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We're going away for a few months and the cars will be sitting locked up but just wanted to know if there is any best practices when a car is left that long? Or things to do when get back before just firing it up and drive off.

Thanks

3 months not that long but:

Put on trickle charge
Brim with fresh fuel and add bottle of Sta-Bill and run for 5 mins before putting away.
Over inflate tyres by 5 psi
Leave handbrake off (if safe to do so).

First one is only important one I suspect.

Or lend it to your neighbour!

Kind of depends how long a few months is?

If 4-6 months i'd agree that you should probably do all of the above (never heard of that additive though). However if only 2-3 months then just put the car onto a trickle charger & you should be fine. Best bet though if longer would be to give a friend/family member the keys & just ask them to take it round the block a couple of times every couple of weeks.

W8PMC wrote:Kind of depends how long a few months is?

If 4-6 months i'd agree that you should probably do all of the above (never heard of that additive though). However if only 2-3 months then just put the car onto a trickle charger & you should be fine. Best bet though if longer would be to give a friend/family member the keys & just ask them to take it round the block a couple of times every couple of weeks.

You obviously don't have a classic in the garage then It's the biggest selling fuel preservative and very popular with classic and boating fraternity when fuel left for months.
Generally not keen on additives but less keen on thrashing a RS6 on 4 month old super unleaded.

Markp wrote:

W8PMC wrote:Kind of depends how long a few months is?

If 4-6 months i'd agree that you should probably do all of the above (never heard of that additive though). However if only 2-3 months then just put the car onto a trickle charger & you should be fine. Best bet though if longer would be to give a friend/family member the keys & just ask them to take it round the block a couple of times every couple of weeks.

You obviously don't have a classic in the garage then It's the biggest selling fuel preservative and very popular with classic and boating fraternity when fuel left for months.
Generally not keen on additives but less keen on thrashing a RS6 on 4 month old super unleaded.

Nope, no interest in classics & unfortunately never got into boating. I'd not have thought a modern super unleaded would go off in a tank over a 4 month period? Saying that i've no idea on the shelf life of modern fuels & i guess the likes of Vpower etc. with the additives may have an issue over time.

Modern fuels go off very quickly - reduction in octane rating starts within weeks not months. Fine fir a lawnmower or an old car but not a 6.

Very helpful re the Sta-Bill thank you. I have a Morgan Aero in the garage that does not get enough use in the winter. Will get some.

Bit_evl wrote:Very helpful re the Sta-Bill thank you. I have a Morgan Aero in the garage that does not get enough use in the winter. Will get some.

Just ignore Internet myth that is basically just ethanol - it actually contains NO alcohol.

Thanks for all the advice,

The PSI is going to be a bit annoying as they're filled with nitrogen.

Any recommendations for trickle chargers? can it be connected while car is connected? Just thinking if it needs to be started by a friend half way.

I could get my sister to drive it around but she hates cars and will likely forget lol

Anything by CTEK

My car has been in a secure storage since October.

They over inflate the tyres, run the car up to temp once a month and also move it in their storage yard to ensure everything is lubricated.

Interesting about the fuel. I'll be getting it back at the end of February and will fill her up with Shell's finest V Power to help flush the system of the older fuel.

Cheers
Lewy

Storing on empty is OK, as fresh fill will correct fuel quality issues. But not for classics with corrodable tanks as an empty tank leads to condensation. Hence advice to brim.