Find a place to store the vehicle, friend's house,etc. If you decide to park
the car in a commercial storage, discontinue the insurance and use the money
to pay the rental monthly fees.
Set a full day to park and prep the car, take your time and remember safety
at all times. Don't
forget you will need a ride back home, make sure to take a friend with
you....
Have basic tools with you: screwdriver, pliers, rags, etc. you might want to
leave them with the car so they will be there when you get back in a couple
of years. Leave your cheap rusty tools.
Disconnect battery and disposed of it, give it to a friend or sell it. It
will go bad. I kept mine and it was still under warranty upon my return so I got a
little discount on a new exchange.
Set the car on 4 jacks stands, make sure that tires are not touching the
ground. This will take the pressure of the tires and suspension.
Make sure the car is clean inside out. As extra protection use a good car
wax to shield the paint finish from the elements. Leave
two boxes of baking soda in the engine compartment and front seat. It will
fight the moisture and bad odors. It really works!! Block
the air filter compartment and muffler with rags to keep the critters from nesting
inside your muffler or manifold.
Use a high quality car cover, even if the car is in a fully enclosed storage,
it will protect the paint and keep it clean. Use fuel
conditioner, there should not be a need to drain the fuel tank. Ensure that
the tank is full of gas to keep moisture from building in the tank and fuel
lines. Lubricate all lube points
and any bare metal area to protect it from corrosion. Take spark plugs
out, drop two tablespoons of motor oil on each cylinder and replace spark
plugs. This will fight corrosion and protect the cylinders. Cover the dash and
seat with some old towels or blankets, they will protect the inside of your
car of any dust or residue that might accumulate during the long stay. Use a good quality
vinyl protectant (Armor All, Meguiar's, etc.) and spray all rubber and
plastic parts in the engine compartment, interior, tires, seals, etc. USE
LOTS OF IT!!
Make sure to have the car keys and access to the storage facility.
Plan for a full day, take your time.
Have an air pump or "Fix a Flat" cans available (about 6 of them). Your
tires will be flat.
Reconnect a good serviceable battery and start your engines....
Drain and replace brake fluid, power steering, engine oil, transmission
fluid and coolant as soon as possible. Check your belts for dry rotting and
replace to be safe.
Drive your car as in a break-in period, give it time to get used to be back
on the road. In case there are mechanical problems.
Replace wipers if you live in warm weather, they will be damaged because of
resting against the hot windshield for so long. Do
a good visual inspection for leaks or any problems. If
your car was in fairly good shape, low mileage and well taken care of before
going into storage, the chances of your car staying road worthy for many
years just multiplied. Be on your way and farewell.