storing a diesel Vectra for 1 year

Honest John Back Room » Technical matters
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Thu 4 Dec 2003 22:00
storing a diesel Vectra for 1 year - gatso
I have a T-reg vectra 2.0di estate,air-con,70k miles and well maintained.I am going abroad for up to a year and the car will be kept in a secure,dry,lock-up.

Any advice on what to do in the way of preparation before storage so that the car will be pretty well ready to drive out in a years time ???

Many thanks for any hints,suggestions and advice offered.

gatso.
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Thu 4 Dec 2003 23:02
storing a diesel for 1 year - Sooty Tailpipes
Have all the fluids changed before, such as brake, coolant, oil etc...
Make sure there are no mice.
Leave the windows open an inch.
Leave the battery on trickle change.
Grease all grease points like catches, doors etc...
Over inflate the tyres to 40psi
If possible have someone drive it once a month.
Run the fuel as low as possible, and refill with fresh fuel when you get back, you can get additives for diesel to prevent bacteria growth,
I reckon you'd be better selling it!
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Thu 4 Dec 2003 23:20
storing a diesel for 1 year - Dynamic Dave
As well as Sooty's suggestion,

1. place the car on axle stands with the wheels off the ground, otherwise you'll find the tyres will develop flat spots.

2. Get someone to periodocially start it up and run the engine until hot, also running the air con as well.

However, if it is just going to stand for one year, totally unattended and immobile, expect problems like siezed brake calipers, and siezed hand brake cables.

Again, I agree with Sooty, sell it.
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Fri 5 Dec 2003 07:13
storing a diesel for 1 year - DL
Leave the handbrake off.

My advice? Ask somebody to use the car once or twice a month, it'll do it wonders.

A nice wax polish before locking it away would be a good idea.

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Fri 5 Dec 2003 08:44
storing a diesel for 1 year - madf
Stored son's 1994 1.1 Fiesta for 1 year.

Did nothing but drive it round yard and leave it running for 30 mins once a month.

When recomissioned , no problems..
madf
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If you cover no more than 100 miles per day and have easy access to a charging point at home or work, then an EV is ideal for you.

Is an electric car right for me?