Automotive/Car Storage

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Expert: - 10/9/2008


Question
Hello,

I have a 2006 Infiniti G35 automatic and have a question regarding storage of a vehicle. I'm in the military and am headed to the middle east for 3-4 months. I've always heard that it's best to unplug the battery cables, leave the gas at about 1/4 full, etc. What do you recommend I do to ensure my car stays in good condition while I am gone? I also heard that it's important to let someone drive it about 2 miles at a bi-weekly basis, but is this really necessary? It would be difficult for me to do so.

Thanks for the Help!

Answer
Sorry for the delay in getting to you!  I read your note several days ago, but wanted to dig up some previously-written information for you.  Some time back, I had the time to write a detailed piece on the subject of temporary storage, and I have been looking for it so that I could pass it along to you in all its detail.  In that regard, I shall get back to you as soon as I practically can.

At this time, I am otherwise quite buried by workload, the engineering term being well underway.

For the time being, a short answer would be one in which you do not add any new fuel to the tank, but do add gasoline stabiliser to the amount which remains - this will maintain the quality of the fuel for the relatively brief period you need.  Gasoline stabiliser is available for use in seasonal and stand-by equipment such as small gensets, and would work just as well for your needs.    

As to the battery, a better idea than disconnecting it would be to make the modest investment ($25 or so) to buy an automatic "under-the-hood"-type 1-2 Amp charger.  This will keep the battery ready to go while not overcharging it, and will avoid the problem of sulfation from both overcharging - as could occur if a non-automatic always-on charger was used - and complete discharge - as could happen if no charge at all is applied.

Another good idea ... why not change the oil and filter and, if time permits, do a complete cooling system service BEFORE you park the car?

Cars stored for longer periods do benefit from timely occasional operation, sufficient to keep all the various seals "exercised" so as to keep their lubrication fresh and thus prevent them from drying out.  For most of these, the car need move only a little, enough to allow the steering and brakes to be gently worked and to operate the pumps in the transmission.  If you have someone you trust, this could avoid seal break downs.  However, for the three or four months you are contemplating, you would probably do okay by simply taking it very easy for the first few hours of driving, and inspecting for seal leaks as you go.

Best wishes for your trip ... EGK  

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Ernest (Ernie) Kenward

Expertise

The challenges I most enjoy are thoughtful technical questions of a trouble-shooting nature in both electrical, power electronic and mechanical systems, mainly automotive but also machine control and small-machine PLC applications. Please note, however, that I am NOT a walking shop manual! I DO, however, make it a point to have those manuals and other service literature for those vehicles I DO own, and highly recommend that anyone serious about maintenance or modification of their vehicles do the same; MOST of your answers WILL be found there. For that matter, I do NOT go out of my way to acquire shop manuals for any vehicle I do NOT own! That being the case, any general query to me along the lines of "What is the meaning of this code read from the ECU of my 2015 XYZ?" or "Where is the fuse for the windshield washer pump found?" (try your car's electrical distribution panel for a start!) will not go far. What I do offer is a pretty good collection of literature, insights and hands-on experience with 1950s to 1980's Ford products (plus a developing database of information and practice with the Mercedes diesel cars), along with an engineering perspective and the ability to design and implement custom control, electrical and mechanical subsystems for vehicles. For that reason, I am happy to make my thoughts and efforts available to those who are of like mind and/or are seriously making a point of learning about their vehicles. Use the Opportunity to Learn!

Experience

A key skill in my work and hobby pursuits both is STRATEGIC TROUBLESHOOTING. I am a senior instructor in Electrical Engineering Technology at a leading Canadian polytechnic, my areas being Electrical Power and Industrial Control, electrical and electronics design and manufacturing, and AutoCAD and related CAD/CAE software - plus equipment problem-solving and new equipment design and prototyping. Hobby-wise, I have 30-plus years of experience in auto restoration, mostly in electrical and mechanical systems. Ongoing projects include a 1959 Edsel Corsair, my 1978 Ford E250 class-B motorhome conversion, and the care and upkeep of my Mercedes 300CD. My vehicles become engineering test beds for electrical and mechanical upgrades as ideas present themselves. This includes the design and production of circuit boards to restore or enhance features for which no OEM replacement parts are obtainable, or where better specifications or reliability can be had via newer concepts. Regarding the E250 RV conversion, I designed and continue to revise a custom power distribution system, managed by a Programmable Controller (PLC); this has made most revisions as easy as uploading new firmware as I develop it. The "mini" PLC is a powerful device for custom automotive control systems. One good example (there are many) would be the Moeller "Easy Relay"; these offer a wealth of control, monitoring and variable-and-status display options for such projects. A good example project which has worked well is that one for my RV noted above, which has been on the job - revised in firmware only - for a decade now. It is a load management and charging control system to avoid the sulfation-induced early failure that often befalls deep-cycle batteries used in RV power applications. The battery installed in 2003 lasted long enough to more tnan pay for the PLC that contributed to its longer life ... and the PLC will be there for the next battery as well!

Organizations
IEEE - senior member ... past WCC Student Activities; SME - senior member ... past chair, greater Vancouver chapter chair 318; Edsel Owners' Club - have served in various capacities on chapter executive during seventies; have been Power and Driveline resource on the Edsel Owners' Club "E-team" for more than a decade.

Education/Credentials
Graduate of UBC

Awards and Honors
Certificates of appreciation from IEEE and SME for work in student and chapter activities

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