Okay, so .. there may or may not be a thread on this already. If there is one, I am having a hard time finding it.

So, I am going to be away for about six or seven months, and I have no idea what to do with my car while I'm gone. Any suggestions on how to prepare it for long term storage? I want to make sure that my XF will be good to go just sitting there for so long.

 

I'm sure a battery tender is in order and some gasoline stabilizer. Also a cover.

I'm very sure there will be other posts!

 

It has been discussed for winter storage, assuming inside storage...
- air up the tires; park on cardboard or newspaper
- change the oil and filter
- add gasoline anti-freeze and stabil
- insert battery tender
- clean and wax well
- cover is recommended, even a cheapy from Walmart
- put rodent sticky boards around nearby walls
- stuff rags in exhaust
- leave windows cracked so humidity can escape

 

Thank you Goldwing! Much more complete list!

Question, why the cardboard or newspaper under tires....my garage is carpeted btw.

 

@Rockbasses .. you have carpet in your garage?? I never seen that before.

Oh! And I planned on leaving my car outside, and I really don't see a need for cardboard.. What's that all about?

 

I do believe it helps with the flat spots on the tires when sitting for extended periods of time.

 

for the engine,, with the intake removed, and the engine running around 3000 rpm, very slowly pour about 3/4 qt of transmission fluid in the throttle body( again very slowly pour it in),, be out side it is going to smoke up the whole block,, this will coat everything in the engine exhaust with oil, i have done this to cars and left them for 5 years ,,,go out and fire them up more smoke burning off the oil, but runs fine, jim

 

Ya
I live in a tri-level, with out a basement. It's nice to go out in garage for a tool or something in socks.

When I first replaced the carpet inside the house I put the old down in the garage.....it's kind of nice!

 

I wouldnt put any oil down the engine in newer cars way to many sensors to get messed up !!! In the good ole days maybe but not now !!!!

 

Well...I have an 04... Should I try it anyway?

 

I think you are right ,, forgot about all the electronics, sensors maybe i can find out about this ,,,i did this years ago when things were simple. jim

 

I don't know many people with carpeted garages. Concrete is acidic and it just makes sense to reduce the long term direct contact on a small patch of tire with newspaper, cardboard, or even carpet squares. It's a suggestion, not a requirement. I would not pour oil into the system -- things like MAF sensors tend to be very sensitive.

 

Okay, I just recently changed my oil maybe a month and a half ago. It's gonna be about another month and a half before he goes in storage. Is that okay?

 

thanks guys, heard also to disconnect battety and start 1/month? is that needed?

 

Sorry old post! Already answered the carpet question thing....oh well...again...


I don't have a basement(tri-level), it's my storage, workshop. When I get new carpet for a room in the house, the old goes on the garage floor. Nice to walk on when I need a tool or something in the house. Also nice to sit on it when detailing/ working on the XF.

Also, I don't take the battery out. I usually start it every other week or more.

Go BLUE!

 

I wouldn't leave the windows cracked open because mice can get into even the smallest opening. (Don't ask me how I know).
If there is a concern about humidity building up insde of the car, just get a box lid that fits inside the hatch, and the passenger side floor, and spread some charcoal out on the lid. This will soak up moisture.
Mice like to make their homes in the "factory" CAI's and they even find the air cleaner elements quite nutritional. Trust me.
Some people swear by the practice of placing "Cloths Drier Fabric Softner Sheets" under the hood to fend off rodents as well.
40lbs of air in the tires will take care of flat spots.
Personally, I don't recommend car covers, mice find them an excellent camping tent, and can scratch your paint. But that's just my opinion.