I am storing a 2005 Toyota Camry in a garage for the winter. What steps should I take to prepare it for 6 months?
Answers from the Automotive Experts
Ann,
Add an appropriate amount of Stabilizer to the gas, roughly 2 ounces per gallon, to demoisturize and keep the fuel fresh until spring.
Make sure all scheduled maintenance is up to date. Oil/filter changes, cooling system flushes, transmission service, brake fluid changes, air, fuel and PCV filters. If it's close to the mileage or time for any of those services, do them before parking the vehicle for the winter. It's far better to remove acids, moisture, fuel and other soluble contaminants from the crankcase by changing the oil now, rather than leaving them in the oil to slowly eat away at expensive engine parts.
If the vehicle will be parked on dirt, wood or concrete, all of which attract moisture, park the vehicle on top of a plastic drop cloth to help prevent condensation on the undercarriage, and spray exposed metal components like brake rotors and drums with a light lubricant or preservative like Deep Creep to minimize rust.
Don't worry about modern tires, either. They won't take a permanent "set" or flat spot from sitting all winter. Just make sure they're pumped up a bit above normal so any minor leak down won't leave them flat next spring. For the battery, you've got three choices:
Dear Ann,
Take a look at these websites:
http://ezinearticles.com/?Preparing-Your-Car-for-Winter-Storage&id=112452
http://news.carjunky.com/automotive/winter-car-storage-cde951.shtml
They both have helpful hints on what to do. Good luck.
Lori Johnson
www.ladiesstartyourengines.netContribute to this question:
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