I've got the use of a cheap runabout from now till about April next year so have decided to take my car off the road during winter and only use it for weekends and dry days up till about October.

Its not mint by any means compared to some cars that only come out in dry weather but its mine I want to look after it as best as I can. Its also 5 years old this September and has 61K on the clock. To my mind thats 10K over average so another reason to use it sparingly. Plus if I spend a weekend cleaning it it'll stay clean for longer which appeals to my lazy side

Anyway, are there any things I should do with the car whilst it hibernates? Take it out the garage every week and start it for 20 mins? How should I store it.

 

Fill the fuel tank to prevent any internal corrosion.

Andy

 

Brim the tank, disconnect battery, jack up car so as not to flat spot tyres, change fluids before using in the spring.

 

6 months off the road isnt cause for too much concern, as above:
Disconnect / trickle change battery
Move frequently or axle stands to avoid tyre flat spots
Dont cover it if the place your storing is prone to condensation.

When youve brought it out change the fluids etc check all levels / tyre pressure as per normal.
Oh and give it a good polish before she goes to bed

 

...but also remember this fuel will be off by the time you use it in the spring so take it easy whilst using the tankful then get some fresh optimax in there.

 

And dont forget to declare SORN. Just got caught for two motorbikes at 40 quid each.

 

If the car is not moved frequently, do not apply the handbrake as this will lock on. Disconnect the battery. Also, expect the discs to rust over - but this will be removed the first time you use the car. Be careful the first time because brakes will be non-existant. I would not run it for just 20 mins - probably do more wear than good.

After a four month contract in the Middle East, my car was left with the handbrake on and it sat down at the back until the pads released (pop), then gently applied the brake at low speed until they cleaned up. The big up side was how nice the car was compared to what I had in Qatar! The driving position, the response, the grip and the presence on the road

Regards,
John

 

errrrr...

When I got my Scooby I declared my Toyota SORN and stuck it in the garage !!

Jumped in the car, turned the key (new battery) and now the Toyota is on the drive taxed / tested / insured / ........

nearly a 2 year hibernation.... even Ripley in Alien didn't wake up looking so good !!

Mind you it is a toyota.........LOL

Midlife.....