I did a search and read some info here.

I will be storing my vehicle for about 4 months in my garage. The garage is not temp controlled. It is in TX and it will be hot.

I have installed a Battery Tender Plus and will leave that connected to the battery. Also, I plan on over inflating the tires by a few PSI.

I plan on topping off the tank with gas before putting it in storage. I will also add a fuel stabilizer. Some guys at work recommended only leaving 1/8 of a tank of gas in there so when I return home I can top it off with fresh gas right away. Thoughts?

The oil was changed about 3k miles ago at the 1 year mark. The car only has 12k miles on it. By the time I return, it will be at the 2 year mark so I can take it in right away for another oil change. Hopefully this time they will do the full 15k mile service instead of having to come back in a few k miles.

Now some questions:

1. My wife can start the car as often as I want, but she can't really drive it. Is it better to have her start the car once a week for 10-15 minutes or just not start the car the entire time?

2. Should I leave the windows cracked? Guys at work recommended to increase air flow but I'm not sure.

3. I will wash/wax the car before storing it. Anything special I should do to interior (leather?) or exterior?

Thanks for any info.

 

The idea behind a storing with a full gas tank comes from boats taht are laid out over the winter. Temperature changes between sunny days and cool nights causes condensation to form in the tank. Years ago boats would have a vented system and damp outside air could enter the tank. I still store the boats and jet ski tanks full even thought they stay in a heated garage. Fuel systems in cars are pretty tight and don't get a lot of air flowing in. I would opt for a minimal amount in the tank and fresh gas later.

Battery tender is good, I use them on the boat and jet ski all winter

Oil should be fine for 4 months.

I would not start the car periodically. 10 to 15 minutes does not get every thing hot enough to get any moisture out of the engine and exhaust. I park my 32 year old Vette sometime in November and on most years don't start it up until the spring. Been doing this for 20 years without an issue. Old cars are simple - just disconnect the battery.

Wash and wax are a good idea. You may want to use a car cover. The leather will be fine but I would keep the windows cracked. Not sure where you are storing but if you are in the country and get critters in the garage (mice and snakes) you might want to think about that. I have heard moth balls help with mice.

 

I store my car every winter in a garage that maintains 40-50 degrees. I fill the tank and put the battery tender onto the power terminals under the hood and forget about it. Never had a problem. I keep the windows up and the car locked. If someone breaks into the garage the car is locked with the alarm on.

Today?s synthetic oil that our cars use is fine sitting for four months. Don't really notice the loss in power from four month old gas. If the octane has dropped a bit while the car was sitting the computer will adjust and you won't even notice.

I don't think starting the car just to idle provides any benefit and is not required if you have a battery tender.

 

Your approach to storage is on the money [except for the starting and running 10 minutes ... don't do it. Reasons already given] and a couple of tweaks!

If you are able to, in addition to inflating your tires a few extra pounds, if you can get the car up on jack stands that would eliminate tire flat spotting.

As for exterior and interior prep, I HOPE your garage is insect and rodent free!! If not, consider blocking your air cleaner intake and exhaust with steel wool (rags won't work). Consider giving the interior a quick once over with a leather and vinyl conditioner and covering it up with a cotton sheet to keep the dust from settling on the exposed surfaces. Clean up will be easier when you return. Same goes for the exterior - you don't have to spring for a custom car cover just go buy a king size cotton sheet - 100% COTTON ... poly cotton can actually scratch the paint.

When you return, take a couple of long easy rides to let any condensation burn off ... if you have only 3k on the synthetic oil it should be fine but if it makes you feel better do a change - it's not a lot of $$ for easing your concerns.

With a fuel stabilizer in the tank you reduce the possibility the gas will go stale but you'll be refiling it with new gasoline in no time flat! Enjoy your time away