Laying up - How to do it?

[Peter Mueller]

With the current gearbox / radiator troubles still not resolved we are considering laying up the car for a few months. My question is now what is the best way to do it. I know the battery should be disconnected but can I leave it on axle stands, for example? If not, what do I do with the tires?

I did a search but their doesn't seem to be a previous thread for this subject. If there is, my apologies.

Any experiences or suggestions welcome.

Peter

[Phil Nottingham]

Its best to take the weight off the tyres and cover them from the light.

Its the brakes that are likely to give the problem - make sure you do not leave the handbrake on.

Unless the garaeg is heated its always better to drive it once a month but you should start the engine and run it up to temperature failrly regularly

[dorsetflyer]

This topic was discussed in depth on the old board, but you are right it hasn't been covered on this new one.

[Peter Mueller]

Thanks for the replies.

1.) The garage is not heated but dehumidified. As the gearbox is involved I probably would not dare to drive it but I'll run the engine once in a while. Having said that, at the AGM a couple of new routes emerged that I might explore.

2.) Can I leave it on axle stands (under the jack points?)

Thanks Peter

[glennr]

Advice & checklists
Laying up a car


The following notes have been compiled by the RAC National Technical Centre to assist members who wish to lay-up a car for a lengthy period.

Cleaning
The car should be thoroughly washed, dried and polished, all the usual chassis parts lubricated and all plated or bright parts coated with petroleum jelly. (e.g. Vaseline). Ordinary grease is not recommended.

Tyres (including spare)
Inflate to manufacturer's recommended pressure and check periodically. Protect from strong sunlight by covering with sacking or similar material. If storing for over 12 months, take weight off tyres by blocking vehicle up on axle stands or wooden blocks.

Petrol tank/fuel system
For long storage the tank should be drained, as should the fuel system.

Engine, gearbox and final drive lubrication
If gearbox/final drive oils have not recently been changed, it will be beneficial, if possible, to empty the units while hot and refill with fresh oil, then rotate drive wheels to distribute the oil evenly. The engine oil and filter should also be changed. The engine should not be run during the lay-up period.

Cooling system
There is no need to drain the system providing a reputable glycol based anti-freeze at the correct strength has been added. Reference to the owner's handbook or anti-freeze manufacturer's chart will indicate the correct amount and specification.

Battery
If the car is expected to be out of commission for less than six months, the battery should be disconnected. For longer periods it should be removed from the car and brought up to full charge. It should receive further freshening charges, preferably once every month, but at the very least once every two months of approximately 24 hours trickle charge. If you have a battery hydrometer, the reading should be between 1.28 and 1.30. The battery electrolyte level should be maintained by the addition of distilled water, preferably just before each charge. The battery should be kept clean and dry. Continuous trickle charging is not recommended.

Radio equipment
A record must be made of the radio code (if applicable) for re-coding purposes.

Upholstery and carpets
These should be cleaned. If the car has a hood, this should be erected and brushed to remove any dust or dirt. If plastic material, it should be washed as recommended in the owner's handbook.

Brakes
The handbrake should be released after making sure that the wheels are securely chocked. After lengthy storage the braking system should be checked before using the car on the road.

General storage
The car doors and windows should be closed and the vehicle covered with a sheet, left loose at the sides to permit an airflow around the body.
A plastic sheet should not be left on a vehicle for long periods, use old bed sheets or a special dust cover.
The storage space should be dry and dark. Sudden changes of temperature and close proximity to any heating appliances should be avoided.
If the screen wash container is made from glass, it should be emptied.
The keys of the ignition and doors should be labelled and kept in a safe place where they can be quickly found by the owner.
The car should be insured against fire and theft.

[Peter Mueller]

Glenn

That's fantastic. Thanks for that.

Peter