Storing car for 4-5 Months - How to Prep?
10-03-2017, 03:14 PM
#1
Storing car for 4-5 Months - How to Prep?
With a little research I have read that you should do the following.
1. Oil change before storage and when pulled out. (Does the filter need to be changed before, after or both?)
2. Fill gas tank to full and put stabilizer in and run for a short period of time to allow the stabilizer to flow thru the system.
3. Put moisture pucks and dryer sheets inside the car.
4. Wash/Wax/Cover
5. Park on wood or Carpet squares to prevent tire rot.
6. Inflate tires to max PSI to prevent flat spots.
Am I missing anything? This is my first time I am storing the TL and haven't done it before.
1. Oil change before storage and when pulled out. (Does the filter need to be changed before, after or both?)
2. Fill gas tank to full and put stabilizer in and run for a short period of time to allow the stabilizer to flow thru the system.
3. Put moisture pucks and dryer sheets inside the car.
4. Wash/Wax/Cover
5. Park on wood or Carpet squares to prevent tire rot.
6. Inflate tires to max PSI to prevent flat spots.
Am I missing anything? This is my first time I am storing the TL and haven't done it before.
10-03-2017, 03:19 PM
#2
Latent car nut
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If you're using a fully synthetic oil, no need to muck around with two oil changes; just park the car, and then drive it away when you get back. If you're not using synthetic oil, then park the car and wait until you get back and change the oil and filter.
Items five and six are debatable.
Items five and six are debatable.
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BreezyTL (10-04-2017)
10-03-2017, 04:34 PM
#3
I've parked a car for 25+ years over the winter, Nov/April with no problems. Just park it in the garage, stuff towels into the intake, into the exhaust pipes, cover fresh air intake grill, cover the car and let it be. In spring, start it up and drive.
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BreezyTL (10-04-2017)
10-03-2017, 07:45 PM
#4
Instructor
+1 on tire inflation too.
I use Bounce fabric sheets to keep any critters out.
Lastly, I forget if the TL has external door locks. If not then you should roll a window down in case the battery dies.
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BreezyTL (10-04-2017)
10-03-2017, 10:01 PM
#5
3.5 psi
iTrader: (1)
I do everything you do. I also put steel wool in the exhaust pipes to keep mice out. I'm guessing you'll take the battery out and maintain it. If you're storing inside then crack the windows for air circulation.
10-04-2017, 10:19 AM
#7
Suzuka Master
best if you can leave 4 tires off the ground by putting on jack stand.
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10-04-2017, 01:24 PM
#9
Most of my cars sit for months at a time with only a cover and battery tender. I think only 4-5mo you should be fine esp since it will also be in a garage make sure of course the parking brake is not engaged. Ive also seen folks use saran wrap under wiper blades to prevent rubber from sticking to glass. Im mixed on putting on stands thats your call but you might want to put something on ground under vehicle to spot/catch any leaks that might exist.
My suggestion would be to prepare a check list though when you remove from storage, for example:
1. check all fluids in case theyre low
2. check rotors they might be rusty so inspect and use pedal carefully
3. check tire pressure
4. put a note on steering wheel on what you have done to prep so you can "undo" it when you pull it out of storage and dont forget
My suggestion would be to prepare a check list though when you remove from storage, for example:
1. check all fluids in case theyre low
2. check rotors they might be rusty so inspect and use pedal carefully
3. check tire pressure
4. put a note on steering wheel on what you have done to prep so you can "undo" it when you pull it out of storage and dont forget
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BreezyTL (10-04-2017)
10-04-2017, 02:53 PM
#10
there's really nothing special to do with 4-5months of storage. Here's how I store my toy:
1.) Change oil/filter right before storing. Some do this when it comes out of storage, I prefer to have it sit with clean oil
2.) Full detail inside/outside (mainly because I like pulling out a super clean car)
3.) Over inflate tires
4.) Hook up to battery tender
5.) Once car is fully dry, cover it and leave untouched until it's ready to come out of storage.
I don't have mice/moisture issues at my garage, but if you do, the steel wool in the exhaust will help keep them out.
Do not suspend the car to try and prevent flat spots. This will cause necessary stress on your suspension parts. It's not designed to hang like that for extended periods, leave the car on the ground. I've never had an issue with flat spots with 4-5months of storage and have been doing this for years. Unless you have crappy tires, I wouldn't be concerned.
1.) Change oil/filter right before storing. Some do this when it comes out of storage, I prefer to have it sit with clean oil
2.) Full detail inside/outside (mainly because I like pulling out a super clean car)
3.) Over inflate tires
4.) Hook up to battery tender
5.) Once car is fully dry, cover it and leave untouched until it's ready to come out of storage.
I don't have mice/moisture issues at my garage, but if you do, the steel wool in the exhaust will help keep them out.
Do not suspend the car to try and prevent flat spots. This will cause necessary stress on your suspension parts. It's not designed to hang like that for extended periods, leave the car on the ground. I've never had an issue with flat spots with 4-5months of storage and have been doing this for years. Unless you have crappy tires, I wouldn't be concerned.