Right after I get my 03 S, about 3 months later, I have to let my S sit at the garage for 6 straight months. What kinda preperation should I do to it? Is it bad for the car to sit that long period of time? I let my 99 accord sit for 6 months and she started back up like a champ! I know I'll cover her up with a car cover but anything else? I'm putting it in a warehouse where this lady looks after the cars. Should I let her start up the car every month or so? or should I just let her do nothing to it and just disconnect the battery? I don't want her to mess anything up because she dosen't look like a car type of a person.. anyways, any info will be welcome.. thanks

 

If you've put on significant miles in those 3 months, you should do an oil change before storage.
Pump up the tires to about 40 lbs. and drive the car onto 4 pieces of thick carpet under each tire.
Fill the gas tank up to reduce moisture buildup.
Put a good polish or wax on the paint.
You've already thought of the battery disconnect - good (or put a "battery tender on it and keep it connected - it's up to you).
Plug the exhaust tips and the airbox intake in case of little animals.
Run your A/C for a good 15 minutes or more before storage to get the compressor lubed up.
Put fuel stabilizer into the gas, maybe even injector cleaner too, run the car long enough to get the fuel to reach the engine.
If you are really worried (read anal), you might consider spraying an oil fog into the intake. These are available in auto stores and meant for preparing an engine for storage. Keeps the cylinders themselves oiled up a bit for added protection when you finally start it up again.
The car is still new enough that I can't think of much else to do.
Don't have the car started at all during this storage. More harm will be done by it. Periodic cold starts like this produces a lot of engine wear.

 

Is the advice the same for a year of storage? It looks like I'll be living in Caracas for a year, and it's not what I would consider a "car-friendly" place. The car would be under cover in a garage in SW Virginia for 12 months.

 

consider putting the car on jack stands, covering it and draining the fuel (or at least using a fuel preservative to prevent gunking of the injectors) for long term storage...
also a good detail first- especially for the rubber and leather parts.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by TBrandon
[B]

Is the advice the same for a year of storage?

 

I may stand corrected on this but it's my understanding that putting a car up on jack stands is an "unnatural" way for the suspension to exist as it should not be "unloaded" for extended periods of time.

 

thanks for all your input...

 

I heard the same thing xviper. Suspension's natural state is in "loaded" condition and it should be stored that way, not on stands. Also no need to keep tires off ground, as radials don't get flat spots from sitting in one position over time.

 

Why dont you buy it after you get back from this 6 month thing (whatever it is), that way, you will have a brand new S as soon as you come back, and if you have another car, there is only a 3 month difference, which isn't too bad, unless you really wanna drive it for the previous three months, btw, what colour?

 

Here's an outline I made for myself (but I don't always follow my own advice)... I marked done by those I did do.

Honda covers storage in the S2000 owners manual (page 202), start there and add or subtract as you see fit.

Done _____ Stored clean, polished, and with leather conditioner applied on the seats.

Done______Avoid damp or poorly ventilated conditions. Humidity is a stored car