Need some advice for my xterra

[diversetek]

I'm currently temp. disabled due to a surgery and my xterra will be parked outside for about 6 months. What should i do to keep it in good condition until i can drive it again? The X is parked outside in the streets with no cover, will that mess up the paint big time? The X has only about 15k miles on it and its a 2002 model. I'm just worried that i might have problems if the x stays idle for 6 months w/o it being driven. If anyone knows what i should do, please help. Thanks in advance!

[Aythya]

not to mean that you shouldn't worry about paint care-washing and waxing- but you should be more concerned about engine and drivetrain care during your downtime than anything else.......

Read your owners manual, take precautions and if you have a 4X4 make sure you engage it once per month if you're not a regular off roader!

Take care!!

[ChuckH]

That's a long time to sit. THe truck really should be drive once in awhile to keep the oil circulated and the seals from drying up. The other big problem is that the tires will flat spot sitting that long and you will end up needing new tires. I'd say the paint is the least of your worries. Don't you know anyone you trust to drive it once every week or two? That's what i would do if in your situation.

[Schludwiller]

Go to the auto store and buy some gas stabilizer. Fill up the tank and follow the directions. That will keep the gas from breaking down while it's sitting. A full tank should keep moisture buildup down as well. Regarding the tires, at the very least inflate them very high to minimze them flattening while sitting.

Try and keep the bird crap and tree drippings off the truck. Maybe someone can wash it for you (neighborhood kids).

You're in California so this probably isn't a problem, but Driez-Air (spelling?) can be put inside to keep moisture out (basically a big sillica container). RV people use them all the time while in storage.

[OffroadX]

Park away from trees, you don't want bird crap and sap building up. I would highly suggest you get someone to drive it several miles once a week if at all possible.

Get well soon,
Brent

[diversetek]

WOW, thanks for all your support guys! I knew i would find answers here! I do have family members who can drive it for me, but if thats the case, than what care do i need? They can just drive it once a week, but would i still need to worry about the tires? Also, is it really bad if its not washed for a long period of time? I had an oil change a week b4 i left my X outside, so do i need to change it in 3 months or 3000 miles? Well the gas is low on my X, so what type of gas should i fill it up with? 87, 89, 91? Well, thanks again in advance, i appreciate all the support!