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Storing a car over winter

jjmcclure

Hi,

Will be storing a "weekend" car over the winter. Its in an insulated garage so not concerned about weather but what else needs to be considered when storing a modern(ish) car for 4/5 months. The one thing I have done is fill the fuel tank to brim full do avoid condensation in the fuel tank. Anything else important?

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cml387

Disconnect the battery. There is still a drain from the electronic systems even with the ignition off.

...Ghost...

For best results:

Use a fuel stabiliser.

Disconnect or trickle charge battery.

Put extra air in tyres, or raise the car on blocks to prevent flat spots.

Make sure it’s squeaky clean and waxed.

Put a cover over the car to prevent dust and moisture.

Chippy01

All of the above, but also put a dehumidifier under the cover.
Your garage may be insulated, but when the temps drop condensation can still occur.

billyhead

Would the OP need to drain the tank of petrol or diesel?

...Ghost...

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124060342#Comment_124060342

No. The opposite…and then add a stabiliser.

beachhead

Any problems with rodents that might pay a visit.Solution?

J_R

Many years ago I was going away for perhaps up to two years and I wrote to the AA seeking advice regarding my car.

I received a very good detailed letter back outlining the steps necessary and full explanations.

However can only remember two

As above to put on blocks, this for the suspension and tyres.

and

because of possible condensation in the cylinders, if fired this could score the cylinder walls so prior to starting, crank the engine a few times with the ignition off. (Back then, quite a few cars still had starting handles)

Mind didn't so just disconnected the lead to the distributor cap. and turned the engine a few times on the battery.

Widdensushi

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124061164#Comment_124061164

I would be inclined to sell a car if going away long-term, presumably you had your reason for keeping it.

J_R

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124061171#Comment_124061171

Absolute maximum 2 years but unlikely. Varied from a few weeks to a year.

And cars back then had character. You got to know all its little quirks and foibles. So you got attached, loath to part.

jjmcclure

I've always wondered if putting the car on blocks may do more harm than good. The suspension "hanging" like that for a long period, would it not cause stress?

Esel

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124061328#Comment_124061328

Can't imagine how.

beachhead

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124061110#Comment_124061110

Any advice for an automatic? Looking at J_R #8

loyatemu

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124061164#Comment_124061164

starting handles?! you're not kidding about "many years ago", did the letter arrive sealed with wax?

beachhead

Car worth looking after then.

J_R

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124062659#Comment_124062659

About 65 😲

And nope, but delivered by a postman on his push bike.

J_R

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124063566#Comment_124063566

PS, One 0ther point I vaguely remember. They also advised to squirt a few drops of oil into each cylinder. However as not too sure I just did a "Google" to check and :-

Yes, squirting a lubricant into each cylinder is a recommended practice for long-term car storage (generally more than a few months) to prevent rust and corrosion on the cylinder walls and piston rings

. However, it is generally better to use a dedicated

engine fogging oil

than regular motor oil.

Why use fogging oil?Regular motor oil can drain quickly and may not provide a lasting protective barrier against moisture. Dedicated fogging oils are designed specifically to coat internal metal parts with a waxy, protective layer that resists corrosion and stays in place for extended periods. The Procedure for Cylinder ProtectionFollow these steps to properly lubricate the cylinders for storage:

Change the engine oil. Always store the engine with fresh, clean oil, as used oil contains contaminants and acids that can cause internal corrosion over time.
Remove the spark plugs. Access each cylinder by taking out its corresponding spark plug.
Apply the lubricant. Spray the fogging oil (following the product's instructions) into each spark plug hole for a few seconds. As an alternative, a small amount of low-viscosity penetrating oil or Marvel Mystery Oil can be used, limiting the quantity to about half an ounce (15cc) per cylinder.
Rotate the engine manually. To distribute the oil evenly across the cylinder walls, use a socket wrench on the crankshaft pulley bolt to manually turn the engine over a few revolutions. This ensures the entire surface is coated.
Reinstall spark plugs. Put the spark plugs back in and tighten them appropriately.

Other Essential Long-Term Storage TipsLubricating the cylinders is only one part of preparing a car for lengthy storage. Other critical steps include:

Fuel system: Fill the gas tank completely and add a quality fuel stabilizer to prevent condensation and fuel degradation. Run the engine for 5–10 minutes afterward to circulate the stabilized fuel.
Battery: Disconnect the negative terminal or, ideally, remove the battery and connect it to a smart battery maintainer (trickle charger) in a cool, dry place.
Tires: Inflate the tires to the maximum recommended PSI or place the car on jack stands to prevent flat spots.
Pest prevention: Block the tailpipe and other openings with steel wool or rags to deter rodents and pests.
Environment: Store the vehicle in a dry, well-ventilated area, and use a breathable car cover.

brokenbad

Leave Handbrake Off to prevent seizing - use wheel chocks.

Use Brake Disc Protection Spray to prevent surface rust.

Leave passenger and driver window open slightly to allow fresh air to ventilate throughout cabin - otherwise you may have mould issues.

Disconnect Negative port on battery.

Henry Ford III

For 4 or 5 months you only need to disconnect the battery, and over inflate the tyres a bit.

jjmcclure

what about starting the car weekly and allowing to run for 10 mins?

traco

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124064811#Comment_124064811

Don't bother - no benefit really. If you were going to take it out for a short run and get all the fluids up to temp then no harm but I wouldn't bother starting and letting it idle. They say most engine wear occurs on startup but I wouldn't sweat that I just thing the gains are minimal and you will have condensation in exhaust system unless it gets fully up to temp.

Full tank, high tire pressue and disconnect battery or if its more modern then trickle charge as some modern cars get a bit awkward and lose settings if no power for a period of time.

My S600 and Boxster are regularly parked up for extended periods and nevert had any issues. I think the S spent 2 years or more on a trickle charger and kicked into life with zero issues.

User1998

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124064782#Comment_124064782

Exactly. Anything else is complete overkill

jjmcclure

So I put it on the trickle charge and put a dust cover on it. Will see her again in March!

beachhead

jimcclure

What happened with your car?

jjmcclure

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124497374#Comment_124497374

So I connected it to the trickle charge, completely filled the tank with petrol, put a dust cover on it. Started first time! just topped up the tires with air and left it in for a service, was due based on time not on mileage.

Marcusm

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124063566#Comment_124063566

A lot of us still have our post delivered on a pushbike, including small parcels.

beachhead

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/124497553#Comment_124497553

Good to hear but mine not on charge but has a new battery.Fingers crossed