Car Hibernation
 

going to be hibernating my car, RSX... what would need to be done to make sure nothing is ruined when i go to drive it again? length of hibernation is 1-4 years...

raise wheels off ground?
siphon oil/gas?

thanks

At least 1 year without being turned on? Ouch.

Very important: Will the storage place be climate controlled?

Basics: Fuel Stabilizer, fill up tank completely, that avoids condensation.
Remove old oil, fill with new oil, run for a while witht he fuel stabilizer and new oil. When done, fill the oil to the very very top (dont start it after this).
Obviously, raise it up and remove tires.
Also, stuff in a oiled rag into the exhaust. Plug up air intake, etc etc.

If you are planning to store this car for that long, without turning it on sometimes, I hope the place you are storing it is climate controlled and dust free.

unfortunately not... it might be outside with a cover over it... why the oiled rag in the exhaust? ... it can be turned on... but not driven...

EDIT what would be a safe time frame to turn the car on? every 2 weeks?

Damn, outside? Say goodbye to your car.

I stored a friends car outside on some property, after 9 months there was mold growing inside, just from natural condensation.
Then again I didnt turn it on very often.

Unless you are willing to turn it at least (very minimum) every month, drive it around the neighborhood (or where ever you live), then outside is not a friendly place for a car. Especially in wet BC.
Also, don't forget about bugs, insects, squirrels and rats (yes they can and WILL make a home in your engine bay if they are cold and shelter less). A friend had their entire electrical system chewed through by some rat or some creature that made a home in his engine bay while it was stored outside.
It depends on where you live, exactly where the car is sitting, etc etc. Details if you want more help.

I think unless you REALLY love that car. Just sell it. Sounds like it'll just be sitting and depreciating in value. Not to mention the risks of vandalism.

if even 1 year... i might think about selling the car... it's gonna sit for so long...

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=+how+to+store+a+car

I would NOT fill the engine full of oil! Everything else said here is pretty spot on, including selling the car.

Lend it out ;)

y not? its a good way to prevent the inside of the engine from rust and gunky build up from not running.

edit

what if it's sitting but it gets started every so often? it won't be able to be insured... so it can't be driven... but it can be started

as much as "starting it" works to keep the internals running and stuff... but other things like others mentioned, such as tires, suspensions gonna be pretty creaked...

It'd be nice to be rolled around :P

well i don't think i'll be able to do anything else other than start it, it won't be insured... :( i'll put it off the ground, no tires and start it up every so often? or is just hibernating it by plugging up the intake, exhaust and covering it be better?

Outside on private property or on the public street?

cant you rent a uhaul space and keep the car in there? or they dont allow you to store your car there?

Use fogging oil instead.

Starting a car once in a while that never gets driven is a fantastic way to rust out the cylinders.

Just sell the fucking thing. Its an RSX, not a 69 COPO Camaro.

No offense, but it's just an RSX...not a ferrari. Unless it has sentimental value to you.

Use it or lose it.

Sell it, or give it to a family member.

If the car is going to be outside, take the battery out and throw a battery tender on it so you don't waste a battery either.

Also when I used to store my motorcycle I remembered that running the engine periodically is one of the worst things you could do. Its a cold start every time, creates moisture in the engine and exhaust, it won't heat up to proper operating temp, bearings will wear out more, and the list goes on.

Use fogging oil as suggested and don't start it until you know you will be using it again or if you can take it for a long run. I did it every winter and 6 months later my motorcycle started on the first crank without hesitation just like when I first bought it.

Another thing youll probably need to look into is storage insurance. Becuase if someone vandalizes it you are SOL..

As much as I love my car as much as the next guy.. You are better off selling it now and getting another one down the road when you are ready. Hell you might even find something better off..

man storing it outside for a year.....sounds like a big nono

just sell the damn thing...plz


let someone else drives your DC5, instead sitting on the road for 365 days taking the abuse from mother nature

Why do you insist on keeping it?

drive it into a cave?

there are problems with lending your car out too.... I lended my 20 yr/old (then) AE86 to frd and come back to see it all beat up

....over a summer. LOL.

but I was about to sell the car anyway just couldn't find a buyer before I flew.
Sell now, and fingers crossed it even leaves you before you leave.