Maintenance for long-term garaging

[Judge]

I'm leaving tomorrow for a 60-day trip so the 1 will be in my parents' garage. Is there any maintenance issues I should be concerned with like having the engine started once and awhile or something?

I know older cars shouldn't be left off for too long so I was wondering if there's anything that should be done while I'm away for the two months without my car.

[new2the3]

I left my car untouched for 3 months, it was perfectly fine when I started it up... Maybe put some extra air in the tires and gas.

[Judge]

I made sure to top off the tank and the tires look good. And of course I washed her.

[Tom K.]

I'd put a Battery Tender on it. And if your fill up was with ethanol, you might consider adding a fuel preservative like Sta-Bil.

Tom

[esses]

2 months in a garage isn't anything to worry about. If anything, empty the tank. Gasoline loses octane over time, but again, 2 months is nothing. Check your air when you get back, and you are good to go.

[cagekicker]

full tank w/ sta-bil and you'll be fine

[Addict...Nah Im A Junkie!]

If there are mice in your garage ever, I would suggest putting trays of moth balls around the car, it helps deter them from eating through your wiring.

Add stabil, and extra air to prevent flat spoting.

[tbird]

Sta-bil in the gas is good idea, but put it in while the tank is full, and then leave the car in the garage with only 1/4 gas.

Gas not only loses the octane, it loses itself. Gasoline breaks down and eventually becomes unusable unless "refined" again (like with our "U.S. Strategic Reserves"). That full tank after 60 days would make your 1 drive rough until you used up the gas, and you would then possibly build up some deposits in the engine.

Also, are you anywhere near your oil change date? With the car sitting, you will really get the majority of the oil drain back to the pan, mixing with whatever dirt is in it. If you are not close, see how much your dealer would charge for just the oil and filter.

Oh, and the mouse bit mentioned above, very good idea. I would also put in something for bugs, whether you leave out some bug trays, or spray the floor mats with an insecticide.

Tire bit is good as well, pump them up to 5psi below the maximum, then drive very carefully home of course and park it in the garage.

Also, get a "breathable" car cover, one that breathes like Dry-Fit clothing, to let the moisture out but keep dust and dirt off.

And yes, if anyone in your family can start the car once a week or so, letting it run for about 2-3 minutes, that helps as well.