Storing car for a couple of months

[wuked]

G'day guys,

I'm not going to be driving one of my cars for a while, and wondered if you have tips for keeping it safe & in good condition.

As its going to have to be outside, I've got a cover to put over it. Also taking out all my stuff, taking the wheel centre caps (had them stolen enough times :mad: ), and its got bollards around it.

Any ideas?

Thanks :cheers:

[VX2VESS]

put steel rims on it with crap tyres. a few squirts of top end lube down the tb and turn off. a full tank of fuel (stops moisture build up in the tank)

[Phido]

Disconnect the battery and prolly best to remove it completely. Proberly perform a oil change when you get back before you start it when you get back. How long is a while, belts seem to be a bit of concern when left for a long time. Keep it dry as much as possible.

Actually look at what the manufacturers do when shipping cars, dealer can prolly give you a check list. There maybe something simple they do that prevents something from happening.

For me I like to fill the petrol up 100% to stop condensation/water from getting into the tank.

Maybe throw some silica gel sachels into the car to help keep the inside dry. Make sure your windows/doors/boot are closed properly. Make sure you didn't leave a 1/2 empty macdonalds cup in there or something silly..

I know when I came back from a 4 month trip, my car had 1000km more on it, flat battery, two windows open, parked outside (no cover), no petrol in it... Despite a very careful proceedure I went through... My stupid brother decided he could drive it around.. Left the windows open for 3 months!! Took me 2 days to get it even starting again.

[VTBERLINA]

If you dont have crappy tyres, dont park it directly on cement. It perishes the tyres... put it onto some old carpet or something.

[VX2VESS]

If you dont have crappy tyres, dont park it directly on cement. It perishes the tyres... put it onto some old carpet or something.

interesting comment. i'm thinking most garage floors are concrete, better carpet my whole garage :D

that would be the lime in the cement ?

[debencha]

get someone to drive it around a few blocks every week/two.about 10 mins or so

[wuked]

get someone to drive it around a few blocks every week/two.about 10 mins or so

Got someone to do that :D

Cheers guys :cool:

[Sid447]

Driving a car,

around for ten minutes or so whilst "out of use" is far worse than leaving the thing alone and undisturbed.

As vt2vx mentioned, some UCL into the engine is a good idea.
Full fuel tank too.
Ideally off the ground on blocks to stop tyres from de-forming in certain climates (hot is worse). Though this isn't imperative for two months.
Battery dis-connected.
All windows and doors closed.
Wiper arms held off the windscreen.
Manual cars should be left in 1st/reverse gear, handbrake OFF.
For longer periods in some climates (damp/cold) consider having the clutch dis-engaged to stop it seizing onto flywheel.
Car paintwork clean before using a car cover. (If dirt is trapped between cover and paint, it can be worse than not using a cover).

And then leave it alone.
Driving it for ten minutes or so when car is normally out of use causes condensation build-up in the engine and exhaust system.
If it's going to be driven occasionally by someone, then it must be for at least 50kms to ensure everything gets to full working temp and the condensate gets burnt out of the exhaust system.

On return, ensure battery is fully charged, Fuel pump relay pulled, spin engine over on the starter a couple of times ( 2 x 5secs or so) for a bit of pre-oiling. Replace F-pump relay.

--- Sid447 ---

p.s. Parking on cement or concrete is no different to tarmac. Don't park on grass though.

[5.7 Berlina]

If you have the room for it get a shipping container and stick it in there. I have had my Customline in one for 6 months and I take it for a drive every couple of weeks and its still in pristine condition and very secure.

I rent the container for around $17 a week.

:thumbsup:

[SV8VY]

Some great replies there with good info.
I would suggest though no one drives your car for short periods...what if they have an accident?
If you leave it for a month it wont hurt it much.
I agree with filling it up with fuel and do an oil change when yo come back if left long.
Put some cheap rims and tyres on so no one will steal em as others said and if they end up square it wont matter.
Some Holden dealers here eg Suttons actually store your car free while on holidays as part of the package.
Hand brake off is important.
Leave a cheap battery on for the alarm maybe.
Give it a good waxing or hand polish also.
When you come back make sure there isn't any animals in the engine before you start it up :eek: