Some more questions about storage

[throwyourbike]

I officially stopped using the Monaro as my daily driver back in June. While I still try to take it out a blast every now and then, I'm using it less than I thought I would.
At the minute I just park it in the garage, connect the ctek charger and leave it for a few weeks until I need it again however over winter weeks could be months.

I have read all the generic tips about long term storage but I have a couple of specific questions for you guys.

Firstly, fuel. I have read that it's best to either empty the tank totally or fill it and add some fuel stabalizer, the later being the preferred method to stop the tank rusting.
Fuel might sit in the tank for three or four months at a time now. Should I be adding stabalizer? It doesn't seem to be readily available here, more of an American thing. Is that because our fuel is generally better quality or what?

Secondly, car covers. Does anyone know where I can pick up a reasonably priced indoor car cover? I only want something lightweight to keep the dust off while it's in the garage. I don't need anything specifically for the Monaro or super fancy.

[snowwolf]

I wouldn't bother with a cover, just wash it after storage, dust between cover and paint will scratch with slightest of movement, the fuel one is a hard one, petrol does lose its properties over time, yes good to fill right up but then you have to use a full £80's worth of fuel that's go off a bit? probably think fill half way with top quality fuel and give the car a short drive every 4 to six weeks, harder in a town if sorn easier if in a village ?

[Magic919]

Is there any point filling the tank on the small boot cars?

[Black VXR]

Change the oil before you store the car, drive it after the change to make sure the clean oil has done its job (taken out all the corrosive nasty stuff)

Full fuel tank is best

How long are you planning to store the car - you might want to put the car on stands if its long term as you can (after a long time) create flat sports in the tyres

[stigmundfreud]

if you get a good cover it wont scratch, in fact, you get scratches every time you drive the car. Mine are outside cars and the debris is avoidable, if you have room get a carcoon - www.rudler.co.uk are a good starting point for covers and I guarantee unless you know how to wash a car, you will be putting more fine marks in it than any decent cover will ever do.

I do one good clean at the start of the year and the rest are just washes and fillers

[anonymous-user]

I really wouldn't worry too much about it. Mine's been a summer/garage queen for the past few years and all I do is pump the tyres up and give it a good wash & dry before putting it away. Fuel will be fine for a few months but when you get it out in spring top it up with fresh fuel. During spring and summer drive it as much as you can, cars don't like not being used.

Also, get a battery conditioner for while it's asleep.

[throwyourbike]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys.

I'm still a little confused about fuel but most people I have spoken to reckon it'll be fine for two or three months.

Regarding the car cover, I'm not too worried about potential damage. The car was my daily for the last 2 years so it's not mint condition anyway.
I'm just thinking after it's all nicely waxed it would be nice to throw something over it to keep the dust off.

A couple of people I know recommended Metex covers for indoor use? I looked them up, they seem quite basic and cheap but then again it is only something to keep the dust off. It's a £10k car after all, not £100k.

[Magic919]

I'd keep the fuel low and add fresh when you get it going again. Why worry about the dust? I think a cover could bring more problems than it solves.

[throwyourbike]

Magic919 said:

I'd keep the fuel low and add fresh when you get it going again. Why worry about the dust? I think a cover could bring more problems than it solves.

I guess it's just frustrating that even when only being used occasionally in the dry the car still gets dirty!

[anonymous-user]

Magic919 said:

I'd keep the fuel low and add fresh when you get it going again.

You should do the opposite, condensation builds up in the empty part of the tank and can cause it to rot/pollute the remaining fuel so you should fill it to the brim before putting it away. Mine goes in the garage in November with whatever fuel it has in it and reemerges in March for service. Only does 14 mpg so stale fuel is not a problem for long and so long as it starts I don't care.