SORN...Going back on the road this weekend!

[N13LXC]

So, I've started working away from home and only back home c.1 weekend a month... the RS4 needs new shoes and new tax...so decided to SORN it today...Booooooooooo!

Anyone else SORN'd a car like this, and any tips on keeping it good for when I re-tax it/get new shoes? the though of shelling out £1700 for it to sit doing nowt is not appealing to me...plus this way the wife wont drive it while I'm away! haha

[johnnydog]

You don't say whether the car is going to be kept inside a garage or outside.
I would never leave any car for a long period of time with the handbrake on. The metal particles in the brake pad material combined with damp in the atmosphere and rain on the disc surface result in the pads sticking on. Not as straight forward to leave it off as a traditional handbrake; you need to operate the key WITHOUT putting your foot on the brake (otherwise the engine will obviously start!). Pause for a second or so, then apply the foot brake, and release the handbrake. Don't forget to leave it in Park!
If your tyres weren't knackered I'd consider inflating the tyres to a higher pressure to reduce the possibility of them getting flats spots, but this is really only if you intend to leave it for a few months.
I'd also consider a smart battery charger left on it whilst not in use. Although the RS4 has a beefy battery, the alarm will drain the battery quicker than you think, so a smart charger will trickle it when necessary and keep it at its optimum charge.
Other than cleaning any bird crap off it as soon as possible, there's not much more you can do, other than starting if at all possible every couple of weeks or so, but let it fully warm up rather than just running it for a minute or so. I'd also run it at say 2000 rpm occasionally whilst getting it upto temperature rather than just letting it run at tickover.
I'll come and give it a run to blow the cobwebs out if you wish!!

[N13LXC]

It will unfortunately be in the drive...it's currently sitting in park with the handbrake off. Did that as I parked it up...easier that way!

The tyres are pretty much done and will get replaced once I'll be driving it more, so not too worried of flat spots, but may turn it round (have the mrs turn it t round) every so often to avoid it as much as possible. Smart charger is what I was thinking about, gives me peace of mind on getting it going again, bit of a problem with the battery in the boot though...

Bird crap wise, I'll have to hope the mrs sees that and deals with it...knowing my luck I'd wash it and leave it only for a bird to catch it the very next day...

What's the thoughts on outdoor covers?

And, if it was taxed and had decent tyres, you'd be welcome! Haha

[noidea]

I think you would be better off leaving it uncovered than use a cover.
Not saying all outdoor covers could cause damage but you have to be careful!

[N13LXC]

That's pretty much my thoughts too...that and it draws attention...nobody notices a car not moving, but stick a cover on it and it sticks out like a sore thumb...

[Surrey Sam]

I had no issues with a B7 RS4. I SORN'd that with the front on axle on stands for best part of a year. I did start it and leave it running up to operating temperature, about every 12 weeks. Rear tyres were absolutely fine with no flat spots and they were around 3mm, the car was kept in an covered open bay Cart Lodge, although I doubt that'd make any difference.

[HYFR]

I SORN'd my current one for about a month. No issues

[johnnydog]

Smart charger is what I was thinking about, gives me peace of mind on getting it going again, bit of a problem with the battery in the boot though...

There are positive and negative terminals in the engine compartment - the positive is under a cap with a + on it, and the negative is just a stud /elonged bolt near to the nearside suspension turret. This is the preferred points of connecting a charger (and jump starting if needed) rather than connecting directly to the battery. There are relatively small smart chargers available, that can be conveniently placed in the engine compartment - the only telltale sign its there is the power supply from under the bonnet.
My local Audi dealer has Ctek smart chargers connected to vehicles in the showroom; the power supply is from an outlet under the car, and the cables run up by the bulkhead to these positive and negative terminal points. There are no cables visible.
Just make sure you don't forget they are connected when you do go back to the car if you route them discreetly, and drive off without disconnecting them! A sticker on your dash or on the seat may be a good reminder!!

[Afsimba]

Don't worry buddy al take u spin in mine when your back ! That would probably double the times am out in mines ! Bought a mint evo 6 in September and sorned that with no issues just Star it and let it run upto temperature ! And occasionally borrow trade plates and give it a little run !

[N13LXC]

Thanks for all the input. Good point on the battery terminals in the engine bay! Hadn't thought to look!

Afsimba - I might have to take you up on that! I'm having withdrawals already! Haha however, there's plenty of nice things to look at in London! Wonder if I can blag an extended test drive from a dealer at some point! Haha

[Afsimba]

You were nearly coming home to a misano Rs6 ! Was in talks with Aberdeen Audi yesterday and half way up there to close a deal until he gave me figure for mine the payments and an exuberant balloon at the end told him to keep it don't get me wrong I could have sought alternative finance but was offered 2 grand more from we buy any car than the dealer ! Who as far as I'm concerned could only win ! Just wanted fair deal so gonna keep and put cash into a pe Rs6 in yr and half

[N13LXC]

I think I'm gonna hold off with mine for another year...I can hand it back at that point for no cost (think it's probably the most prudent way for me..) after that I'm looking into the new r8...that or the new vantage depending what it comes as...but that's all a long way off! And I'll have an rs4 with new tyres in it at some point to use properly!

Aberdeen Audi should really be throwing money at you! They're struggling on all accounts. The oil market hasn't quite recovered yet.

[Afsimba]

Yeah you would think ! What can you do ! Since I'm keeping might splash out on the eventuri intake
Was offered 40k from we buy any so can't see it dropping more than another 10 k in 18 months hopefully then give me a 28-30k deposit on a 2yr old per or v10! r8 fingers crossed

[N13LXC]

The time has come for the car to go back on the road! Yaaaaaaassss!

Booked in for 4 new PS4's to be fitted on Saturday morning! cannot wait to get back driving it. It's done about 125 miles since Christmas...cant see it taking more than the weekend to double that figure!

also...going to test drive the Mclaren 540c on Monday...so that should be fun too!

[Afsimba]

Give me shout when your back I got new oil filter a can throw you for your next service had it for mine but cars gone ! Can sell you a nearly new capristo too if you fancy sounds the nuts