car storage any pitfalls

[Liam O]

havent used the car much lately as theres been salt on the roads,over the last few days theres been lots of rain so I decided to take it out for a blast today.Probably wont use it much over the next few months so my question is this , if the car is laid up over certain periods during the year can this have any adverse effects on the engine for example internal condensation possibly causing damage.
Any comments much appreciated.

[MT930]

I store my car for 5 Months it's no big deal. Fill the gas tank all the way, use a battery tender, I start and run the car every 30-45 days. The temps in my garage never get below freezing. Keep the critters ( rodents) and kids away from it. I also chock the tires so the p- brake cable does not stretch out. Change the oil once per season regardless of mileage. It's very dry here no moisture issues. I am sure you will get some other tips.

[911JC911]

I store mine for 4 to 5 months in the winter. I do the typical things, gas up the car and add some fuel stabilizer into the tank, battery tender or disconnect the battery, have the oil changed before she goes to bed, car cover, get some carpet or something under the tires, over inflate the tires and put some wood blocks behind the tires. Do not engage the e-brake, open the windows a crack, and I close the doors to the first click. Wait for winter to leave. I don't start it or mess with it.

[jmohn]

Originally Posted by 911JC911

I store mine for 4 to 5 months in the winter. I do the typical things, gas up the car and add some fuel stabilizer into the tank, battery tender or disconnect the battery, have the oil changed before she goes to bed, car cover, get some carpet or something under the tires, over inflate the tires and put some wood blocks behind the tires. Do not engage the e-brake, open the windows a crack, and I close the doors to the first click. Wait for winter to leave. I don't start it or mess with it.

Essentially, I do the same thing and have never had a "storage" related problem(this isn't really storage, just long term parking).

Jerry M
'78 SC

[RWebb]

some people think you should jack up the car to take pressure off the tires (prevent flat spotting) - I never do & my tires recover from any flat spotting after 30 miles or so.

Some guy on rennlist thinks jacking the car up will prevent deterioration of the suspension bushings. This seems highly doubtful to me altho it might reduce cold flow. I expect they would still harden over time like all rubber products everywhere in the world do. That is a 20 year time frame anyway....

The idea against jacking up the car is that it extends the central rod out from the shocks - the rod is usually chrome, but some think it will be more likely to corrode if exposed to air.

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Moisture in the air is always bad. A condensing atmosphere is worse. Solutions include keeping the garage warmer than the outside air by 10-20 oF; putting a plastic sheet over all concrete on the floor; building a garage with a good vapor barrier & insulation under the floor; wiping water off the car and getting said wet cloths out of the garage after any drives...



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There are many threads on this - search on "storage" or "winter." P AG has publische a TSB or similar on how to store (their newer) cars.

[Liam O]

many thanks for the replies guys thats put my mind at rest , I had the car off the road for a year before last september and car didnt have any problems other than a sticking caliper which only took about half an hour to sort, I just had a niggling worry about the engine and moisture ,dont know why but thats put my mind at rest.