Car Storage

[fireball25]

Hi all,

I'm deploying to Africa for 1yr and going to put my 2003 LC in storage(covered). Any tips or lessons learned for leaving the car untouched for 1yr?

Thanks.

 

[TheForger]

Remove the battery to prevent it from dying. You will want to put it on jackstands to get the tires off the ground (or just remove them) if it's going to sit that long because they will develop flat spots. I do the same to my boat and popup camper when I put them up just for the winter. Is this "storage" a climate controlled area like a garage or is it just going to sit outside in your driveway? I would also recommend fuel stabilizer if it's not going to be driven for that long. If a vehicle sits for an extended period of time moisture begins to develop in the fuel tank and the fuel will start to oxidize (the particles separate into layers by density like if you were to pour oil in water). It will also help you start it more easily when you get back. That's all I can think of right now, I'm sure others can chime in with more tips. Good luck!

 

[camino70]

Sorry if this isn't what you were looking for, but I'd seriously consider selling and buy again when you get back.

Otherwise do you have someone to check on it, run it, move it. Something to keep critters out.

Thank you for your service.

 

[fireball25]

Sorry if this isn't what you were looking for, but I'd seriously consider selling and buy again when you get back.

Otherwise do you have someone to check on it, run it, move it. Something to keep critters out.

Thank you for your service.

I thought hard about that, makes complete financial sense, but I just can't part with it. I have asked a friend or two to look out for it, but I'm thinking worst case if they don't tend to it.

 

[fireball25]

Remove the battery to prevent it from dying. You will want to put it on jackstands to get the tires off the ground (or just remove them) if it's going to sit that long because they will develop flat spots. I do the same to my boat and popup camper when I put them up just for the winter. Is this "storage" a climate controlled area like a garage or is it just going to sit outside in your driveway? I would also recommend fuel stabilizer if it's not going to be driven for that long. If a vehicle sits for an extended period of time moisture begins to develop in the fuel tank and the fuel will start to oxidize (the particles separate into layers by density like if you were to pour oil in water). It will also help you start it more easily when you get back. That's all I can think of right now, I'm sure others can chime in with more tips. Good luck!

Thanks! I live in a condo, no covered parking, and I would hate to leave it out there. I'm looking at climate controlled space, but they are pricey. Worst case is indoor storage.

 

[JayM]

I would not leave a car covered outside for extended periods. It will hold moisture and car cover will trap dirt also. It will put a beating on the paint and possible mold inside vehicle. A carport would be helpful without a cover. Inside storage with no cover with windows cracked for circulation. Jackstands with stabil in the fuel for storage. Outside you can cover the interior to protect from uv damage. I have seen products used by heavy equipment dealers that is poured into lube oils that let off a continuous vapor keeping condensation in check when not in use. You could use it in crankcase, differential, and transfer case. Get a winterizing spray for inside cylinders pull plugs and fog. Use the same spray on exposed exterior parts that may be prone to rust.

I have more cars than garage space and my 2014 mustang gt lives in the driveway here in Seattle for the last almost 3 years. The car is black and has 5k on it and never covered. Still looks pristine and rarely moves so you will be fine if you leave it. Just prep it good and have your neighbors keep an eye on it. Only problem with jackstands outside it will invite someone to take the tires/wheels. If I were just going to leave it outside in the parking lot I would air up the pressure in the tires to the maximum and leave it on the ground and you might not have an issue in only a year. Good luck and be safe.

 

[swelltimes]

Would be good to also do something to prevent mice, etc., from getting into the truck while it's parked.

I've been told that shavings of Irish Spring soap work well, and peppermint-scented oils. Do a quick search on Amazon, and you'll find a bunch of stuff.

A buddy's wife did this to her pristine Mercedes coupe here in MA, and it seemed to work well last winter. And, they live in the middle of a huge field with horses, etc.

 

[JayM]

Here is some engine fog Engine Fogging Oil

 

[txtortoise]

If going to be unmanaged storage, might seriously think about storing it in Arizona, New Mexico or West Texas. If military, you might be able to find a base in the Southwest you could leave it at.

 

[Live to Ski]

Also be aware: The electrical anti-theft hardware does pull a draw. There is another thread that discusses that somewhere in our 100 forum. Mine sat in my garage for 6m resulting in dead battery.

 

[fireball25]

Appreciate all the replies. Plan is to store inside a storage unit. Maybe climate controlled, saw one unit at an ok price. Any advice on maintenance prior to storage? I plan on changing oil bare minium but any other fluids?

 

[ryanCA]

I have 9 cars, 4 bikes. 4 car garage. Thus I use storage a lot. Most of my stuff sees 50-80 miles a year. I use Stabil for fuel,a nd use battery tender. Flat spot hasn't been much of an issue for me even on race tires. Then again I am in the South West.

I change the engine oil and brake fluid yearly, and radiator fluid every other year.