storing car for a little bit. what maintenance is needed??

**k20z3kid** · 03-20-2008, 02:36 PM

this summer i might be going out of town to take some college courses at another university, and so i will have to leave my baby alone for a good chunk of the summer. i would say about 2 months. what precautions should i take? im verrry anal about my car so i want it to be in tip top shape when i get back both mechanically and cosmetically.

would it be a bad idea to leave a car cover on the car for 2 months straight?? i know the paint has to breathe somewhat. what about mechanically?? im guessing fuel stabilizer might be a good idea, and maybe a trickle charger hooked up to the battery. anything else??

help/advice will be greatly appreciated!

**wytstang** · 03-20-2008, 02:45 PM

A trickle charge is all that would be needed (or just disconnect the battery), 2 months is not long enough to need fuel stabilizer. You can use a car cover for 2 months with no issues. Or just use a solid LSP like Collinite or maybe the Klasse twins, Ziano, and or #16 if you have any. I would try and use the longest lasting rubber/vinyl protectant to help fight off UV rays (interior and exterior).

**k20z3kid** · 03-20-2008, 03:46 PM

okay awesome. it will be in a garage. should i tell my parents to start it every now and then? i would tell them to drive it around the block but they do not know how to drive stick hehe.

**Larry A** · 03-20-2008, 04:06 PM

I also have a car to store for 6 months. Two months ago I inherited a 2006 Ford Escape from a relative that had passed away. The car is now in probate court , so I cant drive it. I do start and run it every couple of weeks. I will get the car by the end of July.

**wytstang** · 03-20-2008, 04:19 PM

Actually driving it around the block or just turning it on then off is worse then it just sitting. Taking a cold engine then warming it up then back to cold will cause condensation with in the oil pan and the gas tank (assuming you have an in tank fuel pump). After a 2 month sit it may run ruff for about 30 minutes and then straighten up. Nothing a 30 minute highway drive won't cure. Two months is just not long enough to do any damage to anything, heck 5 months won't do much of anything either. Now a full year then yes fuel stabilizer would be a good idea (you can also use rubbing alcohol to absorb water in fuel and it causes no harm to the fuel system or spark plug [just a FYI]).
As an added precaution you could also cut the fuel to the motor and crank the motor over until oil pressure builds before it fires up.