After being stuck in the UK for the last 18 weeks due to lockdown and family reasons I returned home yesterday somewhat in trepidation. I was convinced the battery would be dead after having not been used for so long. Even the local dealer thought it would be highly unlikely that the car would start. I'd never left the car unused anywhere near this long before.

I was therefore all the more amazed when it not only unlocked but started first time! When I got to the car I saw the alarm light was still blinking so I thought that was a good sign. The only odd thing was that the front suspension had dropped right down in the intervening weeks. Is that normal after such a long time? Still, it raised up quickly on ignition again. The tyres were all still well firm and had lost hardly any air.

I'm very relieved and all I need to do now is take it on a long journey.  2012 Vogue 4.4 TDV8 automatic (LHD), Santorini Black
2008 Vogue 3.6 TDV8 automatic (LHD), Java Black

That’s brilliant. Battery must be good then. Mine is weak, so I wouldn’t have been so lucky.

At least you are home now.

 2011 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8

Previous cars :
2003 Range Rover Vogue TD6
1999 Discovery Td5 ES
1995 BMW M5 3.8 6 speed
1992 Range Rover 3.9 Efi Vogue
1992 BMW M5 3.8
1988 BMW 735i SE
1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9i
1981 Ford Fiesta Supersport

The battery was new two years ago after I killed it continually locking and unlocking the car while on a campsite. Won't make that mistake again. 2012 Vogue 4.4 TDV8 automatic (LHD), Santorini Black
2008 Vogue 3.6 TDV8 automatic (LHD), Java Black

I think my battery is original. Need a new one really. Mine drops down a bit on the front suspension after a week or so. Always comes back up when I start it. Probably an indication the air bags are getting porous. In an ideal world, it would stay at the same height when left, but I think it’s far from uncommon to drop down after a while.

 2011 Range Rover Vogue SE 4.4 TDV8

Previous cars :
2003 Range Rover Vogue TD6
1999 Discovery Td5 ES
1995 BMW M5 3.8 6 speed
1992 Range Rover 3.9 Efi Vogue
1992 BMW M5 3.8
1988 BMW 735i SE
1989 Ford Sierra XR4x4 2.9i
1981 Ford Fiesta Supersport