Parking my DSM, any tips on keeping it healthy?

[DSM_Newblet]

Hey guys I was planning on parking my dsm for 6+ months to save up some up some money to drive it again and i really don't want to get rid of it. So I was wondering what should I do to keep it in good shape for when I'm ready to drive it again? -Examples are what to do with the fluids and the e85 and I also read it was bad to keep the parking brake on for a long time so things like that. I will also not be covering it because it needs paint anyways, maybe a sun visor.

 

[WizardTSi]

Put the car on jack stands, do a fresh oil change, leave the oil in it. Run as much as the gas out as possible. Take the wheels and tires inside If possible.
I put a pool cover from an above ground pool on it. Than a tarp, we get alot of rain here tho.

 

[DSM1G90]

Gas tank does have a drain plug on the bottom..

 

[DSM_Newblet]

I also read online that keeping a full gas tank will help reduce moisture and things like that but is e85 any different?

 

[ThunderChild]

the bad thing about e85 is the mixture amount can sediment if it sits for a long period of time. if you leave it in the tank and go to start it up 6+ months from now, you could end up with a clogged fuel sock, leading to a burnt up pump. or worse the pump could lock up from the sediment inside it.

drain that stuff, have peace of mind.

 

[DSM1G90]

..and alcohol absorbs water, but alcohol is very corrosive in itself why it's not the fuel of the future to shove in an everyday car.

 

[Golfer]

Put the car on jack stands, do a fresh oil change, leave the oil in it. Run as much as the gas out as possible. Take the wheels and tires inside If possible.
I put a pool cover from an above ground pool on it. Than a tarp, we get alot of rain here tho.

The pool cover doesn't scratch the paint?

 

[Blurred Talon]

All I've ever done is fill it with gas and stabilizer. Then park it with a cover.

When I'm ready to drive it again I'll change the oil but no sense changing it before storage.

 

[WizardTSi]

The pool cover doesn't scratch the paint?

Not at all. It's just like a heavy duty tarp. Kept the interior really cool in the summer. I don't drag it over the are, I have a friend help roll it out.

 

[iaintmaci]

I've always given cars fresh fluid, tried to get the tires off of the ground, added some fuel stabilizer made for storage,and covered the car(or at least windows) to prevent damage from sitting in the sun. I usually try to give it a good wash with a coat or two of wax.......just to be on the safe side. Doesn't hurt to throw some nice air fresheners inside so it doesn't get that stagnant air smell when you go to break it back out again.

 

[TheGameTG]

You can keep it parked but still drive the car at least once a week

 

[WizardTSi]

Forgot to mention, put the battery on a trickle charger so you don't kill it

 

[micha118833]

just throwing this out there. around here at the dirt tracks and mx race tracks there is usually a store that sells gas that doesn't contain ethenal. if you rane your really low and then filled up with what they call recreational fuel then you have taken the e85 out of the mix

 

[2GCruiser]

Dryer sheets/ moth balls all over it to prevent critters from making it their home. Can't imagine the weird stuff you'd get in arizona

 

[T is for TURBO]

Dryer sheets do not work(I have tried, and it failed). Moth balls, however will work.

I suggest setting a mouse trap or two inside the car and check it once a week. I had the misfortune of finding a dead mouse and a nest in my glove box, under the rear seat, and under the dash (had to remove the whole dash to get it out). Then the next year, with the car on jack stands, those little bastards found their way in again and this time, they built a nest in the blower. Now I just put a trap in the car (just caught one on this weekend)

Basically, if you live were mice live, they WILL get into your car. Just do what you can to prevent them from doing any damage. I suggest not using poisons, for two reasons; If you have a cat/dog, or your neighbor has a cat/dog, to don't want them getting a hold of it. It's a slow, painful death. Also, poison doesn't kill the mouse on the spot. They will eat it, get sick, then go into hiding before they die. Good luck finding that little f-er if he dies some place in your car.