22 replies to this topic

[ben922]

Hi all, Ive been looking at the Halfords wheel chocks and they seem to get a good review, however the description does say that they are for keeping the car stationary whilst working on the car with the handbrake off(on a flat surface). Would they do the job if I where to use them from stopping my Vx from rolling off my driveway? The Vx would be left in reverse anyway (with the front facing downwards towards the road) and my drive isnt that steep but its steep enough to roll a car into the road (Ive watched as my mums car has rolled away before). Or should I just get some bricks or wood? The handbrake etc works fine and leaving it in gear would help too, but if the car is left for a few days (1 week max) without being moved I don’t want something to fail and it roll away. Cheers Ben

[DarrylB]

I would of thought leaving it gear would suffice. I'd go with some bricks in front of all 4 wheels if you really want something. Some tea leaf might pinch a set chocks if left on show.

[ben922]

I would of thought leaving it gear would suffice.

I'd go with some bricks in front of all 4 wheels if you really want something. Some tea leaf might pinch a set chocks if left on show.

Yeah I think thats the best thing to do, cheers darryl

[LY_Scott]

Handbrake off, in gear and chok a wheel or too. Its not a heavy brut so doesn't take much holding. Ideally the car should be raised off the ground if stationary for any time to protect the tyres but keeping them pumped up hard (fnarr) will suffice.

Edited by LY055SCO, 07 November 2011 - 12:46 PM.

[ben922]

Handbrake off, in gear and chok a wheel or too. Its not a heavy brut so doesn't take much holding. Ideally the car should be raised off the ground if stationary for any time to protect the tyres but keeping them pumped up hard (fnarr) will suffice.

Yeah I would like to put the car on axel stands but Im unsure if to because the driveway is not flat, does this matter?

[LY_Scott]

wow, i really wrote 'too' instead of' 'two'. The internets, it is changing me. Yeah if its on a slant I wouldnt bother. Its not worth coming out to a stand through a cavity, bent under tray or through a sill. Just pump the tyres up and check them over the winter.

[ben922]

Ok will do It will only be left standing for a week max at a time, I'll take it out as much as I can, and also when I cant use my dads car to drive to work. Im only covering it to protect the paint more than anything else

[LY_Scott]

Ahright.....well ignore all that then

[ben922]

[siztenboots]

they are also usefull on trackdays when pitlane is on a slope so you don't use the handbrake after a hotlap

[2.2_na]

It will only be left standing for a week max at a time

I'd be more concerened about the battery.

[techieboy]

they are also usefull on trackdays when pitlane is on a slope so you don't use the handbrake after a hotlap

and especially at Cadwell, if you end up in the upper level "paddock". Found my car creeping forwards towards the drop down to the lower tarmac paddock on more than one occasion now.

[ben922]

It will only be left standing for a week max at a time

I'd be more concerened about the battery.

How long on average does the battery last before I'll need to give it a jump to start the car.

Ive used the Vx everyday for the past 7 months so never really been a problem before but I suppose it might be now.

I can take it out more often to reduce the risk of a dead battery and/or flat spots on the tyres.

On the other hand, if the paintwork will survive everyday useage during the winter Ill just try and get into the habit of covering the car up after every journey?

Edited by ben922, 07 November 2011 - 04:00 PM.

[ChrisS1]

Left mine for 4 weeks or so and it started first time

[TubbyNorman]

hey Guys, Getting a bit concerned here, you people can actually bare to leave the car alone for a week or more, you must have even better motors in the garage to play with then. If I don't get in my VX at least a couple of times week I get withdrawal symptoms. Not that I actually go anywhere, just make engine sounds and stuff. Vroom vroom, that sort of thing. They might let me out soon if I behave.

[davemate]

How long on average does the battery last before I'll need to give it a jump to start the car.


I can take it out more often to reduce the risk of a dead battery and/or flat spots on the tyres.

that is a pot luck question, it depends on your battery, the age of it, the wiring, how good your earth points are. some a week, some 4 i would take it out once a week just to keep the disks clean, the tyres fresh and the battery topped up, i always think that once a battery dies it is never quite the same again.

[ben922]

Cheers everyone, I've opted for bricks infront of the wheels an kept in gear, I'll take the vx out at least once a week, I'm sure the novelty a warm heater in my dads Picasso will wear off soon. I also need to stop driving the Picasso like the vx as it handles like a barge

[TheRealVXed]

Battery is the same as any normal car. Drive onto 4 blocks of hard memory foam and this will prevent tryes flat spotting a little. I am going to be leaving mine sitting for a while. Last winter I left mine in the same position in the garage for 10 weeks without driving it while I was fannying around with the timing chains. Took ages to start as I had diconnected the fuel rail and it took a while to come through and the battery was fine. Didn't even charge it at all in all that time also it was sitting on the wheels and definately didn't have flat spots. The only time I have had these is when I massively out-braked myself turning into the hairpin after the banked corner at Rockingham.. Locked up for a good 50 yards. That felt terrible!

[Tim_B]

Suggest leaving the steering on full lock too

[yaaan]

It will only be left standing for a week max at a time

How long on average does the battery last before I'll need to give it a jump to start the car.

I leave mine for up to 6/7 weeks when I have to go away for work and I've never had a problem getting it started.