Store a car

[bluemalbert]

I am going to put a ZT into storeage for a year minimum and wondered if there are procedures/protocols I should follow. I will be able to access it so:
Is it worth starting her up every month/2mths/3 months? Run for how long? Im gusessing handbrake off? Battery disconnect? Window ajar?


Thanks in advance.

[RoverP480]

Being stored in a dry place is a pre requisite. If possible raise wheels off floor or if not pump up tyres to about 50 all round. Personally I would change engine oil before storing so there is no condensation in it and take the battery off & put on float charger if you have one. If you can, putting it away hot would benefit as there is no condensation in the exhaust to rot that out whilst standing. Starting the engine without getting it up to temp can do more harm than good.

[Gazmo65]

Just a little tip from storing motorbikes and that is to remove the spark plugs and squirt a small amount of engine oil into each cylinder and turn over engine once with plugs refitted but no coils connected so as to disperse the oil around the cylinder spray everything under the bonnet with either WD40 or GT85.Get some moisture traps from Wilkinsons the more the better and place them in the boot area and cabin area, this should stop any mildew or mould forming and change them every month or two depending on the amount of moisture absorbed, also lower all the Windows and smear a small amount of rubber or silicone grease on all the rubbers before raising the Windows again it will stop the Windows from sticking , do the same with the door and boot rubbers, and please please leave the handbrake off, as already said a trickle charger would be a good move especially the type that monitors battery health and adjusts itself accordingly and you wouldn't need to disconnect it, there are many different types available from motorcycle chargers to leisure battery ones.