Rich Posted December 19, 2016 Report Share Posted December 19, 2016 Now the Accord is running ok I want to take the MX5 off the road from January to the start of April, so only 3 months but next year it will be November to March so 5 months. I've read a few things you should and shouldn't do but some information is conflicting. This is what I've found, have I missed anything? Park the car in gear with the handbrake off. Disconnect the battery - but should I bring it inside or leave it in the car? Inflate the tyres to prevent flat spots - but how much higher should they be? Fill the petrol tank to prevent moisture forming. Open the windows slightly to let air circulate (the car will be covered). Place a tub or 2 of rice in the car to absorb moisture. Would the car be ok sitting for this long or should I start it once a month and roll it back/forwards so the tyres are in a different position? The car was due an oil change a couple of months a go that I've not had time to do, it's only done 3500 miles since the last one. I'm thinking I might as well just leave it until March now and do it then when the weather is nicer. Would doing it now and leaving it for 3 months affect the oil? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SMARTLY Posted December 19, 2016 Report Share Posted December 19, 2016 should I start it once a month and roll it back/forwards so the tyres are in a different position? That's what I'd do if it's not too much trouble. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted December 19, 2016 Author Report Share Posted December 19, 2016 should I start it once a month and roll it back/forwards so the tyres are in a different position? That's what I'd do if it's not too much trouble. It's a flat driveway and with no other cars on it I can move it around easily enough. I'll obviously be putting it on a SORN so can't take it on the road. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickT Posted December 19, 2016 Report Share Posted December 19, 2016 Personally I'd also set the crank sothe pistons would be at the same height ie crank at top dead centre then 90 degrees turn, remove the spark plugs and pour about 50mm of engine oil into the bores. Refit spark plugs loosely and put a tag/ note on the steering wheel as a reminder ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Posted December 19, 2016 Report Share Posted December 19, 2016 Rich at worst we are going to get a few degrees below zero so math in the storage ( no wind ) all i would do is remove the battery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted December 19, 2016 Author Report Share Posted December 19, 2016 Personally I'd also set the crank sothe pistons would be at the same height ie crank at top dead centre then 90 degrees turn, remove the spark plugs and pour about 50mm of engine oil into the bores. Refit spark plugs loosely and put a tag/ note on the steering wheel as a reminder ! Isn't that overkill for 3 months? Sometimes I don't use the car for 2-3 weeks and it starts fine the first time. If I keep the battery indoors and charge it before starting the car that should hopefully be enough. I'll probably be able to leave it 6 weeks, start the car and get it to temperature, then do it again 6 weeks after when I put the car back on the road. Rich at worst we are going to get a few degrees below zero so math in the storage ( no wind ) all i would do is remove the battery. I'll keep the battery in the cupboard under the stairs, there's no risk once it's off the car is there? What about the tyres though, how long would it take for them to get flat spots or start cracking if left to stand for a period of time? I'll have to do something about ventilation, the interior/roof will get mouldy otherwise if it gets too damp. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Posted December 20, 2016 Report Share Posted December 20, 2016 It takes years for the tyres to flat spot/ perish so maybe a few extra PSI....As for damp rice is a cheap option providing you change it regularly but it won't help the outside of the roof so maybe re-fit the battery a few times and heat her up with the heater on full. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted December 20, 2016 Author Report Share Posted December 20, 2016 Cool so I don't need to worry about those then. I'll probably have to drive the car and get it nice and warm to dry the roof, it's constantly damp in this weather. Can you put the car cover on when the engine is still hot or should I let it cool down first? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Posted December 20, 2016 Report Share Posted December 20, 2016 Let it cool down but remember it's there Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted June 7, 2017 Author Report Share Posted June 7, 2017 I am hoping to get the car back on the road by this weekend, it's been sitting on the drive for 4 months. All I did was remove the battery and kept it indoors, plus I left the handbrake off. I didn't cover it up as I stopped using it in February so winter had nearly finished. Apart from the usual of checking the oil, water, tyres etc is there anything else I should do before starting it back up? The discs do look rusty but I'm hoping this is just surface and will be removed when I brake a few times. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SHAHZ Posted June 7, 2017 Report Share Posted June 7, 2017 Yeah get some fresh pics up 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted June 7, 2017 Author Report Share Posted June 7, 2017 Yeah get some fresh pics up Definitely! I've missed it, should've put it back on the road in April but never got round to it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SMARTLY Posted June 7, 2017 Report Share Posted June 7, 2017 Give it a good wash and wax Plus treat the hood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Posted June 7, 2017 Report Share Posted June 7, 2017 The discs will be cosmetic surface rust.... I would just do the obvious checks and get out there hoooning it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted June 9, 2017 Author Report Share Posted June 9, 2017 I topped the battery up with the ctek charger yesterday morning, it only needed an hour. Checked the oil, water, tyres etc and refitted the battery - it started first time! I really thought I was going to have issues, the longest I've left a car before is 2 weeks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Posted June 10, 2017 Report Share Posted June 10, 2017 Just goes to show how the 5 engine is bullet proof... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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