| If you are leaving town for an extended period of | | | | oil.Now you will need to fill the gas tank completely |
| time or are storing a vehicle for seasonal use, there | | | | full. Most people siphon out the gas and leave the |
| are several things you can do to protect your | | | | tank empty. This is not correct and the moisture left |
| automobile and insure it will be ready for use when | | | | in the empty tank will encourage rust. Fill the tank as |
| you retrieve it. Taking the time to prepare your car | | | | high as you can and leave it. This will prevent |
| right will save you a lot of grief and money later | | | | moisture from forming and prevent rust accumulation. |
| on.The first step is to find a suitable location for long | | | | It is also prudent to add in a gas stabilizer as well.The |
| term storage. This is critical. The location should be | | | | next step is the battery. If the vehicle is in for short |
| secure, dry and clean. Putting it in a dusty barn is | | | | term storage, you may want to hook up battery |
| probably one of the worst places for you car. Make | | | | charger to the battery. This will insure all electrical |
| sure the storage place is dry and free of moisture. | | | | equipment like stereo will have power and any saved |
| Moisture, humidity and condensation are the biggest | | | | settings will be there when you return. For longer |
| hazards to exterior, interior and engine. Rust and | | | | periods of time, remove the battery. Batteries can |
| corrosion can form on exposed metal and mold and | | | | crack and leak acid everywhere. In this case it is best |
| mildew can grow in the interior as well. The best | | | | to just remove it and replace it when you return.The |
| place is a climate controlled storage facility. Just look | | | | next area to prepare is the external weather |
| under storage in the yellow pages and there should | | | | stripping and tires. The best product to use for this is |
| be some options for you.Also, you will need to | | | | a lithium grease. Stay away from petroleum based |
| rodent proof your storage as well. Rats can destroy | | | | products. They will eventually dry out and crack the |
| the wiring system. They can also get into the interior | | | | rubber. To apply the grease, spray it on a rag first |
| and build nests there. One option is to place rat | | | | and then wipe it on the tires and weather stripping. |
| poison or some other pest control device around the | | | | Be sure to cover the gaskets in the doors, sunroof |
| car. Ma If the storage unit has power to it, I would | | | | and trunk.For the interior, use a leather or vinyl |
| recommend getting a noise box that repels rats and | | | | conditioner. This will safeguard these surfaces from |
| mice. You can buy them at your local hardware store. | | | | cracking and drying.The last step is to thoroughly |
| These are very safe and will not hurt pets or | | | | clean the exterior. After you have washed it, apply a |
| children.Once you have picked a suitable location, it is | | | | coat of wax and buff it out. If you have an air |
| time to prepare your car.Step one is to change the | | | | buffer, this process will be a lot easier and will be |
| oil and replace it with a synthetic. Changing the oil | | | | more effective. Then cover the car with a good |
| before storage will reduce moisture in the system | | | | quality car cover. If you follow these basic steps, |
| and help prevent corrosion in the engine. The reason | | | | your expensive automobile should be in the same |
| for synthetic oil is because of the coating properties | | | | shape you left it before your journey. |
| and it will not break down as quickly as conventional | | | | |