I hope that I am posting this in the correct forum, but my question is simple, what is the best way to "store" a car for a long period of time? I may be leaving the country for at least 2 years and I don't want to return to my Z experiencing engine problems and such, due to it sitting for so long. Any advice?

 

Can't answer your question directly, but I have seen articles in "classic" car magazines (i.e. really old valuable cars that people lay up for the winter). These magazines I have seen at B&N, Borders etc. Maybe they have web sites.

They have suggested things like:
1. Ensure all the oil is clean
2. Get the car off the ground so the tires don't flat spot
3. Don't store the car in humid conditions
4. Disconnect the battery

and a raft of other stuff. As I remember from the article, the basic message was cars of any age or type just don't like being left to stand.

Maybe you can get someone you trust to drive the thing 30 miles or so every couple weeks?

Go to google and search for "car storage". You will come up with links like: http://www.buyclassiccars.com/storagetips.asp

Hope this helps a little.

 

not sure there is a best way to store.
Ideal condition would be to have someone running it once/month for 20mn.

disconnecting the battery on new car could completly erase some computer data but 2 yr storage would as well...

modern tires don't have "memory" so don't develop flat spots.
Plug all openings: air intake, exausts to avoid rodents.
Leave a minimum amount of gas in tank mixed with fuel preserver.

Hope this help.

 

Hey, I really appreciate everyone's input on this. These suggestions have helped. Thanx again.

 

You can do a search under 'storage', 'winter storage' or 'winterizing'. My Z is winterized in my garage until early April. I had done the same search back in Dec.

As far as the gas tank, I recommend filling it to prevent condensation. I would buy a cover to protect the paint.
I did not remove the plugs and add oil to each cylinder, but if it was for 2 years I would do it.

Why not sell it ? If it was an older classic car, sure, it would not depreciate much but it's new and you can buy another one when you return... What you lose buy selling now, you will lose anyway if you sell it in 2 years.

 

I understand there is no need anymore to fill up the gas tank as new generation cars have pressurized tanks and there is no risk of water condensation forming.

 

I put my car in storage for 12 months. Follow the steps below and you should be fine. One thing I would suggest


13 Tips for Storing Vehicles



All kinds of vehicles get stored for the winter, ranging from a convertible that's reserved for sunny days to a car or truck that's left behind when snowbirds head south. "Because cars and trucks were made to be driven regularly, winter storage — or any prolonged period of storage—can really take its toll, unless people take a few precautions to protect their vehicle while it's in hibernation," says Sue Elliott-Sink, director of content for enjoythedrive.com." A little work now can protect a vehicle from rust, animals and other storage-related headaches." To help car and truck owners keep their stored vehicles in good shape, here are a few storage tips.



Get it out of the elements! No amount of precautions will protect a car that is stored outside where the sun, rain, or snow will beat on it day in and day out. Put it under a canopy or keep it in the garage.


Keep the fuel fresh. When gasoline sits, it can break down and form gum and varnish, which will clog a fuel system. What's more, any moisture left in the system can cause rust. The solution: Add a container of fuel stabilizer to the gas tank, then fill the tank to the top right before putting the vehicle into storage. The short drive home from the gas station will circulate the stabilized fuel throughout the system, keeping the gas fresh and the system safe until the vehicle is ready to ride again.


Don't let the cooling system freeze during the winter. Drain the system (including the radiator) and refill it with a rust-inhibiting antifreeze.


Change the oil. It's important to remove any acid, moisture and other contaminants from an engine by changing the oil and filter before putting a vehicle to sleep for the winter. It's okay to use the same-viscosity oil as usual, as long as the oil contains corrosion protection.


Avoid flat-spotting the tires. A vehicle that sits for a long period of time can ruin a set of radial tires. The best way to save those expensive tires is to store the vehicle up on jack stands. Some people also may want to remove the vehicle's wheels and tires—or let some air out of the tires to reduce strain on the shocks and other suspension components.


Keep the battery alive. When a battery loses its charge over time, it can freeze and explode. To avoid a dangerous mess, hook up a battery charger/maintainer, which will keep the battery properly charged, no matter how long the vehicle sits.


Protect the paint. Give the vehicle a good washing before it's put away for the winter to remove any road salt or grunge, and be sure to dry it thoroughly, too. Then apply a protective coat of wax. Finally, slip on a breathable cloth car cover. (Plastic covers will trap condensation and provide a fertile breeding ground for rust.)


Check the insurance. Just because a vehicle is sitting undriven doesn't mean liability coverage is unnecessary. What if someone pushes the car, and it winds up rolling down the driveway and into the neighbor's brand-new Mercedes? Collision and theft coverage can be important, too.


Prevent rust. Unpainted metal surfaces, from engine parts to tailpipes, can use a good coat of rust inhibitor.


Protect vinyl, leather and rubber. If the vehicle will be stored in a dry climate, it's wise to apply a preservative to prevent seats, armrests and dash pads from cracking.


Provide critter protection. All kinds of small animals find vehicle wiring, seats and carpet delectable, and they think cars and trucks make a nice den, too. To keep critters out, place mothballs inside a vehicle, including under the dash, and cover the tailpipe. Or, for total protection, store the vehicle inside a cocoon that seals it completely from the elements.


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.

Buy some moisture packs from California Car Cover. These are the only ones I know of that work. They will prevent mold from growing in your vents and keep moisture out of your car.