep it fully charged but presumably this isn't an option.

Obviously the best thing for it is to take it for a drive once a week - can't your Dad drive it under his own insurance?

Alternatively don't start it at all, disconnect the battery, put it on axle stands and take the wheels off or pump tyres up to 40 psi and move it slightly every week, leave the handbrake off and depress the clutch pedal regularly.