Oil Change after storage

Wind-Farmer · Dec 24, 2008

Hey guys, I put Royal Purple Synthetic in my car about 4 months ago, car has been sitting in storage for about 3 months now.

I put fuel stabilizer in it, and top it off with gas before storing it, and left the battery in it.

I guess, well; should I have pulled the battery, and should I put new oil in it come spring when I take it out of storage?

I put probably 300 miles on it since the last oil change, I changed it at 1,000 miles. now probably has 1,300 some and is sitting in storage. Will the oil go to h*ll sitting for that long with being ran occasionally?

UrbanRedneck · Dec 24, 2008

it'd probably be ok but I'd replace it, time does break down oil, and sitting in storage it might develop condensation as well.

Towelly · Dec 24, 2008

I change my oil directly before and directly after I store mine. Like Urban said, oil breaks down over time. Not just with use. Also there is going to be a moisture build-up no matter what as well. So its a good idea to change it after you get her out of storage.

oh9mustang · Dec 28, 2008

Putting a car in storage is probably the worst thing you can do to that car. Unless you do it correctly. For instance, Your engine holds 6gts of oil, any were that there is no oil will be subject to condensation and rust, then there is the valve springs, all those that are compressed are sitting there becoming weaker not to mention letting air into the cylinder, condensation and rust.
To answer your question, Change the oil. There are a couple things that destroy oil molecules, Time and heat. Because Synthetic oil has a lot more molecules and so has a longer life span. Way more important, store your vehicle correctly.

Wind-Farmer · Dec 28, 2008

well what is the "correct" way to store a car, oh yeah...you shouldn't.

I need to take out the springs, fill it completely with oil...vacuum pack it.....

i never knew you could not store a vehicle.

Mr_Q · Dec 28, 2008

Going out and starting the car every day and letting it run for 5min is one way to avoid most the issues with long term storage, mechanically that is.

Also, if you can't get the car up on jack stands, over inflate the tires 5-6psi to prevent flat spotting. Fill the tank with gas of course.

Wash and wax, cover. Leave in neutral, don't use parking brake. (use wheel chaulks or some bricks/big rocks) Start the car once every day, let run for 5min. Consider it "me time" and play some music.

That was my winter routine when I lived in Michigan. Worked perfectly.

Wind-Farmer · Dec 29, 2008

damn, well I am on the road traveling, I can probably start it every couple weeks if anything.

I think it is in nuetral, parking brake is probably on, flat spotting - crap, but ill be putting new wheels come spring.

Thanks guys.

Mr_Q · Dec 29, 2008

every couple of weeks should be okay as long as it is every couple of weeks, heh.

scupking · Dec 30, 2008

I try to start mine once a week and if it is a warmer day and the roads are dry I will take her for a spin after she warms up. I drove her last week after sitting three weeks.

Wind-Farmer · Dec 30, 2008

well mine will only be sitting for the winter months, I guess I will try not to get my panties in to much of a bunch.

People store cars all the time, new cars usually sit on lots and or at the factory for long periods of time.

I appreciate the info, just scared me a bit.

oh9mustang · Dec 31, 2008

Wind
It's your car, you can do with it as you wish. If your only going to store it for 3 months, then you most likely will not have problems.
If you are going to store it for a long period then you should, but certainly don't have to,
Loosen the Valve springs so they all seat
Pull the plugs and spray a little WD40 in each cylinder, (replace plugs)
Put at least 10 more gts of oil in it
Pull air cleaner off and cover air tube with plastic bag.
Leave battery in
put car on jack stands and relieve tire pressure
put 100% anti freeze in radiator.
Spray the heck out of the underneath with bug spray
if it has leather, give it a leather treatment

I don't think these steps are necessary for a 3 month storage.
but if you were going to Iraq for a 15 month tour you might want to consider.
And when you get back it will be just as you left it.

Wind-Farmer · Dec 31, 2008

very interesting,

thanks for all the info, seems like alot of work. But I will have to remember that; Thanks again!

cowtown · Jan 2, 2009

Pretty hard to develop flat spots unless it's sitting for a really long time. That was more of an issue for bias ply tires than anything.

I've stored more than a few Stangs for the Winter and I found that starting them every week or two and giving them a good run up and maybe cycling the tranny into D and Reverse and rolling a couple inches back and forth was just fine.

I mean if you're storing your car for 6 months or more then yeah you're going to want to look at more aggressive methods. Or you can do what I did and move to a place where Winter lasts all of 2 months and more often than not (not this year) involves just cool temps and rain.

08blueskunk · Jan 5, 2009

YOUR CAR SAT AT A DEALERSHIP I GUARENTEE FOR MORE THAN 3 MONTHS STOP WORRYING ABOUT IT!!

Yes i agree start it up occasionally but make sure it come all the way up to temperature if cold outside. Starting it for only a minute or two allows condensation to build. It needs to warm fully or not at all. I store a bike and a car and have been doing so for years.

Good Oil change before Winter Storage (won't need it again till your routine milage)
Fuel Stabil, full take of gas and run it for a bit to work through the system.
I have never had a flat spot issue on newer tires Just make sure you check it when you take it out make sure pressure is where it should be.
valve springs will be fine...
E-brake will be fine...(though wheel chaulks a good idea.)
Good advice would be to put plywood/old carpeting under the tires if on cement (to prvent Dry rotting) but i have never had a problem (especially newer tires)
new battery may need a jump start or nothing
an older battery trickle chargers a cheap...

08blueskunk · Jan 5, 2009

P.s. buy lots of mods over winter to ease the pain!!

Oil Change after storage

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