Do you need to keep it running regularly?

[Sirius1001]

I have an older W638 Vito 110CDI diesel campervan conversion with no MOT. Does the engine need to be used or will it be ok without running? Not sure how often I will use it since it is basically parked up on a rented driveway for now. I do plan to keep the battery topped up using the leisure battery and maybe solar chargers to trickle charge it etc. but I'm wondering if it is detrimental if it isn't started every week or so?

 

[Blobcat]

Hello and welcome

Shouldn’t need to, only running for a short time can lead to condensation in the exhaust which will rust it out.

 

[brandwooddixon]

I would be more concerned about tyre degradation from sunlight and sitting in the same position for long periods. Its a common issue for caravans and trailers.
Still it wouldn't hurt to drive it once every couple of months to keep everything lubricated - once it has an MOT and insurance of course.

 

[mioba]

My VW T25 is sat in the same spot for 6 years (its SORN). But I plan to give it my son when gets older.

Tyres will need changing. They go dry.
Keep the battery on a trickle charger if possible or charge it periodically (it will drain slowly).
Keep the handbrake off and in gear if on flat - or it will stick
Periodically go inside the car and check for mice / animals making new homes.
Keep it vented to prevent mould / periodically clean inside to prevent mould.
Check engine bay for animals, leaves, signs of drying rubber.
wash the car to prevent algae - rust.

 

[LostKiwi]

Spray under the bonnet liberally with WD40.
Mice hate it.

 

[M80]

If things aren't lubricated and exercised they can dry out and seize.
Valve seals would likely cause smoking and oil burning, and possible MOT fail on emissions.
Rust around brake components could be an issue.
If you have AC the system would likely lose its gas, and seals might become u/s.

 

[sonic]

Due to Covid, being retired, have a two car family & a motorbike, I SORN my 212 for the winter 6 months.
Its in a garage & I charge the battery every 3 weeks, other than that nothing. Always starts first time after the 6 months of no use.

 

[MinionBob]

if you do start it, make sure it gets fully to temp, and not just idled for 3 mins. Fully up to temp on idle will take a long time!

my view is that the engine is probably the least of your worries - suspension linkages, moving parts, callipers, rubber parts there are more likey to cause a problem by becoming, seized, corroded or perished, but we are talking many months.

 

[Taffy7hfa]

Corrosion of electrical connections can be a big problem if the car is being kept in a damp environment. If they are parked up outdoors for any length of time putting a tarpaulin or car cover over is generally bad idea especially for long term storage as every time the sun comes out the damp in the ground and lack of ventilation beneath the sheet allows condensation to become trapped under the cover. If you are worried about the rain getting in and you don't have a garage a £50 Gazebo is a better solution .

 

[MinionBob]

Corrosion of electrical connections can be a big problem if the car is being kept in a damp environment. If they are parked up outdoors for any length of time putting a tarpaulin or car cover over is generally bad idea especially for long term storage as every time the sun comes out the damp in the ground and lack of ventilation beneath the sheet allows condensation to become trapped under the cover. If you are worried about the rain getting in and you don't have a garage a £50 Gazebo is a better solution .

Very wise words - tarps are terrible - water on the floor evaporates and becomes trapped under the tarp. It is ironic that people do this for protection but I suspect that for the majority of cases it is worse than doing nothing.

 

[Sirius1001]

Thanks for the info. I'm now wondering what fuses are permanently live rather than switched as it's hard to find any info online about it. I take it the cigarette lighter will be switched on the w638 or does it vary? I was thinking of adding a trickle charger using a solar panel and charging through a cigarette lighter socket (I assume I will need to piggy back off a fuse that is always on).