Storing a new car for 6 months

Carpi10

Evening all,

Need advice as per usual from you helpful people

I have a 2 year old Vauxhall Insignia, just had it's second service.

I will be storing it for 6 months in a garage and have requested my father to drive it every weekend as this is the only free time he will have to do it.

Have you any advice, chemicals or what not to use on it or will it be ok if it's only driven at the weekend and stood still throughout the week?

I know this may seem a silly question, but is it best stored in a garage or outside?

Any advice is appreciated.

Thank you :j

mcjordi

if its gonna get driven every weekend then just leave it at that..

mcjordi

leave the handbrake off (but then again im sure these have an electronic handbrake) and leave in gear

Nearly_Old

A lot of people I know store cars for 6 months over the winter and the only things that I'd add are:

When it goes for the weekend runs make sure that it gets thoroughly warmed up - mine takes 10 to 20 miles to get the oil, etc up to full temperature even though the water temperature gets to normal after a mile or so.

Try not to put it away wet unless the garage has good ventilation as any water in the panel seams, etc will not dry.

forgotmyname

Better to leave it unused rather than do short journey's in it. If you can give a good drive for an
hour or so then dont bother.

Short journey's wont be good for it.

gilbert_and_sullivan

If you can store it before the salt goes down on the roads, then the only thing i would do is to connect a smart charger to the battery, leave the handbrake off and leave it standing untouched for the 6 months in the garage, maybe leave a small air gap open over a couple of windows.

Many cars have sat for months on end in compounds, the only problems they encounter is flat batteries and rusted brakes, doesn't do the battery much good to be allowed to flatten for an extended period.

edit...and make the sure there are no slow punctures, maybe put the tyres up to 40 psi or so to help reduce flat spots.

Empty_pockets

Change the oil before you store it

colino

If this is driven every weekend it's not getting laid down at all. Enjoy what your up to, the car will be fine.

getmore4less

Cars sit outside at garages doing the occational test drive for longer than this. Often getting jump stated every time due to flat batteries.

shortdog

My car regularly sits for a week or more without being used, and I've never had a problem.

Carpi10

Thanks all, will take advice that has been given.