Long term storage preparation

From Crankshaft Coalition Wiki

Basic procedures for storing a car for a significant length of time.

1. Change the oil before storing.
2. If possible, keep tires off the ground. Major advantages are not to stress the tires, another being less area for rodents to grab and climb upon. Use jackstands to accomplish this.
3. Check anti-freeze for proper freeze protection.
4. Add fuel stabilizer.
5. Place cardboard or newspaper under the car to highlight any leaks that may develop while in storage.
6. Clean and treat interior to prevent cracking.
7. Inspect entire vehicle for issues that can be corrected during winter months.
8. When running a vehicle during storage time, be sure to bring it up to full operating temperature, and keep it there for a while. This will prevent internal condensation in the engine and oil.
9. For long term storage , one of the most important things that you can do is to remove the spark plugs and squirt some light oil into the cylinders then screw the plugs back in finger tight. This will keep your pistons and rings from seizing. When you then take it out of storage you can remove the plugs and spin the engine over with the starter to remove most of the oil. Then re-install the plugs and your ready to start your engine. Or you could use a product known as fogging oil....it is in a spray can and you spray it down the intake while running at a high idle then you finally allow the engine to choke down and die. This will coat everything in the upper cylinders with a light lubricant.