When parking a car for a long period of time (say 4 mos) or so, is it recommended that u change the oil b4 u park it or after?
Currently using Mobil1 synthetic which hasn't been changed since May. Car goin in park end of this month due to winter. I always changed it afterwards, but now I'm hearing that it's recommended to change prior

any insights?

 

Can you drain the oil and put the car on blocks?

 

so ur suggesting I just drain it all out and leave it till Spring?

 

I don't know about the synthetics, but the common perception is oil gets acidic from the collection of moisture and combustion byproducts. That's why it would be better to change it and circulate the fresh oil a while to wash the engine parts down before long term storage.

 

I suggest just leaving it in there. Change it in the spring before you start the engine if you so desire. If you are using a good quality oil (especially if it is recently fresh), then I do not see the need to change it.

Regards,

Oz

 

If your going to put it in storage it's not a bad idea to start the car up and drive it around the storage lot a few time every 3 or 4 weeks. Also put some octane bost in the gass before U store it, and fill the take up to full (less room for water to condence). Then in the spring change the oil, wax it, and all that good stuff we do to our cars in the sping


[Modified by 57STS, 4:55 PM 10/2/2002]


[Modified by 57STS, 4:57 PM 10/2/2002]

 

 

just run it at least once a week thats what im gonna do!

i changed all my fluids and put my car up on blocks with no wheels i start it and let it run for about 10-30 minutes every 3 days or at least once a week just to keep it all moving somewhat

 

what's the advantage of putting car on blocks during storage? Wheels don't warp do they?

 

not wheels.. tires will be flat spots

 

modern radials don't suffer from flat spots. this was only common to older wheels.

 

I would change the oil, fill the tank and put Sta-Bil fuel stabilizer in, plus a bottle of gas-line antifreeze.

If you store a car with dirty oil, especially oil used since May, it isn't good for the engine. The impurities, acids and other nasties that the oil traps under normal use can corrode and deteriorate the seals and bearings of an engine if left in long enough. I'd change the oil before you left to put it in storage, that way you'll let it circulate through the system.

Fill the tank to prevent rust and moisture.

Put Sta-Bil in to keep the gas fresh. The bottle will tell you how to mix it.

Put gas line antifreeze in to keep what moisture is in the tank suspended in the fuel, instead of settling. This works for what moisture will get into the tank, too...

Happy storing...