If im not going to be driving a car for a while like a year how should i store?
do i need to drain oil, empty the gas etc.. thanks

 

it is in the owners manual if you have it. i dont have mine on me, I would type it for u.

 

drains fluids like you said and if you have Decent tires on it take them off too. Find some donuts or something to throw on there while it sits. Its a good idea to have someone start it up and drive for you every week or so too. That is if you dont drain the fluids.

 

No reason for overkill.

1. Fill tank as full as possible...the less space for air the longer it will take the fuel to oxygenate.

2. Change Oil/Filter when removing from storage.

3. Make sure there is sufficient air in tires...if unsure of thier ability to hold air long term put some blocks/jack stands under the car to support it if the tires begin to deflate. If they go flat and sit that way they will likely be damaged. As long as they hold air however they will be fine.

4. Roll all of the windows up and if mice are a potential problem throw some dryer sheets in the interior/engine bay/trunk.

5. Disconnect battery and if possible put a charger on it once a month.

IMO people tend to overthink this and cause more damage than good. 1 year is not that long, your car will not be affected. Draining fluids is a very bad idea (and a wasted effort)...any empty space will be filled with air which has moisture and oxygen to corrode parts from the inside out.

 

Very informative post, Nolimits. Care to elaborate on #4 - why dryer sheets?

Rus

 

I think I remember my owners manual saying put the car in reverse (for manual). I always wondered why they said this... any idea? So you may need to put the car in reverse.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Cyphear &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I think I remember my owners manual saying put the car in reverse (for manual). I always wondered why they said this... any idea? So you may need to put the car in reverse.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I remember reverse as well for a manual. I'll walk down to my car and check it out

 

Got it: (directly from manual)

1.) fill fuel tank
2.) change oil & filter
3.)clean interior, make sure carpet & mats are completely dry
4.) parking brake off, 5spd in reverse, auto in Park - no reason why? just do it!!
5.)block the rear wheels
6.) if car is to be stored for a longer priod, it should be supported by jackstands
7.) leave one window slightly open if stored indoors
8.) disconnect battery
9.) support front wiper blades with a folded towel or rag so they do not touch the windshield
10.) apply silicone spray lube to all door and trunk seals (to avoid sticking)
11.) cover the car with a "breathable" cover
12.) if possible run the engine periodically, once a month

 

Before storage....You should do a quick maintenance: change oil/oil filter, fill up the gas tank,check tires, wash car, then store away.

It is recommend that you:
dont use the E-brake(leave it down),
park on REVERSE if it's an Manual trans,
on PARK if Auto trans,
have one window open like half inch- for air inside to vent out(so it wont moist if store inside house or garage),
put the car on jackstands,
disconnect battery,...and...
try to start the car, let it run til reach normal operating temp. (every 2 months).

 

The dryer sheets is just a trick I picked up and have used effectively in storage directly next to vehicles that did get mice issues. It of course also doesn't carry the awful stench of moth ***** that so many classic car guys have from storage. Don't forget the engine bay and tail pipe though...I've seen quite a few nesting problems there. The parking brake down isn't a big issue...they just figue it would be better to sieze up in the down position than up...but it's not more likely. Putting it in gear is of course just to keep the car from rolling (I would also use some sort of wheel stops if this is an issue). I don't know why reverse though, since 1st is usually a lower gear....maybe not in hondas.? I like the wiper blade idea though.

A note on starting the car...everytime the engine/exhaust warms up and cools back down condensation develops. By starting the car monthly IMO you will corrode your exhaust much faster and promote possible moisture in the intake and thoughout the engine. The oil will pick up this moisture in the engine and unless it reaches hot enough temps for long enough time to boil the water out, then it will be causing more damage than good. If you are concerned about lubrication in the engine, put ~1tablespoon of engine oil into each cyl via the spark plug hole. That will sit in there for some time and add to the lubrication on start-up after storage. Go ahead and start the car and let it warm up before you change the oil when removing from storage (to "flush" the contaminates out).

 

Your car sounds like its real fun to drive. I don't know why you need to store it. You should easlily be able to find some one to take it out like once a week and drive it around. then you don't have to worry about doing any of the nonsence. Just ask a friend to drive it. I'll do it if no one wants to.