41. STORING A CAR: What should I do if I will be leaving a car unused for 3 months or more?

ALWAYS switch off the radio and all electrical components such as the interior light BEFORE switching off the ignition whenever leaving a car standing for a week or more. Most battery draindowns are through the radio.

Have the oil and filter changed. Make sure the coolant corrosion inhibitors have not degraded (they usually have after 3 - 4 years, so have the coolant changed). If the car has ABS, make sure the brake fluid has been changed within the past two years or the ABS pump could suffer internal corrosion from moisture absorbed by the fluid. Clean and polish the car. Take it for a reasonable length dry run to thorougly heat through all systems and evaporate off any condensation. Overpressure the tyres to 40+psi help prevent them flatspotting, then put it in the garage still hot from the run. Connect up to a trickle charger which monitors the battery and keeps it to a constant 13.5 volts without damaging the electronics. Leave one window open a crack to keep the interior ventilated, but not open enough to allow mice to get in. Cover with a cotton sheet.

If storing outside, Dupont Tyvek car covers from Halfords allow some breathing, but condensation will also occur under them. They need to be tied down with a washing line wrapped under the car to stay on in a high wind.

Pushing it in one direction will help prevent flat-spotting of tyres.

Pushing it backwards and forwards will help keep brakes freed off.

Nothing you can do about the a/c unless you take the car for a run. You might preserve the a/c seals by starting the engine, but will create a lot of condensation and lube oil dilution.

Trickle chargers from www.international-tool.co.uk; www.hamiltonclassic.co.uk; www.ctek.com www.toolconnection.co.uk; www.airflow-uk.com
www.carparts-direct.co.uk

Car storage specialists www.carbank.co.uk; www.classicarstorage.co.uk; www.classic-reserve.co.uk; www.northerncarstorage.co.uk; www.premiervehiclestorage.co.uk