Storing a car - any recommendations?

[Eric540i]

My car won’t be used for 6 weeks or so and I’m wondering if anyone has any advice for me.

I intend disconnecting the battery but is there anything else I should do?


Also when it comes time to start up the car is there anything I should be aware of/special precautions I should undertake?


The car will be parked in a warm and dry undercover carpark.


Thanks in advance.

[Jr ///M5]

Fill the gas tank up with gas and add a stabilizer. This keeps condensation from forming on the inside of the tank on cool mornings.

Air the tires up to their maximum pressure, say 45 or 50 psi, so they won't flatspot as bad.

Use tennis balls or the like and plug the rear exhaust and the air intake so the critters won't have a place to live while you're away.

If it is due for an oil change, don't let it sit with old oil in it. Change the oil now and then you're good to go when you're ready to get it back.

Leave yourself a note on the steering wheel covering everything you've done so that you can correct the items before you place the vehicle back in service.

There might be a few more items, but this should get you through 6 weeks.

Jr

[Ross]

Six weeks, no biggie. Hmm, 540 unattended with a full tank Uh, just leave the battery connected and the key under the mat,it may need to be moved. You know, like in an emergency or something.

[Macv]

If it's possibly in the way if an emergency occurs, keep the battery connected.

I like everything Jr ///M5 said

[Eric540i]

Thanks for the suggestions.
You are certainly a practical lot and I always appreciate your insights.
Keeping a full tank has its investment advantages too ;)

[Thayne]

I like everything Jr ///M5 said

Agreed. Very good advice.

[Michael999]

Can you get a neighbour to come and start the car for 5minutes every week, and move it 1ft, this would help more than anything else.

[Bimmerman]

Six weeks is no problem, do as Jr///M5 suggests and you wont have a drama. Mine regularly sits for 10-12 weeks at a time out in the weather when the army drags me away and she has always started first go everytime when i've got back.:) Makes no real difference if you disconnect the battery or not as the car electrics go into some kind of hibernate mode after it's been sitting a while. ;) Aaah and the smell of the leather when you finally hop back in...:D

[BillionPa]

you could do a trickle charger instead, then you dont have to mess around with anything under the seat, and codes and such.

when you are about to start it back up, grab a bottle of Valvoline Synpower Oil Treatment and pour it right onto the camshaft chain.