I'll be garaging my car for 3.5 months while I'm studying abroad. What should I do to prepare? I read a thread awhile back that recommended draining certain fluids and other maintenance tasks, but I'm no longer able to find it.

 

This was written by April on absoluteprelude.com

Wash and wax the car prior to the day you intend to store it.

• When you are done, drive the car a little in order to rid water from brakes and other areas.

• Wipe any brake dust off the wheels.

• Check engine bay for any water and wipe down as necessary.

• Do a quick touch-up with Quick Detailer to get off any dust you may have picked up on your last drive.

• Apply leather treatment to all leather to prevent drying and cracking (if you have leather). Otherwise, detail the interior panels as you normally would with your preference of interior cleaners.

• Fluids:
o Change the oil and filter. Old oil should NOT be left in the engine.
o Check windshield washer fluid - be sure it is winterized with antifreeze.
o Add some type of fuel stabilizer to the fuel tank (run engine afterwards) & top off to prevent condensation inside the tank.
o Check antifreeze strength.
o Top off Brake Fluid to prevent condensation.
o Check Transmission Fluid and top off if necessary.

• For annual storage suspension on blocks or jack stands is NOT recommended as the shock absorber pistons are fully extended and can corrode and stick.

• Inflate tires to 8 PSI above the maximum rating on the tire to avoid flat spotting.

• Lube electric antenna mast with thin oil and retract (if you have an antenna).

• Lube C/V boots with silicon spray to prevent them from drying and cracking. When you bring the car back out of storage, be gentle with steering for the first few days so they have time to regain flexibility.

• Set the A/C controls to recirculate to prevent rodents from getting into the system.

• Disconnect and remove battery or pull fuse of clock and burglar alarm to prevent battery drainage; pulled batteries should be stored in a cool, dry place OFF of the floor, preferably on a piece of wool.. Slow charge in mid-winter every several months.

• Lube door, hood, trunk and rubber seals with silicone spray.

• Be sure interior door lights are not on.

• Remove stereo faceplate.

• Place small wood blocks or towels under wiper arms so blades are off glass.

• If high humidity conditions are expected, leave a desiccant bag in the car and another one in the trunk.

• Seal intakes and exhaust pipes with towels, baggies, foil, etc.

• If exposed to direct sunlight, cover glass to protect interior.

• Park vehicle on large sheet of plastic to prevent ground moisture from attacking underbody.

• Put mothball under and around the car to deter rodents from getting close.

• Cover with a QUALITY car cover which will allow humidity & moisture passage. You get what you pay for. Cheap car covers will destroy your paint.

• Do NOT set the handbrake.

• Check that windows are completely closed.

• Check sunroof for complete closure.

• Call Insurance company and have collision coverage suspended for the months that the car is in storage. Make sure to leave comprehensive coverage ON so if the car suffers any damage, or is stolen it will still be covered.

• Do NOT start the car until you are ready to drive it again. Starting it causes undue stress to the engine after it’s been sitting for long periods of time. It’s better to start it just once when you’re ready to bring it back out of storage.

• Remove all radar detectors, compact discs (or other music media), clothing, trash, etc. Once you close the interior up, leave it closed to prevent moisture from getting inside.

• Say Goodbye...