How long can a car stay garaged before problems
Discussion
Not been driven for about 6 months.
Garage dry with lots of airflow. Battery checked and on charge. Half tank of fuel.
How long can it be left without expensive problems? I know that it can be left there indefinately but how long roughly before starting and moving is likely to be an major issue?
Thanks in advance.
Garage dry with lots of airflow. Battery checked and on charge. Half tank of fuel.
How long can it be left without expensive problems? I know that it can be left there indefinately but how long roughly before starting and moving is likely to be an major issue?
Thanks in advance.
Brakes seizing on is usually the first issue. That’s entirely down to moisture levels in the garage.
Provided it’s dry and the battery is charged I’d expect it to last years.
Suppose the fuel might be an issue eventually, I get this with motorbikes that have carbs as the fuel turns to varnish in the carbs and you have to clean them out. Injection doesn’t seem to have the same problems.
Tyres might not like standing on concrete, you get flat spots.
Provided it’s dry and the battery is charged I’d expect it to last years.
Suppose the fuel might be an issue eventually, I get this with motorbikes that have carbs as the fuel turns to varnish in the carbs and you have to clean them out. Injection doesn’t seem to have the same problems.
Tyres might not like standing on concrete, you get flat spots.
Speed addicted said:
Brakes seizing on is usually the first issue. That’s entirely down to moisture levels in the garage.
Provided it’s dry and the battery is charged I’d expect it to last years.
Suppose the fuel might be an issue eventually, I get this with motorbikes that have carbs as the fuel turns to varnish in the carbs and you have to clean them out. Injection doesn’t seem to have the same problems.
Tyres might not like standing on concrete, you get flat spots.
Thanks - handbrake is off so hopefully that will help a bit.Provided it’s dry and the battery is charged I’d expect it to last years.
Suppose the fuel might be an issue eventually, I get this with motorbikes that have carbs as the fuel turns to varnish in the carbs and you have to clean them out. Injection doesn’t seem to have the same problems.
Tyres might not like standing on concrete, you get flat spots.
Handbrake off and over inflate the tyres to help avoid flat spots. Put the battery on a Ctek (or similar) or remove it completely. Add dehumidifier sachets inside the car to absorb any moisture.
I have left cars for many months and motorbikes for many years without any major issues (except stale fuel after a number of years).
I have left cars for many months and motorbikes for many years without any major issues (except stale fuel after a number of years).
pistonheadforum said:
Not been driven for about 6 months.
Garage dry with lots of airflow. Battery checked and on charge. Half tank of fuel.
How long can it be left without expensive problems? I know that it can be left there indefinately but how long roughly before starting and moving is likely to be an major issue?
Thanks in advance.
I used to do this with an old E36. Drive it sympathetically for the first couple of 100 miles, slap some Redex in with the first tank then enjoy. Garage dry with lots of airflow. Battery checked and on charge. Half tank of fuel.
How long can it be left without expensive problems? I know that it can be left there indefinately but how long roughly before starting and moving is likely to be an major issue?
Thanks in advance.
This guy rescued an E24 that had stood for 12 years https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULTHfZCgTb0 with minimal effort.
Some classic car and bike owners run the fuel tank down to very low, then throw some Aspen fuel in the tank, and drive the car for a few miles to make sure the fuel system is flushed with it. Aspen lasts for years without deteriorating. Popular with gardeners for mowers, strimmers etc.
Tony1963 said:
Some classic car and bike owners run the fuel tank down to very low, then throw some Aspen fuel in the tank, and drive the car for a few miles to make sure the fuel system is flushed with it. Aspen lasts for years without deteriorating. Popular with gardeners for mowers, strimmers etc.
It may be more worthwhile now with the new fuels. I’ve bet. Thinking about running done through the bikes for winter storage. My only bike with carbs gets properly grumpy if left too long with old fuel in it.
PaulKemp said:
Just turn it over and fire it up once a week, handbrake off and up on jacks to stop tyres getting a flat spot.
Overinflated tyres on a sheet of wood or carpet rather than cold concrete won't develop flat spots. I would keep the weight on the suspension rather than leaving it hanging on jack's, safer and less likely to damage balljoints and shocks etcFunky Squirrel said:
I would keep the weight on the suspension rather than leaving it hanging on jack's, safer and less likely to damage balljoints and shocks etc
Bushes are the big problem. Rubber bushes are installed so that they are under no distortion when the car's weight is on its wheels. If you leave a car jacked up, the suspension buses are constantly twisted. Gassing Station | Home Mechanics | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff