I am going to iraq for a long time. Yeah 8 months. I was thinking about leaving my car on base with a car cover from the dealership or put it in storage. What do you guys think? Also, what should be done to the car while I am gone?

 

1. Top up all fluids so that condensation doesn't occur inside your tanks. Eg. Gas, oil, brake fluid, etc

2. Make sure you have adequate air in your tires. (so they aren't flat now)

3. Disconnect the battery so it doesn't get drained.

 

u should drain out all the oil.. also gas..

 

You should give it me!!!!
jk

 

Seriously speaking, 8 months is a long time for a car to sit dormant. When I was in the Army, I bought an RX-7 when I was home on my mid-tour leave from Korea and promptly stuck it in storage for 7 months. When I got back to the states, I had to replace the tires, and the car quickly developed leaks.

I'd really suggest you find a storage facility to house the car while you're gone so that it's really protected (a car cover for 8 months just ain't gonna cut it). When I stored my 7, a car-sized storage unit at my local storage facility was $84/month.

Then, find someone you really trust and have them pull the car out of storage once every week or two and drive for 20 or 30 minutes. This will keep the tires round, the seals lubed and the fluids stirred. If the person has any respect for you and your car, by the time you get back, it'll only have a few hundred more miles on it than when you left, and they'll wash it and return it to you in perfect condition.

I think I speak for all of us when I say Good Luck, God Speed, and keep your head down over there.

 

I agree with kcobean. Just letting it set for that long will be very bad. Fluids will separate, gaskets will dry up, rubber will rot, etc.. Maybe you could sell it and buy a new one when you get back. Good luck.

 

I would've taken care of it if I wasn't so far away .
On the more serious note - stay out of trouble there and come back home safe. Thank you for what you are doing for us all here back home. Good Luck!

 

All im gonna say is plz be safe may god be with ya.

 

A car really needs to be run to keep all the parts lubricated, otherwise the fluids aren't circulated and when you DO get back after 8 months, every mechanical piece in your car will be DRY. Imagine starting your engine when it is completely dry (no oil), starting on a dry fuel pump, dry water pump... not good. You really need to get a friend to drive it 30 minutes/week at least or sell it and buy another when you get back.

Most importantly, however, thank you for serving this country and I wish you a safe, swift return.

 

i would have someone start it up every 2 weeks just to warm it up and drive it around the block... just make sure it's someone you trust. (just in case look at mileage before you leave.)

 

i'm sure you aren't the only one in town (i believe you are in fayetteville, right?) who has had to leave their car for a long period of time. there may be places around town that cater just to something along these lines. ask around the base and see what others have done or are going to do. not much of an answer, but just a thought.

sean

 

Stay safe over there.

 

Thanks guys for all the reponses...I think i will leave it in a storage building....hardest part is having someone respectfull enough to take time to do this..there is a few cars here that were suppose to be looked after and i see them sit there day after day...i didnt get a few of your reponses one guy says fill all the fluids up to prevent condensation and someone else said drain them all....what is it? What PSI should i leave the tires? Also i heard storage buildings were notorious for rats...rats = chew hoses....i guess rat poison around the car? I think my insurance said it would drop my insurance and just pay a 15 dollar storage fee to protect it. Should i leave the car in neutral or does that matter? Anything else missing? Man i have so much stuff to worry about besides this..but its important..thats my baby

I am in the Air force but deploying with the army doing convoys..i am basically a moving target. I am single and no kids. I am a only son and carrier of my name. But i do have one worried mother that is having a nervous break down at the moment. I will do my best over there for our country and you guys. I leave next month after i get back from being home. Its going to be some hard times and tired times...but there are 1000's over there that need relief and i am happy to provide it. Pray for me and the others there please..if you thats your thing..

 

goldsboro...Seymour Johnson AFB

 

waz up, I might be seeing you where i am located. i am currently deployed. just the other day i was talking to a guy that does your job, what a coincidence! anyway i am USAF too. once you have arrived at your location, pm me, chances are we will be at the same base. now, about your dilema....
if you can have it delivered to robertsdale,alabama, your problems are solved! two years ago i was deployed to africa and i had the same worries about my new car('02 specV). luckily my flight chief had briefed us about taking advantage of this car storage place. it was free, the military pays for it: here is a list of what they do

• 24 Hour Security
• Inside Storage
• Engine Start (every 30 days)
• Stored on Jack Stands
• Direct Billing to the Government
• Special Handling
• Mid Term Lube
• Ready at Pick-up

this is the criteria that you fall under

• when members are transferred in conjunction with a contingency operation for more than 30 days and the movement is not a permanent change of station

here is the link to the website

http://www.karhouse.com/military_program.html

call them and find out what you have to do. i had to go to TMO and get a form then take it to this place with a copy of my orders. things could be a little different now, not sure what has changed so just give them a call and ask.
when you return just give them a 2 week heads up and they will have your car ready for pick-up on whatever day you want (minus sundays).

if alabama is too far for you then go to your TMO and ask if there are any places like this that deal with the military in your area. remember you are trying to get this service for free so look at all your options.

on your orders there is a long numbers towards the lower half of the page. this number is some type of funds reserve. anyway, karhouse will ask for that number, that is how they get paid.

btw, i got my car back with no discrepencies!

my z is in my garage i have somebody taking care of it. not driving it though, just starting it and backing it out of the garage to warm up then right back into the garage.

 

wish you a speedy voyage home.

BTW, I am in San Diego where we have a large active duty population. There is actually a local car storage place that will jack your car up(so your tires stay round) and even run the engine a few times a month.

 

There is nothing I can add here, but I will like to wish you the best luck and God bless, thanks for serving and protecting this country. Thumb up for you .

 

hmm maybe i should sell the car? i would have to do it fast

 

dude how long u been on base that u dont have a buddy that u can trust enough to watch ure car???

 

Check with your TMO (Transportation) Office, they might just pay for you to store it off-base and when you return they re-imburse you.

I have been to the desert 5 times, Korea for a year and finance has re-imbursed me for my storage fees, every penny of it.

I would not recommend you leave it out and just throw a car cover. Pay the extra $30-$40 a month and put it in storage.

Your car will be like brand new when you return, just make sure you change all the fluids, oil ect, and place either lift the car or place something underneath the tires so they don't sit on the concrete.

Also fill your tank up and put some fuel stabilizer in your tank. It will make the gas fresh all year long.

Get the storage, your making the extra $, why not take care of the Z.

Just my .02 cents though.

Also some insurance companies let you drop collision while in storage. They won't let you drop it if you leave it in a parking lot.

Be safe in Iraq. BTW, are you SF at Seymour Johnson. I am in the AF also, SF is my AFSC.

Those convoy's suck, last month, a convoy in Iraq was atacked and guarded by SF personnel. Believe it or not, a female SF on an M-60 took out most of the bad guys. I saw the pics at work, was not pretty.

Anyway be safe.