I drove my very dirty MINI to Costco and bought puppy food. It was a nice day (39F) and I got a wave back from another MINI.
Found this today.. I knew the later gen1 mounts leaked, but didnt realize the early ones do also. Looks like I've got a new winter project.
Quite the surprise for a January but our roads were dry with no road salt so I drove to retiree breakfast.
Roads here are a little wet, but on salt. I went down and check on Checkers to see if it's under water, but all's good.
First drive after replacing the bad passenger and upper motor mounts. Feels the same as before, but less mess in the engine compartment.
I went to start the Mini today, but I guest I should have done it sooner. The old story. Low battery. So I went to the wife's car and the same thing. I guess I have to drive them a little more often. The truck still works. I use it every week to go to the store. We have to eat.
Bummer about the batteries but on the other hand a few short road trips are are always a nice diversion.
How long have the cars been parked? I only drive my cars about once a week, maybe two weeks, and they always start fine.
6 to 8 weeks. I live in Calif. and I do not drive either car in the rain. I have a truck for that. The wife doesn't drive anymore ( dementia ) so I don't drive them as much as I should.
You are a prime candidate for a battery tender. I have a CTEK charger maintainer. It's not cheap, but it will help your batteries last longer so may pay for itself. Letting batteries go flat shortens their life. https://www.amazon.com/CTEK-56-959-CHARGE-Automatic-Charger/dp/B00GODGN9E/ref=psdc_15719911_t2_B00CD44RQO
I've gotten into a weekly routine to charge my 63 Sunbeam and 74 BMW motorcycle, and since I havent been driving as much have now added the MINI to the rotation.
Then one of these is what you need. I have this one & it works well. I've started a few dead cars that I've come across with it. https://www.amazon.com/NOCO-GB40-UltraSafe-Lithium-Starter/dp/B015TKUPIC/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=25Z41X4FOO3I&keywords=battery+jump+box&qid=1674509402&sprefix=battery+jump+box%2Caps%2C104&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzOVA5VFZDWlhWUEQzJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMjkzOTcyMko5WUFCNTFNNjlJVyZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwODc5MDA0V0hBQVZaSldKNkhNJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
I have one of their chargers and it works great but this would be great to have as an extremely portable jump starter.
I've got one of those NoCo gadgets set up as a trickle charger for Rufus, my R53. I've got the hard-wired adapter connected to the battery and just leave the tail end sticking out into the boot. When the car gets shelved for the winter, I just attach the NoCo, plug it in and I don't have to worry about the battery.
Trying to get GIR back in the rotation. Took him in to work today, supposed to be a bright sunny day, looking forward to the drive home. My Mom gave me a portable jump starter for Christmas. It has come in handy, neighbors have borrowed a few times.
I’ve been fortunate this winter as we haven’t had much snow and ice so I’ve been able to take some drives.