perdued

First of all, thanks to the members of this forum for the excellent information and advice - it has been my best resource since purchasing my 1990 S4 three and a half years ago.

I was previously in Japan for work, bought the car there, and loved it so much that I brought it back with me to Canada about a year ago. Unfortunately, I will be going abroad again for work this winter - this time to China for possibly three years - and so have no other realistic choice but to put it into long-term storage (taking it to China is probably not a good idea).

I found a place that specializes in storing classic cars. They have a climate-controlled facility and can start the car up and take it out once in a while (or not) according to my instructions.

Assuming that it is better to have the car storage company start it up and drive it periodically when the weather permits (as opposed to just letting it sit), how often and for how long should they drive it? For example, I could tell them to take it for a 10km/half-hour drive every month from spring to fall while I am gone. Should it ideally be more? Less?

Views would be welcome. Anything to minimize the damage from storage while I'm gone...

David

p.s. here's a picture of the car enjoying the fall foliage near Ottawa.

Bertrand Daoust

Hi David,

Here's what I do every year with mine:

1) Fill up the tank with gas stabiliser.
2) Increase the tire pressure to about 45 lb.
3) Remove the battery, take it to my basement and put it on the maintainer few times during the winter.
4) Change oil if it's due.

I don't start it during the winter.
Also with the weather around here, there is no way to be 100% sure to be able to dive the car regularly. So better not start it and let it run without driving it.

By the way, nice car and pic at Belvédère Champlain!

perdued

Thanks Bertrand - I basically did the same as you last winter but my question is about long-term storage, in this case three years. I'm worried about just letting sit for that long and so am wondering if I should have the company start it and run it in the spring/summer/fall while I'm gone.
Well spotted - it was at Belvédère Champlain!

hacker-pschorr

You need to re-read his post. This is going to be for three years and he's paying a service to drive the car on a regular basis as the weather permits.

I agree just starting in the garage during storage is a bad idea, that's not the case here.

Friend of mine has a storage facility attached to his restoration shop and some of the cars are paid to be "exercised" on a regular basis. Some of the owners haven't driven their cars in many, many years.

He takes them out at least once a month and drives them until all the fluids are warmed up. 928's have a large sump capacity, it can take a bit on a cool day to bring the oil up to boiling point which is the goal to remove any water. It's too bad these cars don't have an oil temp gauge (both of mine are getting one).

Bertrand Daoust

I would not be too worried even for three years. Particularly if it's stored in climate control place.
Of course make sure all fluids are fresh and battery removed.

Of course it would be ideal if the car could be driven regularly during spring, summer and fall by somebody you fully trust.
At least 10 km every time like you said.

Bertrand Daoust

Sorry Hacker I missed that in the first post!
Also, unfortunately there's no way to drive it regularly in December, January and February around here.
Unless you want to drive it in sub zero (C) temperature with at best residual salt on the road.

GlenL

Once or twice a month or never.

If you want it ready to drive when you get back then go every month and have them make repairs. If you want it back and will be willing to work through potential issues then go never. Potential issues will be in fuel system and electrics.

My fear would be having them drive it and having repairs needed in my absence so I'd let it go and then set it right.

Condition the leather and vinyl before storage, too.

GlenL

Understandable. It is time for multiple threads on "How do I prep a 928 for winter storage."

hacker-pschorr

I almost did too, I saw a "how to store..." thread and figured it was another fire it up and idle once a week question.

Same here.
Tomorrow's project is re-arranging the cars for the cold months.

perdued

Thanks for the replies. I'll give it some further thought. Not looking forward to three years of being without my 928!!
I guess it'll be all the more special when I get back.

the flyin' scotsman

I would do as Bertrand advises in his response as the cars will sit all winter no matter where they are stored in most of Canada.

In non winter months the car could be started and driven to ensure all fluids are brought to temperature and seals are lubricated. I'd have the car driven 30km ensuring the transmission goes through all gears, brakes are used light and heavy applications as well turn the heater and then a/c on.

Nice looking car

Avar928

...so this business specializes in storing AND driving rare and collectable classic cars?

Where are they located and are they hiring?

uncre8tv

Look hard enough and you can find them in most major metropolitan areas. KC had one where they sold, displayed, and stored classics. As best I could tell (I was NOT in a position to be a customer at the time ) the owners could specify whether they wanted their cars on display or not, and could specify a maintenance/drive schedule. They charged people $1 to come have a look at the ones on display; spent many an afternoon there from age 15-17.

Would love to do something like this when I retire. But, I plan to retire in BFE Missouri, not a lot of market up in those parts.

upstate bob

The advice to not drive it in the canada winter is good. Heat it up well, change the oil and possibly the coolant and park it. A dry storage area is important. A heated one is pointless. For extra insurance stuff the entrance to the air intake hoses and the tailpipe with desicant bags. Add a little air to the tires and lift it off the ground. Take the battery out. Leave it. - I plan to leave mine perched on the garage lift this winter.

MainePorsche

I use steel wool for this. They can't chew through it.