Preparing Car for Storage

[Wai-Fan]

Hi guys,

I'm moving to New York for a while and just wondering what's the best way to prep a car up for storage?

I was thinking of washing the car and sealing it with AG EGP and clean the interior using APC and a steam cleaner.

Any help and advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[FranA3]

dont know apart from to make sure the car bone dry otherwise it will go moldy inside and might even go rusty

 

[johnnythepie]

how long are you away for, and where is it to be stored

 

[ScottD3]

Make sure its got a full tank of fuel, This will stop the tank from rusting on the inside.
Get a portible dehumidifier for the inside the car, this will help stop condensation build up in side the car.
Put alot of air in side the tyres and if possible put something between the tyres and ground.

 

[Wai-Fan]

I'm going to be away for between 3 - 12 months but not entirely sure yet. It'll just be kept on the driveway.

Also I think I'm going to disconnect the battery, would it be ok just to disconnect and leave in the car?

 

[ScottD3]

Yeah that should be fine.
I would think about a good quality car cover for it as well.

 

[FranA3]

Make sure its got a full tank of fuel, This will stop the tank from rusting on the inside.

i thought that fuel tanks on a3 are plastic it is on mine

 

[tdia4]

Leave handbrake off aswell.

 

[Wai-Fan]

Ok so leave handbrake off and leave in gear?

I've heard some bad things about car covers. Can you recommend me any good ones???

Also, maybe a silly question but does fuel go "stale"???

 

[ScottD3]

I was not sure.
Thought I'd add it just in case.
If it is plastic then no need to worry about rust.

i thought that fuel tanks on a3 are plastic it is on mine

 

[Reesy]

Yes, fuel does go 'off'. It turns into a goo/jelly

 

[johnnythepie]

This will help
Laying up your car : Not using your car for a long time - how to prepare your car for storage - The AA