So I'm going out of the country for 9 months in two days, and the service B3 is due on the end of August. The car is an '09 and it has a little bit more than 22,000 miles. I'm coming back on May 2013, and someone's gonna come to warm it up and drive it for around the neighborhood once every 2-3 weeks.

My question: is it better to do the B service before leaving or I can wait until I come back in May and do it together with the A service that is due in August? And save some money. Since A service is only oil change anyway, right?

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

I would suggest that it would be wasting money to have a B service done before you leave.

The coolant requires replacing every 15 years so that does not enter into the equation of protecting the head.

I would have a very thorough inspection & B service on your return which should include a brake flush .

Also would run the fuel lowish before you went so there would not be a large amount of stale petrol when you return.

 

Thanks for replying. Do I have to keep the fuel low if someone's gonna come and take it for a spin around the neighborhood once every 2-4 weeks? Since I still have plenty of fuel left and i'm leaving tomorrow morning. Lol. What about the brake flush?

Thanks!

 

Nine months is not too long for the fuel. It should be OK, but in a perfect world ...

A brake flush should take place every 2 years anyway. ..just a reminder.

Make the most of the 9 months away. Travel certainly broadens the mind !!, a change is as good as a holiday.......Enjoy yourself.

 

Wouldn't it help to keep the tank full, perhaps with a bottle of fuel stabilizer, to reduce condensation build-up over 9 months?

 

We probably need a fuel expert here but if the car is garaged there should minimal condensation in the tank. I don't know much about the attributes of fuel stabliser.

My thinking with having minimal fuel in the tank is that the old fuel can be diluted when the Andr3 completely refills on his return Vs a full tank of old fuel to burn.

 

Paging Professor Ruck!

 

I'd recommend against having the car driven every few weeks, at least if it is just an "around the block" type of thing. Either get it properly warmed up, or just let it be.

I had my car sit for 9 months last year (garaged, battery disconnected) and had no problems upon returning.