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  1. #1
    Veteran Member Four Rings Nebone's Avatar
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    Question Taking the car off the road for a year. Storage Advice?

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    I'm leaving the country for a year and the car will sit mostly outside through all 4 seasons. Car is meant to be driven but it won't see much driving this year. I'd like to come back to it and bring it back to life worry free. So far I plan on:

    - OEM B5 Car Cover
    - Fill the tank and add Sta-Bil to the fuel
    - Change the oil (0W30 for cold months ahead)
    - Winter Wheels and tires
    - Clean the interior and wax the exterior
    - Treat all rubber seals

    Car will be started and driven down the street every couple of weeks and moved in and out of the garage. Battery will stay connected. Timing belt will be replaced when I get back.

    Any other tips for this scenario are appreciated.
    Ibis White 2008 Audi A4 2.0T Avant 6MT S-Line Titanium APR Stage 3
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  2. #2
    Veteran Member Four Rings Seerlah's Avatar
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    Dec 05 2007
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    Re: Taking the car off the road for a year. Storage Advice?

    Make sure it is garaged. But that would have a been a granted. Maybe check tire pressure to calculate to find a good amount to place in to prepare for winter season.
    I hate it when my car acts like a little bitch, treating me like a bitch

  3. #3
    Veteran Member Three Rings
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    Feb 11 2004
    AZ Member #
    90
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    981CGTS, Cayenne Turbo, '22 A4 Allroad
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    Chicago 'burbs

    Re: Taking the car off the road for a year. Storage Advice?

    Quote Originally Posted by Nebone View Post
    I'm leaving the country for a year and the car will sit mostly outside through all 4 seasons. Car is meant to be driven but it won't see much driving this year. I'd like to come back to it and bring it back to life worry free. So far I plan on:

    - OEM B5 Car Cover
    - Fill the tank and add Sta-Bil to the fuel
    - Change the oil (0W30 for cold months ahead)
    - Winter Wheels and tires
    - Clean the interior and wax the exterior
    - Treat all rubber seals

    Car will be started and driven down the street every couple of weeks and moved in and out of the garage. Battery will stay connected. Timing belt will be replaced when I get back.

    Any other tips for this scenario are appreciated.
    When I put mine in storage 90Q-20v it sat for 19 months.
    Everything the same as yours except engine cylinders were fogged with a fogging oil and a battery tender. Before I took it out of storage I replaced all of the belts including the timing belt.
    Because the car sat the whole time, never started never moved, there was some surface rust on the brake rotors. This was gone fairly quickly. The thing that stuck around for a while was that the tires were out of round. That lasted about 400 miles. thud thud thud thud But it went away.
    I say if the car isn't going to be fully warmed up to burn off any moisture in the oil you are better off letting it sit.
    2014 A4Q Red w/ black optic black interior

  4. #4
    Veteran Member Four Rings Nebone's Avatar
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    6MT BT Avant Ti
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    Re: Taking the car off the road for a year. Storage Advice?

    I have limited room in the driveway where it's being kept. I wish I could garage it the whole time but that just won't happen unless I pay for a storage space. It might be fully garaged during the winter months so I'm looking forward to that. The winter tires are old and will be replaced later as well so flat spots won't bother me.

    A guy at work bought a Audi 5000 10VT which sat for 9 years and drives it daily. Just replaced the belt and it had no dry rot on it or anythng That gives me confidence.
    Ibis White 2008 Audi A4 2.0T Avant 6MT S-Line Titanium APR Stage 3
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    Dolphin Grey 2005.5 Audi A4 2.0T Avant 6MT *Sold after 7 years of ownership*
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  5. #5
    Veteran Member Four Rings Seerlah's Avatar
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    Re: Taking the car off the road for a year. Storage Advice?

    I watched this other thread from a while back (don't know if from here or Audiforum) where when an individual had his car stored for the winter time outside. When he removed the tarp, it left gouges in this paint. The reason was that the winter ice somehow made the tarp adhese to the car and upon removal it peeled away much of the paint. But I don't think it was an OEM tarp, so the material might have been different.
    I hate it when my car acts like a little bitch, treating me like a bitch

  6. #6
    Veteran Member Four Rings SykoraA4's Avatar
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    Aug 09 2007
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    Mount Airy, MD

    Re: Taking the car off the road for a year. Storage Advice?

    Quote Originally Posted by Seerlah View Post
    I watched this other thread from a while back (don't know if from here or Audiforum) where when an individual had his car stored for the winter time outside. When he removed the tarp, it left gouges in this paint. The reason was that the winter ice somehow made the tarp adhese to the car and upon removal it peeled away much of the paint. But I don't think it was an OEM tarp, so the material might have been different.
    yeah, i remember seeing that. i would have been hella pissed if that was my car. didnt he put his car in one of those portable garage/big tent thing though?
    - Will

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  7. #7
    Veteran Member Four Rings Nebone's Avatar
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    Re: Taking the car off the road for a year. Storage Advice?

    I'll have the car garaged when first snow falls. Guess I'll keep an eye out for weather in New England.
    Ibis White 2008 Audi A4 2.0T Avant 6MT S-Line Titanium APR Stage 3
    Deep Sea Blue Pearl 2010 Audi A4 2.0T Premium Tip
    Dolphin Grey 2005.5 Audi A4 2.0T Avant 6MT *Sold after 7 years of ownership*
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  8. #8
    Veteran Member Four Rings Seerlah's Avatar
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    Re: Taking the car off the road for a year. Storage Advice?

    Quote Originally Posted by SykoraA4 View Post
    yeah, i remember seeing that. i would have been hella pissed if that was my car. didnt he put his car in one of those portable garage/big tent thing though?
    Yes he did. But it was still the tarp material when the tent collapsed due to the weight of the snow and ice build up. Not sure if the poles from the tene damaged anything else, but that is Murphey's Law proving it's point.

    And to Nebone (just noticed the 22 is gone, your b-day just pass? if so, happy b-lated b-day), good move on storing it for the winter.
    I hate it when my car acts like a little bitch, treating me like a bitch

  9. #9
    Veteran Member Four Rings Nebone's Avatar
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    Jan 21 2006
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    6MT BT Avant Ti
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    Re: Taking the car off the road for a year. Storage Advice?

    Quote Originally Posted by Seerlah View Post
    And to Nebone (just noticed the 22 is gone, your b-day just pass? if so, happy b-lated b-day), good move on storing it for the winter.
    Ha, nah. Anthony changed it for me. I'm almost 25 so I've been here for a few
    Ibis White 2008 Audi A4 2.0T Avant 6MT S-Line Titanium APR Stage 3
    Deep Sea Blue Pearl 2010 Audi A4 2.0T Premium Tip
    Dolphin Grey 2005.5 Audi A4 2.0T Avant 6MT *Sold after 7 years of ownership*
    Goodwood Green Pearl 2002 Audi A4 1.8T Sedan Tip
    Santorin Blue Pearl 2001.5 Audi A4 1.8T Sedan 5MT *Sold after 9 years of ownership*

  10. #10
    Veteran Member Four Rings GetBoosted84's Avatar
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    01 Audi A4 1.8T Quattro / 88 Mazda RX-7 GXL
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    Eastern PA

    Re: Taking the car off the road for a year. Storage Advice?

    Leave it with me :-)

    I'll use it to drive to work while I sort out my issues on my turbo.

  11. #11
    Veteran Member Four Rings AudiA4_20T's Avatar
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    10speed
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    Re: Taking the car off the road for a year. Storage Advice?

    yo Sebastian if its getting driven every few weeks then you shouldnt have to worry?
    - Clint

    Current : 2013 Q5 3.0T Prestige S-Line - 11.6@117 - 034 Stage2+ FBO
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  12. #12
    Veteran Member Four Rings Nebone's Avatar
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    6MT BT Avant Ti
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    Re: Taking the car off the road for a year. Storage Advice?

    It will see short trips like down the street to reach operating temperatures. Probably a good idea to get oil temps up too.
    Ibis White 2008 Audi A4 2.0T Avant 6MT S-Line Titanium APR Stage 3
    Deep Sea Blue Pearl 2010 Audi A4 2.0T Premium Tip
    Dolphin Grey 2005.5 Audi A4 2.0T Avant 6MT *Sold after 7 years of ownership*
    Goodwood Green Pearl 2002 Audi A4 1.8T Sedan Tip
    Santorin Blue Pearl 2001.5 Audi A4 1.8T Sedan 5MT *Sold after 9 years of ownership*

  13. #13
    Veteran Member Four Rings Seerlah's Avatar
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    A place between here and there

    Re: Taking the car off the road for a year. Storage Advice?

    Why not let Jake get a spare key, if you have one, and have him drive it for maybe 1 day per week? Plus he is a mechanic so, no real worries of him messing up your vehicle. Unless you are worried about him crashing.
    I hate it when my car acts like a little bitch, treating me like a bitch

  14. #14
    Veteran Member Four Rings Nebone's Avatar
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    6MT BT Avant Ti
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    Re: Taking the car off the road for a year. Storage Advice?

    Plan is to let him house it over winter.
    Ibis White 2008 Audi A4 2.0T Avant 6MT S-Line Titanium APR Stage 3
    Deep Sea Blue Pearl 2010 Audi A4 2.0T Premium Tip
    Dolphin Grey 2005.5 Audi A4 2.0T Avant 6MT *Sold after 7 years of ownership*
    Goodwood Green Pearl 2002 Audi A4 1.8T Sedan Tip
    Santorin Blue Pearl 2001.5 Audi A4 1.8T Sedan 5MT *Sold after 9 years of ownership*

  15. #15
    Veteran Member Four Rings djwimbo's Avatar
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    Feb 15 2008
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    E46 323i 5-Sp
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    Re: Taking the car off the road for a year. Storage Advice?

    Looks like you have most of the details worked out. If the car is driven enough to reach operating temps at least once every 2 weeks, there isn't much to worry about. I would still change out the oil every season though, even if it only sees 100 miles.

    If it were my car, I'd go find the cheapest storage unit I could and pay for a year in advance. That way I wouldn't have to worry about it, and storage insurance is wicked cheap. That way I could back it into the storage unit and tear it down to the T-Belt. That would save some time on your return.
    "Thank god I had my body, because it felt so good."

  16. #16
    Veteran Member Four Rings quattro16's Avatar
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    Feb 05 2007
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    Long Island, NY

    Re: Taking the car off the road for a year. Storage Advice?

    All I have to say is MICE MICE MICE!!!! Those shit bags can get into anywhere and eat the car from the inside out. Have seen it plenty of times at work. But if your around open areas then this is something to consider. But if someone drives it every few weeks then you should be good.
    BetaAlphaTauMember #17

    20 Year Audi Master Guild Technician
    Long Island, NY. Instagram @andyaudiman

  17. #17
    Veteran Member Four Rings 317ssayzarc's Avatar
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    Oct 27 2007
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    2001 Golf 2004 A4 USP
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    Re: Taking the car off the road for a year. Storage Advice?

    Quote Originally Posted by Nebone View Post
    I'm leaving the country for a year and the car will sit mostly outside through all 4 seasons. Car is meant to be driven but it won't see much driving this year. I'd like to come back to it and bring it back to life worry free. So far I plan on:

    - OEM B5 Car Cover eh, Im against car covers, they are abrasive and scratch
    - Fill the tank and add Sta-Bil to the fuel No, do NOT fill the tank
    - Change the oil (0W30 for cold months ahead) Oil starts to get acidic after about 6 months, Ill change it for you, leave 5/10w 40 in there
    - Winter Wheels and tires
    - Clean the interior and wax the exterior
    - Treat all rubber seals

    Car will be started and driven down the street every couple of weeks and moved in and out of the garage. Battery will stay connected. Timing belt will be replaced when I get back.

    Any other tips for this scenario are appreciated.

    Listen, 40 bucks a month ain't shit, just let me store it... I detail, I wrench, I take care of my cars, ect... Sebastian, Im sure these guys will agree its the best option if you really want to keep the car mint, plus it'll be treated better than it is now since itll be in the shade all the time/ heated in the winter...

  18. #18
    Veteran Member Four Rings Nebone's Avatar
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    Jan 21 2006
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    Re: Taking the car off the road for a year. Storage Advice?

    It will stay with ya most likely.
    Ibis White 2008 Audi A4 2.0T Avant 6MT S-Line Titanium APR Stage 3
    Deep Sea Blue Pearl 2010 Audi A4 2.0T Premium Tip
    Dolphin Grey 2005.5 Audi A4 2.0T Avant 6MT *Sold after 7 years of ownership*
    Goodwood Green Pearl 2002 Audi A4 1.8T Sedan Tip
    Santorin Blue Pearl 2001.5 Audi A4 1.8T Sedan 5MT *Sold after 9 years of ownership*

  19. #19
    Veteran Member Four Rings 317ssayzarc's Avatar
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    Oct 27 2007
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    2001 Golf 2004 A4 USP
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    In the lab

    Re: Taking the car off the road for a year. Storage Advice?

    Quote Originally Posted by Nebone View Post
    It will stay with ya the whole year most likely.
    cool, thats the way to do it

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