Deploying & I need your help!

[USAF_Danny]

I've searched plenty online, this forum, and other forums as well but can't seem to get the right information.

Long story short, I'm deploying and found out that I'm leaving a lot earlier than expected. I don't really trust anyone to drive or maintain the car while I'm gone, so I'll be putting the car away in storage. Cold, indoor storage that is. For some reason, with the bi-polar weather and cold winters we get here, South Dakota doesn't offer climate-controlled vehicle storages.

Some of you have probably put a vehicle away for the winter and that's what I'm pretty much doing.

Some things I've narrowed down:

1. 10x20 storage is a perfect fit.
2. Make sure all the fluids are good, i.e. oil changed, gas tank full, etc...
3. A good wash, wax, and interior detail. (I'm getting the car detailed)
4. Battery tenders.
5. Mothballs, dryer sheets, and baking soda everywhere.
6. Rags in the exhaust.


That's pretty much all I could really narrow down as far as things I need to do that are set in stone. However, there are a few things I'm still trying to figure out..

1. Do I need to add a fuel stabilizer? Considering I'll be gone for 6+ months?

2. Should I over-inflate the tires by a few PSI to be safe on flat spots? Or, should I jack up the car and leave it on stands? I've heard mix opinions.

3. What is better? Cardboard or Blue Plastic Tarp for the floor to trap any liquid to prevent the humidity to rise.

4. Anyone have a car cover for their car? If so, which brand is worth the money?

5. If I decide to remove the battery and connect it to the tender in someone's house, will the car throw any codes or freak if the battery has been disconnected months on end?

That's really all I could really narrow down. If you have any other advice, please send them my way! Thank you!

[mr shickadance]

1) yes, fuel stabilizer is a good idea, if anything, don't have a full tank

2) jack stands would be the best, but overkill unless you are leaving it for a period greater than a year

3) cardboard

4) any car cover will work in your situation it will be mainly for keeping the dust off the car.

5) not sure

You should consider putting some mouse traps around your car and/or some mint air fresheners (apparently mice don;t like the mint scent) and to that point, maybe it's worth paying a friend $20 to check on the car every 4 month interval just incase as mice really love engine bays.

[adkmooserider]

Jack stands to prevent flat spots and vibrations is probably a good idea. I had just unmounted tires standing on end for around 8 months and they developed visible flat spots.

[SteveYem]

Jack stands to prevent flat spots and vibrations is probably a good idea. I had just unmounted tires standing on end for around 8 months and they developed visible flat spots.

I've heard/read that leaving a car with suspension unloaded for long periods of time ultimately damages the various suspension bushings due to being left in a non-neutral condition. I have no first-hand experience with it, so maybe someone in the know can chime in.

[Thomas@TAI-VW]

Don't leave the tank full!! You want it about 1/8th or less. That way when you come back you don't have a tank full of stale gas. If you have it low,then when you come back you can fill up and the old gas will be diluted with the new good gas. Capiche?

[mrmomo313]

I can comment on 5. I left mine connected to a tender for almost 5 months. No codes etc so you'll be fine doing that.

[chaos2984]

I've heard/read that leaving a car with suspension unloaded for long periods of time ultimately damages the various suspension bushings due to being left in a non-neutral condition. I have no first-hand experience with it, so maybe someone in the know can chime in.

Yes you don't have to leave the suspension unloaded. I would jack the car up and put jack stands under the lower control arms. you can leave the wheels on if you want.

Throw some stabil in it and you will be good. Fuel tanks now days have to be completely sealed up and not vent at all pretty much. So your fuel shouldn't go "stale" I think the chevy volt states it will store fuel in it for put to 6-8 months without issues.

as far as the other stuff you said yes. So you don't get unwanted friends.

[Thomas@TAI-VW]

Ethanol enriched gas goes bad way sooner than old school gas. In Hawaii we are surrounded by military bases and guys deploying and coming back in 4-8 months with locked up fuel pumps/clogged carbs (on streetbikes),etc. Ethanol is bad for gas stability.

[Johnnycash]

Ethanol enriched gas goes bad way sooner than old school gas. In Hawaii we are surrounded by military bases and guys deploying and coming back in 4-8 months with locked up fuel pumps/clogged carbs (on streetbikes),etc. Ethanol is bad for gas stability.

agree, but its less consequential on car engines, it is on smaller carburetor engines where this issue pops up. ie lawnmowers, snowblowers, etc

if you can put non-oxygenated fuel in the tank that would be ideal, otherwise some stabil will suffice.

[S4Drew]

Everyone here has said great things, here's my own $.02...

Stabil for the gas is a definite, and I would agree less gas in the tank the better. Put the stabil in before your final drive to park it so it mixes around in your tank and gets into the fuel system.

I've got a buddy that created a product called Tire Cradles. They are polyurethane polymer mats for your tires so you can park and not get flat spots, but a set runs $349. Here's a link with more info on flat spots and his product; http://www.tirecradle.com/TireCradles.html I should also say you can get different, less expensive versions on Amazon, such as this set I bought for my dad's 328i which have worked great for 2 winters; Flatstoppers

But you forgot the most important thing to take care of; YOURSELF. Thank you for your service and be safe while you're gone!

[USAF_Danny]

Thank you so much for the quick feedback.

Everything is so helpful. I found a few gas stations out here that carry Premium Non-Oxygenated Fuel. Should I still add a stabilizer to that?

Those Flat Stoppers too do look work the money, I'm definitely picking up a set as well. Thank you!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[JeriQo]

siphon the gas out?

[StealthBlackA4]

Two words...Tire Cradles.

[mr shickadance]

Thank you so much for the quick feedback.

Everything is so helpful. I found a few gas stations out here that carry Premium Non-Oxygenated Fuel. Should I still add a stabilizer to that?

Those Flat Stoppers too do look work the money, I'm definitely picking up a set as well. Thank you!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

yes, fuel stabilizer is so cheap it's a no brainer. and make sure you add it, then run your car at least 20 minutes, you want that stuff everywhere, the lines, the tank, the filter, all over.

[USAF_Danny]

Two words...Tire Cradles.

Definitely grabbing a set.

yes, fuel stabilizer is so cheap it's a no brainer. and make sure you add it, then run your car at least 20 minutes, you want that stuff everywhere, the lines, the tank, the filter, all over.

I plan on doing an oil change the day prior to putting it away in storage so I'll fill the gas up to about 1/4 tank and add the stabilizer.

Good news is, a buddy in my shop who's deploying with me doesn't use his garage so it's completely empty. Since his fiance is already watching my dog along with theirs, I'll be able to store my car in the garage and not some random storage unit. Blessed.

[Usa]

Drain your tank man! Only leave enough for a few starts (~2 month intervals dont go crazy). Fill her up with a few gallons when you plan to drive it.

I'm military as well, good luck in the sandbox stay safe buddy