Taking a car off the road

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

Bob Akins - 24 Sep 2007 20:57 GMT

I plan on taking my 1995 prizm off the road for a year, keeping it in a
garage.

I read somewhere that you should:

stuff a rag in the tailpipe to keep critters from moving in
loosen the sparkplugs and pour a bit of oil around them.

It seems like it might be a good idea to jack the car up to keep the tires
from getting flat, and to disconnect the battery.

Are these things what should be done? Anything additional?

Thanks for any advice.

Reply to this Message

jonroq - 26 Sep 2007 11:05 GMT

> I plan on taking my 1995 prizm off the road for a year, keeping it in a
> garage.
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
>
> Thanks for any advice.

If it were mine, I'd drive it in - put on blocks (under lift
points), not control arms - change oil/filter - change
antifreeze - You may want to check the brake fluid, as it
does absorb water and might be contaminated enough to
warrant changing also.
I'd be tempted to disconnect the battery, but might opt to
leave it connected and attach a floating charger (not the
usual trickle charger)..
The rag in the tailpipe isn't a bad idea, but I'd opt for
a harder object ( piece of wood?) or a rubber plug, like the
ones you can get in a pool store.
If there's any moisture in your muffler, you might want
to drive it for 30 minutes or so to dry it out before you
park it, else you could come back to rusted thru muffler

Reply to this Message