What’s the consensus on how to store a car during lockdown?
Discussion
As it looks like my 911 might be shut away for a few months while the country deals with the virus, what is the correct way to store it? It’s in a nice dry garage and I’ll put a charger on it, but should I start it up periodically and if so, for how long? And tyres....pump up a bit more or not? Any advice gratefully received.
Bobtherallyfan said:
As it looks like my 911 might be shut away for a few months while the country deals with the virus, what is the correct way to store it? It’s in a nice dry garage and I’ll put a charger on it, but should I start it up periodically and if so, for how long? And tyres....pump up a bit more or not? Any advice gratefully received.
Well mine is in the garage on a charger and I intend to use it about once a month to get the shopping, then I will give it a wash and polish and put it back to bed. Gives the car the odd outing and keeps me busy. Win Win. Bobtherallyfan said:
As it looks like my 911 might be shut away for a few months while the country deals with the virus, what is the correct way to store it? It’s in a nice dry garage and I’ll put a charger on it, but should I start it up periodically and if so, for how long? And tyres....pump up a bit more or not? Any advice gratefully received.
That's a good shout, I'm also interested in any advice. My 996 usually is only dormant for 2 or 3 months in dry attached garage and I just have the trickle charger looking after the battery but it would be good to know of anything else to do for potentially a lot longer period as its only a fun vehicle and not a daily or a shopper. (currently SORN'd and likely to be so for another 3 months). On the positive side, because there's bugger all else to do, when it eventually makes an appearance it will be so highly polished I'll need sunglasses to look at it !! Cheers all.m444ttb said:
I'm going to use mine for the shopping every other week (swapping with my wife's Focus). Not something I'd usually consider but it's the only way it's going to get driven and with no power in the garage it will end up with a dead battery (for the fifth time!) 
If its secure in a garage, have you thought about just disconnecting the battery? Or fitting a battery isolator switch?Koln-RS said:
Take it for a decent run on a dry day before putting it away. That way it should be fully charged and all the hidden moisture dried out.
I was told to never store a freshly cleaned car, after suffering corroded inner discs.
Does that mean don’t start it up periodically...?I was told to never store a freshly cleaned car, after suffering corroded inner discs.
Starting a stored car every few weeks to "get it to temperature" without actually driving it any significant distance is the worst option. It does the car no good at all.
If you start it, then should use it. This means driving at least 30'min at various speeds and, once the oil is warm, across the rev range. Brake hard (when safe) to keep the discs "clean". Use all systems (a/c, windows, etc.).
Alternatively, wash and dry it (followed by a run to remove trapped water and to clean the brakes), fill it up with super unleaded (avoids condensation in tank), inflate the tyres to max (avoids ovalising) and tend the battery (or disconnect) and leave for as long as you need to.
To me the "storage threshold" is 2 months. If you think you won't use it for more than 2 months then store and SORN it. A good battery will keep its hold for 3~4 weeks before it gets too weak to start the car.
I've been doing both the above for years with my 997 with positive results (stored over winter and run every 3 weeks in summer - its a third car!).
If you start it, then should use it. This means driving at least 30'min at various speeds and, once the oil is warm, across the rev range. Brake hard (when safe) to keep the discs "clean". Use all systems (a/c, windows, etc.).
Alternatively, wash and dry it (followed by a run to remove trapped water and to clean the brakes), fill it up with super unleaded (avoids condensation in tank), inflate the tyres to max (avoids ovalising) and tend the battery (or disconnect) and leave for as long as you need to.
To me the "storage threshold" is 2 months. If you think you won't use it for more than 2 months then store and SORN it. A good battery will keep its hold for 3~4 weeks before it gets too weak to start the car.
I've been doing both the above for years with my 997 with positive results (stored over winter and run every 3 weeks in summer - its a third car!).
RiccardoG said:
Starting a stored car every few weeks to "get it to temperature" without actually driving it any significant distance is the worst option. It does the car no good at all.
If you start it, then should use it. This means driving at least 30'min at various speeds and, once the oil is warm, across the rev range. Brake hard (when safe) to keep the discs "clean". Use all systems (a/c, windows, etc.).
Out of curiosity, why is that? As in why does starting it and then not driving it do harm?If you start it, then should use it. This means driving at least 30'min at various speeds and, once the oil is warm, across the rev range. Brake hard (when safe) to keep the discs "clean". Use all systems (a/c, windows, etc.).
if you start an engine and let it sit, there are very warm bits, and relatively cold bits. This is the worst situation for wear, and you are prolonging this phase.
Driving it increases the overall warming rate, due to 'work', and airflow evens-out the temperature gradients and helps cool the hottest bits.
I'd also pump up the tyres to a non-stupid psi if you don't move it.
Driving it increases the overall warming rate, due to 'work', and airflow evens-out the temperature gradients and helps cool the hottest bits.
I'd also pump up the tyres to a non-stupid psi if you don't move it.
Orangecurry said:
if you start an engine and let it sit, there are very warm bits, and relatively cold bits. This is the worst situation for wear, and you are prolonging this phase.
Driving it increases the overall warming rate, due to 'work', and airflow evens-out the temperature gradients and helps cool the hottest bits.
I'd also pump up the tyres to a non-stupid psi if you don't move it.
Interesting, ta.Driving it increases the overall warming rate, due to 'work', and airflow evens-out the temperature gradients and helps cool the hottest bits.
I'd also pump up the tyres to a non-stupid psi if you don't move it.
Nick981 said:
I don’t have power in my garage. If I disconnect the battery, will there be problems when I eventually re-connect it?
I have the same dilemma - the car is in a really tight garage with about 1" of clearance on the passenger side - the one thing I have done is leave the bonnet open, because if it's in there long enough the battery will go flat and the only way I'm aware of to get the bonnet open is either with a working battery or the bypass/unlock cable tucked inside the wheel arch of the passenger side. This way - i can jump start it, if that's what's required...Gassing Station | Porsche General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff