Storing your car - what to do

**Treza360** · 27-06-2010, 12:01 PM

I didn't drive my car for a little over 5 weeks at the beginning of the year and had no issues at all when I got back. The only thing I did before I went away was put on the car cover and turn on the APR engine immobiliser feature so my sister who was house sitting wouldn't touch it. I remember reading in the manual that after two weeks of not being driven, certain features shut off to conserve battery power. Not sure if there's anything like that for the newer models.
Cheers,
Trent

**thelairster** · 27-06-2010, 05:10 PM

Just read this

"If you know gas will sit in your tank or a storage container for a couple months, then it's a wise move to buy some fuel system stabilizer and mix it in with the gasoline. Do it before you put the vehicle into long-term storage or before leaving your lawn equipment fuel containers sitting for the winter. The stabilizer helps prevent oxidation, the biggie that can turn gas into garbage that gunks up your system and leads to expensive repair work.

Using fuel system stabilizer for extended storage is preferable to draining the tank and leaving the system dry. This can cause rubber hoses, gaskets and seals to dry-rot and crack, possibly leading to leaks and even a fire. In addition, a dry system can expose the insides of metal fuel lines and your gas tank to air and moisture, which can lead to or accelerate the formation of rust.

Fuel system stabilizer is not a cure-all and it doesn't last forever. It must be mixed with fresh gas before the vehicle is stored, not added to already old gas. It can slow down the oxidation process and keep gas fresh for as long as 12 to15 months. If you're going to leave the vehicle parked for longer than that, you may want to drain the tank and refill with fresh fuel before returning the vehicle to service.

For more information on this topic visit:"

- Chevron Products: Fuel School

**Highlander** · 27-06-2010, 06:53 PM

Originally Posted by clubbie

Assuming you have a lock up garage and storage is not a problem just pump the tyres up a few psi and buy a trickle charger.

I second this suggestion. My bike stays on the trickle charger for the whole winter (and its a long winter in the highlands (minus 2 forecast for tonight). Auto shuts itself off when the battery is fully charged and knows when to start the recharge again when the battery is slightly discharged.

For my Honda the charger was cheaper than the cost of a replacement battery.

**hooba** · 27-06-2010, 07:42 PM

Regarding the fuel, for 3 months you won't have a problem.

I'd fill it up before going away, it'll be fine.

**Converted** · 25-10-2011, 10:42 AM

Hi all,

Was wondering if anyone has left their Golf/GTI/R battery connected without running for 4 weeks or more while they are away? I've usually disconnected the battery with my past cars, wondering how VW will fair with up to 4 weeks. The most I've left my GTI pluged-in is 2 1/2 weeks.

Will disconnecting and reconnecting the battery after affect MFD settings and codes?

Cheers.

**DreamensioN** · 25-10-2011, 11:16 AM

I left mine connected for 5 weeks while we were in Africa on safari (highly recommend it if you get the chance - you just CANNOT take a bad photo).

When I got back - the car started first go, like nothing happened.

**Transporter** · 25-10-2011, 11:44 AM

Oh, it must be that time of the year again.

Just search for the thread with the similar title. There is one per year,.... at least.

**seangti** · 25-10-2011, 11:58 AM

Yup, wouldn't be concerned about 4 weeks on a fresh battery. 5yr old battery could go either way though. When you restart, just have a good drive to make sure it's charged again.