[Connor_E]

Hey I'll be leaving for and extended amount of time. I'm going to be leaving a cover over my car and it will be parked outside. My question is do I need to do anything else with it like drain any fluids?


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[matthewr87]

One thing I would suggest is to make sure your car is squeaky clean before you put on the cover. Also, ensure that the cover is not loose and does not flap or move in the wind. A loose car cover combined with even a slightly dirty car can quickly turn into a disaster (e.g., all of your edges can be sanded clean)

 

[cdnballer]

I'd consider draining the fuel tank if you're gone for 6 months. Gas turns funky after 6 months.

 

[trustyrusty436]

I would give it a good coat of wax and just leave it on without buffing it off, your going to cover the car anyway. I'd run the gas down really low than just let it run out of gas where your going to park it. Draining the tank will not get the gas out of the lines, [maybe some Marvel Mystery oil mixed with it]. It's old school, but a good product! When you get back put some more in the first tank full. Maybe change the cabin air filter when you park it.

 

[matthewr87]

Also, there is a section about long term storage in the manual that came with the car. That is probably the best place to look for information on the subject.

 

[Connor_E]

One thing I would suggest is to make sure your car is squeaky clean before you put on the cover. Also, ensure that the cover is not loose and does not flap or move in the wind. A loose car cover combined with even a slightly dirty car can quickly turn into a disaster (e.g., all of your edges can be sanded clean)

Thanks for all the advice so far. That's exactly why I bought some small bungee cords, so I can strap it underneath to prevent the wind.


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[Strange Mud]

you'll get lots of opinions here is mine:

Wash & wax
Extra air in tires 38-40psi
full tank of premium with stable added (be sure to use funnel in trunk for stable)
If it's due for an oil change I would do it before you leave.
If you can put a battery tender on it, if not I would disconnect the battery.

don't worry too much about it.

 

[Connor_E]

you'll get lots of opinions here is mine:

Wash & wax
Extra air in tires 38-40psi
full tank of premium with stable added (be sure to use funnel in trunk for stable)
If it's due for an oil change I would do it before you leave.
If you can put a battery tender on it, if not I would disconnect the battery.

don't worry too much about it.

Thanks definitely going to add air to the tires. Would it be smart to leave the spare key with a trusting friend to start it up and let it run once a week?


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[tjys]

I'd consider draining the fuel tank if you're gone for 6 months. Gas turns funky after 6 months.

+1 on this. I had a Mustang stored for 2 years with a full tank of gas while in Korea. I had asked someone to start the car periodically just to get oil flowing and he only did it once. When I returned the gas had gone bad. Nothing like dropping a full tank of gas to drain it and replace the fuel pump. I would only leave minimal gas in the car so you can fill it upon your return.

If you can afford a storage unit at a U store it facility I would recommend it.

 

[Strange Mud]

I will disagree for the funk after 6 months (if you use stable) two years yeah funky but you'll be fine for 6months. Do not just put it in, run around for 1/2 hr or more that will distribute it and burn and water in the oil. Instead of starting every month I would recommend to remove the battery, give it to your buddy with a tender (cheap $20-50) and have them put it on charge one day per month. I also would cover the exhaust pipes and cowl intakes (under hood at windshield bottom) with painters tape to keep critters out. In my unattached. garage in CT I also put in mouse repellant, it smells like mint it's supposed to keep them away. Bounce did not work for me, I think its just an urban legend. One thing you may consider (which I haven't tried yet but plan on) is when returning to disconnect the fuel pump plug (spare tire well) or pull the fuel pump relay before cranking it upon your return to get parts moving at just starter rpm before having ignition. Yes, indoor storage is better in a secure location but $$$$

Sta-bile and clean are the two biggies, I recommend this other stuff but it's probably not needed but it's simple/cheap enough.

Deployment, Jail or Rehab :?:

 

[Connor_E]

I will disagree for the funk after 6 months (if you use stable) two years yeah funky but you'll be fine for 6months. Do not just put it in, run around for 1/2 hr or more that will distribute it and burn and water in the oil. Instead of starting every month I would recommend to remove the battery, give it to your buddy with a tender (cheap $20-50) and have them put it on charge one day per month. I also would cover the exhaust pipes and cowl intakes (under hood at windshield bottom) with painters tape to keep critters out. In my unattached. garage in CT I also put in mouse repellant, it smells like mint it's supposed to keep them away. Bounce did not work for me, I think its just an urban legend. One thing you may consider (which I haven't tried yet but plan on) is when returning to disconnect the fuel pump plug (spare tire well) or pull the fuel pump relay before cranking it upon your return to get parts moving at just starter rpm before having ignition. Yes, indoor storage is better in a secure location but $$$$

Sta-bile and clean are the two biggies, I recommend this other stuff but it's probably not needed but it's simple/cheap enough.

Deployment, Jail or Rehab :?:

Thanks for the reply and advice. It is indeed a deployment.

 

[Siber Express]

With the Sta-Bil, make sure it is for Ethanol unless you have a station where you can get 100% gas.

 

[Mustang No.7]

Thanks for the reply and advice. It is indeed a deployment.

Where to? Don't tell me if you have to kill me.

 

[Deadstick]

Thank you for your service.

I have seen car covers do MONDO damage outdoors. I almost think you are better off putting reflectors in the windows, and leaving the cover off.
Disconnect the battery, and when you get back, it will start up like you parked it yesterday.

 

[Strange Mud]

I forgot to mention (something I don't have to worry about hence the neglect) with the frame-less windows how they roll down 1/2" upon opening they will be difficult to open w/o a battery. I would try leaving one down, the other up and disconnecting the battery and seeing what it's like to open as an experiment. Others have said you can do it but I've never tried so idk....the other hint if you disconnect the battery is to write down your radio-presets before hand so it's easier to program them since they will be lost.

 

[Connor_E]

Where to? Don't tell me if you have to kill me.

Sorry about the late replay, took a little while to set up the internet. I'm in Afghanistan, and no I don't have to kill you.

I forgot to mention (something I don't have to worry about hence the neglect) with the frame-less windows how they roll down 1/2" upon opening they will be difficult to open w/o a battery. I would try leaving one down, the other up and disconnecting the battery and seeing what it's like to open as an experiment. Others have said you can do it but I've never tried so idk....the other hint if you disconnect the battery is to write down your radio-presets before hand so it's easier to program them since they will be lost.

Thank's for the reply, it's a little too late to test it though. Maybe I'll have my friend who's watching it for me try it out.