J250

iTrader: (13)

I am moving to New York for about 8-12 months.. Sadly not planning to bring my IS with me so I am planning to store it in my Garage . The car won't be insured so no one can drive it..

Any advice on what steps I should do before I leave?


thnx

A.C Milan

That's a very long time, when i usually leave the car for 2-3 months I do the following:

fill the tires with air
disconnect the battery(negative first, keeps the data on the Nav)
try to make the fuel tank half full

and no problems at all.
but your leaving her for a very long time, i suggest you give it any relative of yours that you trust to drive it occasionally.

huddleston

iTrader: (3)

give her a good wash and wax before storage as well.

tfz_hebe89

iTrader: (1)

and make sure you lock all doors before you leave

Evitzee

I would keep the insurance that would cover you for theft or fire. If your house burns down you are screwed.

Fill the tank with fuel and put in some StaBil. Fill the tires to about 40 psi.

If you just disconnect the battery you'll probably have it ruined in 8-12 months. Go out and buy a Battery Tender for about $40. It takes five minutes to connect the leads to the battery (no need to actually cut power to the system while installing it). It'll keep your battery at 100% charge with no chance of overcharging. Then, when you come home the battery will be in perfect condition. I often let my car sit for 2-3 weeks and I keep the battery on a Battery Tender. I wouldn't be without it.

When you get back change the oil and filter.

Fat Felix

i'd put the car up on stands so the tires aren't sitting on the same spot for so long.

jasoncd

iTrader: (2)

Thread from last year:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...storage+months

2slow

iTrader: (5)

But wouldn't it be worse if the jack points were held up for 8-12 months?

Batmobile

iTrader: (2)

that's what i was thinking

Kaydee

you can just use multiple jacks and use telephone books to help spread out the weight a bit...better yet, maybe have someone you trust look after during that time

2slow

iTrader: (5)

Even though the weight is spread, those jack points are not suppose to be held up for months.

eric_r_ho

iTrader: (9)

Why not? If the chassis can't take this kind of flex then Lexus built a horrible vehicle. This shouldn't affect it..

To the threadstarter, the best way to handle this would be to inflate the tires to about 40psi and buy a battery charger that has the trickle charge ability..in terms of the fuel stabilizer? It really isn't necessary IMO..

EJC

I think you have the major points right here.

The battery tender is a great idea, it trickle charges and monitors the battery condition and won't overcharge. I use a 2 terminal Tender for my ES and SC. We drive them intermitantly and after as short a period as 2 weeks your battery can be dead. Both cars are always topped off on the battery and ready to go.

cb804

Some good points here. I store my weekend car (BMW Z8) during the winter.

The battery tender is a must.

Inflate your tires to 40psi,, if you're worried about flat spots park the car on those plastic tiles (racedeck, etc) that you can buy for your garage floor - just buy 4.

Change the oil/filter - dirty oil will hold moisture

Consider changing coolant if more than 2 years old

Fill gas tank - I like the idea of fuel stabilzer as it helps absorb any moisture in the gas tank

If you can get someone to drive the car, that would be good. Just don't start it and let it idle without driving it - that will do more harm than good.

passnu2

iTrader: (33)

I agree with this one 100%. ESPECIALLY with the insurance part! DONT take the insurance off your car!!!

The only other thing as a few mentioned would be to jack the car up. This will help prevent damage to the tires from sitting. Is someone going to be here that could take the car for a drive here and there to pass some gas through and keep it from sitting? any family member??