store - storage - storing?

Hi All!

Tried a search on store, storage, and storing, with no help.

I am currently not using my rodeo at all, I've got a new ride! As we only need one car currently, we only have comp insurance coverage on the Rodeo, we save a good amount not having liability, thus the truck is parked since January 01. I've started it twice a month, and run it around my condo complex for 15 minutes. It looks like it will be in this state of storage for at least several more months, or up to a year.

Though I could ask for some advice.

2 things I'm curious about. I believe it was Ryan who said the 4x4 should be engaged once a month to keep something soft/pliable? I can't engage the 4x4 in the complex as it's all asphalt, any ideas.

My last oil change was in Dec, how long should I leave that oil in if it's not being run often.

I'll move it twice a month if nothing else to keep the tires from developing flat spots.

Any other advice or ideas would be appreciated!!!

Solster,

You can engage the 4x4 on asphalt, just drive straight. This is what I do with mine. I drive it in 4x4 down a long side street a couple times a month to ensure it is being used. As far as the oil, I would maybe change it out in a month since it is cheap, but I doubt it is a problem leaving it in there. When you start the car I would let it run for more than a few minutes, just to burn off any condensation.

Marc

If you can I would tried to take it for a spin once a month. You can turn on the 4wd and drive it a block and take it off. It shouldn't be a problem.

I have my 58 Beetle in storage for 6 months.

I yank the battery and put it on a battery tender (I have one ment for motor bikes That I got for about 30 bucks).

I put in about 5 extra pounds of air in the tires. I think getting flat spots on tires it a thing of the past due to radial tires.

I also, added gas stabile to the tank and topped it off (ran it for about 15 mintues to get it mixed into the system).

Come April I'll drain the oil and fill'er back up (I'm worried about condinsation in the oil).

The only other steps I could do is pull the plugs and squirt so oil in, turn it over and put the plugs back in.

Sounds like I'm already on the right track. I can definatley run it twice a month for say 15 minutes each time just going around the complex say at about 10mph.

3 questions in response to ryan:

isn't it a bad idea to run the 4x4 on dry asphalt? Obviously it's not good to go miles on it but I always thought even a few yards coud cause damage.

When you drain the oil after 6 months, will you first run it till it gets nice and hot, or get it out before running it (wondering how the condensation thing works, how to avoid it).

What's a battery tender? is the battery out of the vehicle for the whole time? Maybe this is less a concern for me as the truck can be run twice a week (or more if recommended).

I should add, I'm in so cal which has moderate temps, if that makes any difference.

thanks for the help!

SOSLTER

isn't it a bad idea to run the 4x4 on dry asphalt? Obviously it's not good to go miles on it but I always thought even a few yards coud cause damage.



It would be a bad idea to drive in 4x4 with a lot of turning involved. If you drive relatively straight and at low speeds you are fine. The wheel binding occurs from turning.

Marc

marc has it. Keep it staight and no turning to keep down the binding.

Battery Tendor:

http://store.yahoo.com/pitposse/bateju12vo.html

If you are running it once a month you should be fine.

Nope I won't run it. drain and refill. Also, if helps since I have pretty fresh oil in it already (50 miles on it).

water gets in via condensation. The only way around it is to have the car in a humidity controled environment.

Thanks! I ad missed marcre's first post about the asphalt, good to know!

When I start it (every couple of weeks) I drive it around at about 10mph for about 10 minutes. Should I leave it run for more time, or is that good enough.

Great stuff guys! I've got 60K miles and want another 200K! Can't wait to buy the ATVs and tow with the Rodeo some time soon!

SOSTER

I would drive it for a block with 4wd turn it off and then take it for a spin to get the engine temp up to help burn off any condensation in the oil.

I would drive it for a block with 4wd turn it off and then take it for a spin to get the engine temp up to help burn off any condensation in the oil.

I can't really do that because of the lack of liability insurance (which I'm not paying as it's stored). Around the complex I feel confident I won't cause an accident and won't get pulled over.

I think though I get the point, I'll just run it for 20 minutes around the condo complex and hope that's enough. And I'll change out the oil every 3 months UNLESS you all have better ideas.

thanks
SOLSTER

Solster,
I know my insurance coverage is damn good. I can drive a Ferarri and wreck yet, but ill be covered. Find out from a friendly agent if you are covered in any vehicle you drive based off your current comprehensive coverage. I know when I bought my Samurai, i was able to drive it around for a month or so w/o needing to "purchase" insurance on it and still be covered by other plans. Just carry around your insurance card for your other car when you do drive the rodeo.

I get the jisy megavolt, not sure how it works though. I have good insurance through state farm.

The b*tch of it is, the wife doesn't drive, and we both work from home, so both vehicles are recreational. Insuring the rodeo for liability cost a $100 a month (we're in LA). But since the wife is licensed, they say it's not a second vehicle, thus must cover full liability. As we drive 300-400 miles a month max, having both cars insured is stupid the way our insurance sets it up. Too bad, because once in a while we need the ruck element of the rodeo for hauling stuff, but it's not insured for the road.

Any ideas would be great. and if I ever do take it out of the apartment complex, say to get gas, I'll carry the cardfor the MX-5MS just in case.

p.s. we drive the MSM for the fun in the sun! We keep the Rodeo as we want to move to Arizona and offroad it and some ATVs, we hope to be there in a year.

SOLSTER

I believe you could potentially buy insurnace just for the days you need it.

I believe you could potentially buy insurnace just for the days you need it.

they told me the minimum is a month which is a $100 (Los Angeles). I should check some competitors though to see if there is alower minimum number of days.

thanks for reminding me!

SOLSTER

So what if you were to insure your car, and say call in a week later and cancel?

So what if you were to insure your car, and say call in a week later and cancel?

originally they said they could only prorate a 6 month premium down to a 30 day minimum. I called today, talked to someone else, they said I could add it and remove it with no minimum days, but only once in a while otherwise they'd get grumpy and not allow it. Not sure I really trust this advice as valid, and it could get messed up I bet. But, I'll give it a try as I really only need it for a couple of days every couple of months to do the odd jobs the roadster can't.

FYI, eventually we will use the truck more often as a 4x4 toy just doesn' t work where we live, just so you know why I don't sell a car I don't use, it's a temporary situation for a year or so.

thanks again!
SOLSTER

I store my summer car for atleast 6 months a year. I disconnect the battery and do a few little things to help with moisture and try to keep rodents away. However I take a different approach and don't start it the entire time its put away. I figure one cold start is easier on it than doing multiple ones throughout the time its being stored.

When you do start using it again make sure you change the oil. Make sure too that all your fluids are topped up and its full of gas, and maybe some gas stabilizer.

I store my summer car for atleast 6 months a year. I disconnect the battery and do a few little things to help with moisture and try to keep rodents away. However I take a different approach and don't start it the entire time its put away. I figure one cold start is easier on it than doing multiple ones throughout the time its being stored.

When you do start using it again make sure you change the oil. Make sure too that all your fluids are topped up and its full of gas, and maybe some gas stabilizer.

I agree that I might be doing it the wrong way by starting it more frequently, sounds like a debate. One reason I can see for starting if requently is to engage the 4x4 on regular basis, sounds like good advice. Let's see if this thread keeps going, it's good food for thought stuff!

SOLSTER

My opinion is both ways have advantages, I don't think you can go wrong. I remember when I had a Mazda 323, it had 120,000 on the odometer when I sold it. It ran perfectly for me from day one. My dad was the original owner. When I bought a new car it the 323 sat for 2 weeks before I sold it. It did not want to start and sounded bad for a bit, but then was fine. From that point on I became a firm believer in the theory that cars were meant to be driven and not sit around. I really believe that sitting a modern car around that has some age to it is bad for it. I would deffinately try to use it as often as possible.

Just my opinion
Marc