Storing your vehicle - ranging from a convertible that's reserved for sunny days to a show car; for whatever reason, only requires a few precautions to ensure that it is preserved and will be operational after it’s in winter hibernation All cars hate to sit idle, so don't expect to top off the fluids and drive out of the garage. Also, notify your insurance company that you are storing the vehicle and tell them to make adjustment to the policy.
A little work now can protect a vehicle from rust, animals and other storage-related headaches. To help vehicle owners keep their stored vehicles in good shape, here are a few storage tips;


*Change the oil and filter.

*Replace brake fluid with DOT 3

*Do not drain the fuel tank, as an empty tank will cause condensation and it will start to rust! Top off fuel tank, then pour Stabil into the tank and run it for a few minutes (to get it into the fuel lines) If you don't cycle your fuel through the tank every two months, it starts an oxidation process and will turn into varnish over time, this can clog your fuel lines, One ounce protects three gallons of any type of fuel.

*Top off coolant with a 50/50 water and corrosion inhibitor and fill all fluids
*Spray distributor with WD-40

*Protect the paint, give the vehicle a good washing, dry it thoroughly and then apply an oil rich polish, buff the polish and then apply a second coat but do not buff

*Clean the interior of the car, apply a generous coating of Leatherique Rejuvinator oil to all leather surfaces, and use a box of DampRid moisture absorbing products, also leave a bar of scented soap under the seats (vermin don't like the smell)

*Apply Wurth HHS-2000 clear spray lubricant to seat rails and sunroof guide rails

*Apply a conditioner to `rubber' weather stripping (Zymol Seal)

*Apply a leather Protection to all leather surfaces.

*Close all windows, trunk, and hood, and stuff the exhaust so as mice do not enter, steel wool works better than rags as they cannot chew or use it for nesting material.

*Close windows but leave a small gap to ensure rubber seals are not completely flattened, same for doors, close to first `click'

*Over inflate the tyres (50psi) and put car on Tyre Cradles to avoid flat spots. Do not place car jacks as these will unload the suspension and may do harm. Some vehicles should not be stored with the suspensions unloaded (check with manufacturer)

*Store the car in gear; do not apply the emergency brake.

*Remove sparkplugs and inject a little oil down into each of the cylinders.

*Remove the battery, clean and store separately (the myth about storing a battery on concrete is just that, a myth) coat the terminals with Wurth battery and terminal cleaner, do the same thing with the cable terminals, coat battery hold down bolts with WD40.

*Alternatively use a Battery Tender, a fully automatic two-stage lead acid battery charger, lightweight, compact size, trickle charger that assures batteries are maintained after charging. Ideal for all lead-acid, sealed maintenance free and gel cell batteries. After full 14.4 VDC charge is reached, converts to float charger and monitors battery at 13.2 volts. When voltage drops below 12.6 VDC, charger resumes charging back to 14.4 VDC, a two-colour LED indicator, Spark-proof; reverse polarity protected, twelve-foot output cord and quick-connect harness. Comes with a set of quick disconnect clamps and rings

*Cover the car with a good quality cotton car cover. If you are storing the vehicle outside use a UV sunshade on the windshield and rear window, plus a car cover

*Place a plastic sheet under to the vehicle to avoid dampness capillary action and it will also form a moisture barrier.

'Store convertibles with the top up

*Convertible tops can actually shrink if they are left in the down position, for an extended period of time.

*Inspect the vehicle from time to time and check to ensure that the DampRid is still operational

Encapsulation Storage System
A perfect solution for those enthusiasts faced with the dilemma of long-term storage of any car or truck. The unique (and patented) Car Capsule – http//:Car capsule vehicle storage system - virtually "seals" the vehicle in its own purified environment.

A continuous airflow keeps the car dry and prevents corrosion and mildew. It also eliminates that "musty" door that is so common with stored vehicles. The air is filtered, and is circulated by a highly efficient fan that costs just a little over a dollar per month to operate and is warranted for 5 years. Features a laminated fabric base-mat, double polished 8-mil PVC shroud and heavy-duty nylon zipper closure, the material is warranted for two years. It's easy to use, and shows-off your pride and joy while protecting it, available in a variety of sizes from 14' to 20' in length


Engine Start Up
*When time comes to start the engine, pull the fuel pump relay/fuse and crank the engine without it getting any fuel for a while to prime the lubrication system/circulate the oil. This will avoid washing down dry the cylinder walls with fuel before it starts up.

*Assuming you heated up the car to full operating temp after changing the oil and filter (pre-storage) at start-up there should be only minimal deposits and contamination.

*Fill the stored car with low viscosity oil during storage and start the engine occasionally to ensure the oil and water gets a chance to circulate

*Drain the oil system and before replacing the oil and filter fill it with oil as this will enable oil priming upon start up and prevent dry cranking



Information resource

“Automotive Detailing Inside & Out, A Knowledge Base for the Perfectionist"– by Jon Miller

 

Excellent Write-up!!!!! Thank youu!!