My car is about to sit for 6-7 months...
 

Okay I am deploying to Afghanistan soon, I don't own a garage or anything like that and I have a month or so to prepare for the deployment.

Meanwhile my car is going to be sitting for a long time....and I don't have connections or anybody who can start my car and run it for a little bit.

Any suggestions?

Full or empty gas tank?
Should I put my car on jack stands? I see people do this sometimes...not sure why actually
should I empty out the anti-freeze and drain radiator?

I'm worried I'll come back and my car won't run...it will be rusted....all kinds of nightmares.

Re: My car is about to sit for 6-7 months...
 

Definately run some fuel stabiliser through it,Putting it on stands will keep it off the ground,and allow the springs to rest.
Cover it if possible,make sure the coolant is good for colder tempatures,a few mothballs or some other keep the critters away stuff should help too.

Good Luck,and thank you for your service

Re: My car is about to sit for 6-7 months...
 

Yeah, stabil is not a bad idea; last time I was down range I didn't bother with it. Just ran it down to a little bit below 1/4 tank before I stored it and put it up on stands. After getting back, I filled the tank, dumped in some B12 chemtool and octane boost; took a couple tries but it fired up (sat for 18 months). Definitely not saying to go that route though, look into Stabil.

Definitely look into setting up some 'rodent control' (i.e. moth balls, poison, whatever) in the engine compartment. Not sure where you're stationed at but squirrels, mice, cats (depending on demographics) like to crawl into the engine compartment.

Depending on if you are on post, check with the MPs/SPs, if they're not acting like dicks, they'll randomly check on your car; make sure no one messes with it.

Putting it up on stands also helps prevent flat spots on the tires and them going flat while its sitting.

Lastly, I would look into a good car cover. Something to protect it from dirt, rain, debris, snow, UV rays, etc. Stay away from the 'cheap' ones that resemble parachute fabric (they rip kinda easy and don't protect very well). I spent almost $350 on mine, but it's some of the best money I have spent.

Keep your head down down range and stay safe hero.

Re: My car is about to sit for 6-7 months...
 

1st, Thank you for your service :)
Can you find a storage unit for the car?
Put storage ins on it also.
Guys put them in the air to help keep the tires from flat spoting. Some claim it helps the springs, I don't see how, it just puts them in a weird curving angle.
If your only going to be gone 6-7 months you won't need the fuel additive but if it make you feel warm and fuzzy go for it.
Clean the interior very well and cover dash if its sitting outside.
Clean the exterior and wax it.
Check your coolant and make sure it'll handle a freeze/ the temps it may see.
FILL the gas tank to keep out as much condensation as you can.
Change the oil when its in its final parked spot and don't start it until you get home.
Make sure the tires are aired up properly
If its outside, buy a highquality car cover and make sure you have it secured waaay better than just the one under car cable.
Unhook the negitive batt cable or remove the batt from the car and put a tender on it.
Take pictures of it in its as left condition for the INS company, incase something happens.

I'm sure I'm forgetting some things and someone will add to the list.

Again, thank you for your service.

Re: My car is about to sit for 6-7 months...
 

Thank you guys. all this information is very useful.