How best to store an unused car

mwddrwg

Hi,

Not sure if this is the correct forum for this question.

I've got a car in the drive that I can't afford to fix and it's covered in a tarpaulin at the moment. It's likely to be there for some time so what's the best way to protect the tyres from degrading and blowing up next time I move it? :eek:

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks

Strider590

Garage.... Trust me when I say that leaving it covered in the winter is gonna make it rot from the moisture trapped underneath and lack of fresh air.

Lum

How long are you planning to leave it for?

forgotmyname

Uncover it and leave it to the elements. At least your not trapping the moisture between the cover and the car and stopping air
from circulating inside. Open all the vents inside also.

If it will start then do that every now and then, Leave it ticking over until its fully warm, Dont have the interior heater on hot
though it will cause more condensation unless you have the aircon switched on.

Ive had cars sitting for years, A good fully charged battery and some fresh fuel they start after a few turns.

If you can move it forwards and backwards somtimes to help the tyres, They will degrade from sitting still though. Tend
to go hard and crack after a while.

SteveJW

Don't forget to leave the handbrake off and chock the vehicle

shop-to-drop

Check out current road tax and insurance rules I think you still need them even off road now. Rules changed this year I believe.

Ghostrider

A decent breathable cover is the best bet if you are leaving it outside and don't have access to a garage.

If you plan on leaving it for longer than about 2-3 months, then I would advise putting it up on axle stands to take the pressure off the tyres and giving them a flat spot.

Make sure it has anti freeze in, it's more likely to freeze up when not in continuous use, no harm in increasing the concentration to the maximum stated in the handbook for a very cold temperature. This also applies to the washer bottles.

You may also want to think about preventing any small furry animals making there home under your bonnet during the winter months (i've had chewed wires before on one of mine!).

A trickle charger or similar to keep the battery conditioned, especially if you have an alarm that will keep going off when the battery goes flat.

Some people recommend slackening off the fan/aux belt too.

shop-to-drop

This looks like the info you need.

https://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/laying_up.html

forgotmyname

shop-to-drop wrote: »

Check out current road tax and insurance rules I think you still need them even off road now. Rules changed this year I believe.

No the car just needs to be SORN'd if its not taxed or insured.

As long as it is off the road and on private land.

rexmedorum

mwddrwg wrote: »

Hi,

Not sure if this is the correct forum for this question.

I've got a car in the drive that I can't afford to fix and it's covered in a tarpaulin at the moment. It's likely to be there for some time so what's the best way to protect the tyres from degrading and blowing up next time I move it? :eek:

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks

If you can't aford to fix it, maybe find out how much you can get for it in its current state and how much you'll get when its fixe.

Maybe it is worth borrwowing the money, fixing it, selling it and paying off the loan? (Keeping in mind a non-runner is just as much use to you as a car you have sold)

Hammyman

I would be more worried about the fuel turning to jelly in the fuel lines. That'll be a whole load more expensive to repair than changing 4 tyres.

Fuel starts to go off after a few months.