Storing Your Car
*MEDIUM*
For cars that will be inactive one year or more, certain steps should be taken to minimize aging and overall deterioration. Follow this procedure prior to putting your car in long-term storage:
- Change the oil and oil filter. Run the car briefly afterwards. Do not store your car with dirty engine oil.
- Fill the fuel tank completely to minimize water condensation.
- Remove the spark plugs and squirt a small amount (approx. one teaspoon) of clean engine oil into each cylinder. Reinstall the spark plugs.
- Plug the air cleaner and exhaust pipe openings with absorbent cloths. Do so when the engine is warm, but avoid being burned. Do not seal in moisture; prevent internal corrosion.
- Release accessory drive belt tension.
- Remove the battery.
- Place the car on safety stands and remove the tires. Store the tires on their sides, covered and with reduced air pressure. If safety stands are not available to elevate the vehicle, leave the tires on and add another 10 psi of air to each tire.
- If your car will be stored outside, use a car cover to protect the interior and exterior from sunlight damage. If a car cover is not available, cover the interior surfaces with towels. Use cardboard sunblocks in all windows.
If your car will not be placed in a storage mode and permanently immobilized, it is best to run it once each month for one hour. This will help prevent engine corrosion.
SYSTEMS
STORAGE & WINTER PREPARATION
PROPER CARE
PREPARING YOUR CAR FOR WINTER