Storing Car?

[smithers_0990]

I tried doing a search, but it isnt working right now. I remember there was a thread about this a long time ago.

Anyway...

Come late January I will be storing my car in my garage for about 4 months then driving it for about 1 week then storing it again for 2 - 3 months.

What should I do to keep it from going to hell.

It gets cold around here.

Take out battery?
Oil Change?

Thanks(hippy)

 

[pedrump]

when you store a car for a prolonged period of time you should drain the fluids. oil, trans, coolant, etc.

 

[fvellani]

And be sure to plug any holes so you dont get mice, etc.

 

[BlkWidow]

you need to add stabil to the fuel or the gas you go bad for sitting that long. my brother in-law store his 350z in my garage thats what he use in his. but he does not drain all the fluids.

 

[smithers_0990]

I think im just going to change the oil, add stabil to the gas, take out the battery, and keep my winter wheels and tires on.

Any other tips?

 

[RaiderMS3]

I have also seen people put the car on jackstands, with no weight on the tires. Keeps the tires free of damage or cracking for sitting so long.

 

[mazdaspeedpower]

also, set up lotsa mice traps, kill the ****** before they touch the car. might be a good idea to seal the car off.

 

[Sir Nuke]

definately do not let your car sit in one spot for 4 months with the weight on the wheels/tires...you will end up witht he biggest flat spots on them you might never get out....placing it on jackstands is a good idea. if this storage place is NOT at your home....it would be a good idea to not only put it up on stands..but take the wheels/tires OFF and store them in another location....kind of puts a damper on anyone wanting to steel your ride. ALSO....cover the car....just to keep the dust off of the finish...doesn't have to be some expensive cover....get two king size sheets and sew them together....just something so that the finish isn't sitting collecting dust.

no real need to drain all your fluids either.....but the first time you start it back up.....let it idle for a good while, like all the way up to normal operating temp before you take off...and THEN go and change the oil right away. and you will be good to go.

 

[snooky]

my bro stores his porsche in a garage, he usuallyun plugs the bat, drains the car, and then just covers it, it runs as good as new after the winter.

 

[Fluffy Bunny]

I tried doing a search, but it isnt working right now. I remember there was a thread about this a long time ago.

Anyway...

Come late January I will be storing my car in my garage for about 4 months then driving it for about 1 week then storing it again for 2 - 3 months.

What should I do to keep it from going to hell.

It gets cold around here.

Take out battery?
Oil Change?

Thanks(hippy)

Removal of battery is a must. Set it on a shelf somewhere with a trickle charger hooked up.

Only fluid I would change would be the oil. Put a few miles on it and then get the cars ready for storage. If you leave the oil pan dry during the storage, it it going to be pretty rough on everything when after four months you start it up and it is filling all the oil gallaries before getting to the stuff that need protection.

Removing tires not a bad idea. Instead of mouse traps just drop moth balls all under the car. Would still plug anything that might give access to critters. Can plug things with stainless steel scrubbing pads - then they cannot chew through them as well.

Fill the tank to the top. Air left in the tank has moisture in it and will condense on the inside when you have temperature changes.

Check around to see if you can get some big desicant (sp?) bags to put on the inside. They will absorb any moisture trapped inside.

Good luck. Your car will be happy to see you when you get back.

 

[vindication]

if you had money to spend, you could get this. lol
http://www.rdent.com/pages/carcap.html

 

[snooky]

if you had money to spend, you could get this. lol
http://www.rdent.com/pages/carcap.html

man that cover is sweet

 

[RaiderMS3]

kitty litter in an old sock can absorb odors. There is also moisture absorbsion benefits too.