Storing a car long term

[Showbags]

What to do exactly.

 

I know disconnect battery and stuff...but a deisel mechanic said to put it up on blocks.

 

Just wondering what the reason for this is, I can gather to get the weight off the tyres, stop cracking and deterioration of tyres in one spot, but any other reasons for this?

 

Talking about a couple of years, possibly longer.

 

And if putting up on wooden blocks, where is the best spot to place the blocks....should put up a pic of the underneath of the truck, was looking at it today.

 

I was also thinking to take the wheels off and lay them in the back, its a pickup truck, then it would be a lot of work extra to steal it and hide the wheel nuts in the glove box under lock.

 

It will be stored inside a secure shed with nearby supervision.

 

Any other things need to be done to it for long term storage?

[David48]

The tyres could 'flat spot' if left parked in one position for a long time, plus, if exposed to the sun, because the profile changes you might get some cracks in the tyre wall.

 

But my #1 concern would be rats chewing the electrical bits in the engine bay.

 

Some of the slave cylinders could freeze in their position, seals will dry and the air-con gas will leak.

 

Not saying all of those will happen ... just my experiences.

 

Couple of years ... worth selling and buying again on the return?

[Showbags]

Aircon gas no problem, easy and cheap regas.

 

Rats in electrical, hoping traps and plenty of moth balls about might keep them away.

 

Forgot that my experience with storing cars for extended periods, but never this long, also results in alternator shitting itself.

 

As for selling and buying again, don't really want to do that, been a great and unbelievably reliable truck so don't want to get rid of it, plus selling it for lower price to move it quickly, would have to give it a paint job as some scratches etc and then having to buy new later means a reasonable loss in cash terms. Much better for me, to leave it here for when we need it next and that could be any time, never say never.

[tom21]

you can use a charge and maintain battery charger . leave it connected all the time. if you are happy about buying a new battery when you come back do not worry about it.

[funcat]

..."Talking about a couple of years, possibly longer."...

Sell it...there will be a new truck you will want...in couple of years

[Showbags]

..."Talking about a couple of years, possibly longer."...

Sell it...there will be a new truck you will want...in couple of years

 

Like my faithful old girl, will not be unfaithful to her....not even a whimper in the time we been together.

 

and then there's the truck...I'd like to keep it too.

[up-country_sinclair]

I'm going to be storing my car (2.5 year-old Honda Jazz) for 6 - 10 months inside of a relatively cool garage.  Does any one have any suggestions on what I should do to help prevent any damage to the car while it sits there for all that time?  I've never had to do this before and am open to any experienced advice.

 

For example, should I top off the gas tank?  What about any other fluids?  Disconnect the battery?  Should I put a cover over the car even though it will be in the garage?  I'm thinking about putting out rat poison unless everyone thinks that's over the top.

 

It's possible that I could get my MIL to come and move the car forwards or backwards a couple of inches every month to prevent problems with the tires.  Would this be worth it?

 

Anything else that you can think of would be appreciated.

 

Thanks very much!