Vehicle Storage Tips in the Southwest

Author: Frank Beck, Owner, Beck's European. http://www.beckseuropean.com. 480-556-6572.





Many Arizona residents keep their car in storage during the heat of the summer, either while spending time in a cooler climate, or simply because it's too hot to enjoy the benefits of a convertible or performance vehicle in scorching hot temperatures. Now is the time when many car enthusiasts are ready to get their vehicles out of storage and enjoy driving in one of the best winter climates in the country. But it's usually not as easy as removing the cover and firing it up. Unless precautions have been taken in advance, issues that may arise could involve the fuel, battery, tires, and wiring.



What should I do?



Taking precautions prior to storage is a piece of cake, as long as you know in advance that your car will be parked for an extended period of time (longer than 3 months). Here's where people usually get into trouble: They've enjoyed their car over the winter and into spring, they park it after a beautiful April outing, fully intending to continue driving it but time, weather, and life get in the way. Before they know it, three weeks has turned into six months, the battery is dead, and the fuel is beginning to smell more like a recently deceased dinosaur rather than a product made from its ancestors. In these situations, the residual amount of gasoline that was in the fuel pump, filter, lines, and fuel injection components has turned into a solid. Attempting to start an engine under these conditions can be costly.



If you are anticipating storage of your car, here is what we recommend:

1. Add a fuel stabilizing product to the gas tank. The product, STA-BIL works well but our preference is to add a few gallons of 100+ octane race fuel to the tank. This not only extends the shelf life of your tank of gas to potentially several years, your engine will enjoy this cocktail of choice. Beck's stocks Sunoco race fuels in 104 unleaded, 112 leaded, and 118 leaded.

2. Disconnect the battery or keep it charged with a battery maintainer or tender. We're big fans of the Ctec chargers and have them in stock.

3. Make sure all fluids are at their proper levels and have been changed at proper intervals.

4. If you have the luxury of jacking the car up and parking on jack stands, this helps eliminate the possibility of flat spots on the tires. We find that permanent flat spotting usually doesn't occur unless the vehicle is parked for more than nine months without moving. A relatively new product on the market is a cushioned mat device that all four wheels are parked on. The theory is that if the point of contact is more evenly distributed over a greater, softer surface area, the tire carcass is less likely to develop a flat spot.

5. Last but not least is a condition we call: Rodent's Revenge. For the life of me I don't understand why an animal would enjoy eating Poly Vinyl Chloride insulation and copper wire core. I have to assume that these varmints are on a suicide mission. (Do you know what would happen if YOU ate large amounts of PVC and copper?) They must be striking back at humans for something… maybe building our communities over their communities has driven them to these acts of retribution?

Taking precautions in this area is often times a tall order. Moth balls and other anti-vermin measures have mixed success. Just be aware of the problem and remember that these pests can cause unbelievable damage. We've seen situations where the vehicle required thousands of dollars worth of repairs to remedy. Even if they don't feast on your wiring harness they often times build nests in air filter housings causing a bowel obstruction for your engine that your doctor can‘t help you with. We had one situation where an especially sadistic squirrel built a nest out of cholla cactus on top of the motor. Unfortunately we found it with our hands and not our eyes.



What if I've taken precautions and after storing the vehicle, it won't start?



Definitely discontinue attempts to start it. It may be something simple; it may also be wiring damage or nests that could result in a fire. As long as the vehicle has comprehensive insurance coverage; towing and damage should be covered. Please ask your agent to be sure.



How about if the vehicle has been sitting for more than six months and no precautions have been taken?



We recommend that you have it towed in. Better safe than sorry.



In anticipation of long term storage, can I bring my car into Beck's for proper preparation?



Absolutely. This is an especially popular procedure for us prior to the summer season. Please call us to learn more about what your particular car may need regarding storage.



Beck's European also offers secure, climate controlled, long term storage at our facility in case this is more convenient for you.



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Beck's European

Source: http://www.articletrader.com