Just got the letter today I have received activation alert letter to shipout to Iraq starting in January with the 24th Marines HQ so far they have plans for me and about 6 others to be attached with a Recon unit. I will be gone for about a year, what is the process for storing vehicles for a long period of time?? Anything special about the TL I should know? Thanks

 

well people store their cars away for the winter they usually pump the tires full of air so that they do not flat spot. if you still have the el42's then this could be a big problem. your battery will probably be dead when you come back so maybe disconnecting it will prevent it from draining. your radio and navi will be locked when the battery dies so have the codes to unlock them handy somewhere. a car cover of course to reduce the dirt and debri that might settle on the car. good luck in iraq.

 

I heard you should leave the gas tank full too?

And battery disconnected like caball said, and the tires full of air, what about off the ground?

Car locked and preferably covered so you dont screw up your paint.

I believe I have heard of people's brakes seizing up over long storage times too, but I could be very very wrong and stupid

 

Thanks for the info, I wonder if I can have it airlifted to Iraq? That way I can test it in a desert enviroment and post a review when I get back, plus I dont think the Humvees have voice activated controls along with dvd audio .

 

Do you have any friends or family that you trust to take your car around the block once a week? That's probably the best way, in addition to the car cover, etc, to maintain the car without really driving it for a year.

 

To avoid flat spotting, put your car on jack stands. Make sure the interior is clean and put a fresh coat of wax on the paint before you cover the car. It would be best to have the oil changed too so that the contaminants of old oil will not be on your engine for a year.

 

the most important of all, don't let nobody drive it!!!!!!!

 

I hope you return safe to enjoy your TL again. Here are some tips:

http://www.buyclassiccars.com/storagetips.asp

Mike

 

ali_enterprises:

Best of luck for you when you go to Iraq! I hope you stay safe!!

 

I store my Mustang Convert. every winter.

Battery maintainer on battery - trickle charges/shuts on/off about $30 at Sears

Change the oil just prior to storing.

Cotton car cover - You want a cover that will breathe

Full tank of Gas, for 1 year I would add a stabilizer

Starting the car and running for a short period of time is worse for the car than letting it sit.

Jack stands? I have heard pro/con. I have not used them for my winter storage.

 

I've got nothing more to add about how to store your car, but want to say thanks for serving, and get home safe so you can resume enjoying your car!

Best of luck!

 

I wonder if it makes more sense to sell the car and to buy another when you return, with depreciation and all that... Just a thought.

 

Good luck and Godspeed. Take care of yourself over there.

Drop us a line in the forum once in a while and let us know how you are doing. Mention the TL so I won't have to move it to Ramblings



I"m retired Air Force, but I respect and salute your Marine flag.

 

If you're storing it indoor there is no need for a cover, in fact you DO NOT want to cover the car as condensation could build up under the cover and causes rusting and really screw up the paint. There is no need to lock the car either if it's in a secure area. Here are my todos list for storing the S2000 over the winter:
- vacumm the inside of the car make sure there's no reason for rats/bugs to get into your car
- give it a good wash
- disconnect battery cables
- write down the radio codes
- pump tires up to about 40psi (sometime 42)
- place blocks on at least 3 wheels
- leave the car in 1st gear or park on auto
- release the hand brake
- leave windows slightly open to allow air to come in and out (prevents condensation)

Finally, sit back and wonder why you're torturing the car

 

ali_enterprises,

Good luck in Iraq. My father was with the 1/9 (Recon) in Vietnam from 67 - 68 so I have a special place in my soul for the armed forces, particularly a Marine.

All the best, Semper Fi!

 

The suggestions above are well useful, your car should be safe and fine when you return.




Best of luck for you. Check back with us sometimes. It's surprising me that heir like you would feel obligated and do it. Thanks you.

Check out this POLL in OT... http://www.acura-tl.com/forums/showthread.php?t=90504

 

It's a machine so running it is the best thing. I wouldn't go for the jackstand idea cuz you don't want the suspension to be unloaded and the shocks to be at full length that whole time.

 

I don't know anything about storing cars, Ali, but... (stands and salutes)

Godspeed and make sure you come back from Iraq intact. Thank you in advance for your efforts.

 

I would suggest you to sell the car and get a new one after you will be back because it will be a face lift at that time.

 

Watch your 6 over there, Good Luck & Godspeed.....

 

good luck!! stay safe!!

as far as the car, make sure you add some of that additive to your gas tank. i am not sure which one in particular. gas tends to change its composition when not used for an extended period of time which becomes harmful to the engine.

 

I was also deployed to Iraq last year and what I did was let someone that I trust drive my car, in this case it is my GF, even though she ran into a pole and had to replace the bumper

If you can find someone that you trust and let him/her drive it once in a while, then that would be the best. I assume you would like to keep the car since its a new car and you already took the first year depreciation hit. So far, my GF has driven about 2K miles in about 10 months, so that is not too bad at all, considering its in good shape and being looked after. My brother also left his car when he got deployed 2 years ago and I drove it while he was gone.

 

Thanks for all the support guys. I would have sold the car if it was only the TL, but I have 5 vehicles thats a lot of money lost. I think the best I idea would be is get one of my family members to start-em up and drive them around from time to time. Thanks for all the help I will be on the forum till January, unless word changes, but its doubtful.

PA-TL- OhRah. Semper Fi


Ron A- "Bye" so soon I still have till Jan till I deploy.

rets - Being an Heir or not being one doesnt matter to "Semper Fi" Always Faithful - Anytime Anywhere. Thanks for the support

neuronbob- Intact, thats the way I want to come back knock on wood.

 

I retract my "bye" for the time being, and hope things change so I don't have to say it again. Good luck.

I bet there's a lot of guys in the forum who wouldn't mind helping you out by driving your cars around while you are away.

 

Best wishes, be safe.

 

DOUBLEPOST???

mods delete please.

 

(early goodbye) best wishes ali, good luck, please be safe. we will miss you. BTW,....ahem....i wouldn't mind at all takin care of your, fine automobiles.... hehehe.....we'll talk again.

 

Hey ali enterprises

be safe, thank you for all that you are doing for our country. I won't say goodbye yet, we have months to discuss TLs!

eric

 

ali, dude....just curious, but what in the hell do you do man??

where does your loot come from to buy all those cars?