3 Months storage prep?
 

Hey guys so im leaving tomorrow for 3 Months to Russia.

I just slightly detailed the X, polished with some and then powerlocked it last night and let it cure over night, im gonna powerlock it this morning in a few minutes again and then again at night, it will cure nicley not being exposed to any elements for 3 months.

My question is what should i do in terms of mechanical storage, its not like im putting it away for 5 years or anything, but ill keep the car locked, there will be enough battery life to keep the alarm engaged and the red bulb blinking?

Do i do anything about the tire pressures?

Thanks:nanana:

Put it on jackstands to avoid tire flat-spotting, hook up a trickle charger and add some fuel StaBil to a full tank of gas.

you dont need to do too much to a car for only 3 months. Make sure the tires are inflated. depending on the age of your battery it may not be able to start the car after 3 months, so plan for that.

I just pulled out my e36 after sleeping all winter and it started right up (well as right up as it ever does) as soon as I threw the new battery on.

I'd put a few extra psi in the tires, with them firmer they are less likely to flat spot.

Although my old VW I used to store over the winter and all I did was fill was fresh gas and Stabil, clean it up and park it. I adjusted tire pressures in the spring when I brought it out of storage and any "flat spots" tend to go away after a nice long drive when the weather heats up.

Ok thanks for the tips, i sadly dont have a battery tender at my garage in charlotte, not juck stands so ill just put extra air in the tires and just leave it alone

If you don't have a tender, I would just disconnect the battery. As for the tires, I wouldn't bother, I let a car sit for 5 years and they did not flatspot. Maybe they are not as sensitive anymore. If you are concerned that they might deflate while you are away, you could put a few wood blocks under the jack points (if you have any laying about).

I also would not bother with anything else except making sure the windows are closed so no widows or recluses climb in while you are away.

I would not leave a trickle charger on that long un-attented... too much risk for fire/melting wires/etc.

If you don't want to jack it up, drive it up on foam blocks (the pink ones used for wall insulation). That will avoid flat-spotting the tires.

I might think about a car cover as well, depending on where the truck is stored.

I leave my X parked in very cold conditons, in a garage, for 5 months, nearly every winter season.

-I hit the closest gas station, add the proper quantity of Stabil, and fill to brim; drive it home and trickle in a little more Stabil. The gasoline deterioration will be a concern, and Stabil, (or something similar), can slow that deterioration and fight the ethanol.

-I pump the tires to 42/44. Have never had a flat spot in 5 months of sitting, for several winters. Skip the stands, imo.

-I run a Battery Tender via an old mechinical appliance timer that comes on for 12+ hrs twice a week; always starts first turn and never a concern over 'fire'. You don't have one, so I would consider disconnecting the batt, or be prepared to trickle or jump start it when you return, even after 3 months.

-I lock it, minus the alarm feature. Good luck fending off the mice...
My 50Cts...
GL, mD

Over-inflate the tires, disconnect the negative battery terminal, fill it up with gas, and add Stabil. Stabil and over inflating the tires are optional but you will feel better if you do. To trickle charge or not to trickle charge---only if it will be below freezing while you are gone.
Don't worry while you are gone and have a safe trip.

I would pump the tires about 4PSI higher and have little carpet squares for the tires to sit on

trickle charge is good. But if the battery is new and good it should be fine