13 replies to this topic

[CornishH]

Unfortunately due to a new job I'm not going to be able to drive my mini for a while, probably between 6 months and a year. 

 

I have recently bought a cover for it, and hope to put it into my garage if I get round to clearing the junk out. 

 

I was wondering if anyone has any tips for storing a mini? Anything I should do to preserve the car? Should I disconnect anything or drain any fluids? 

 

Cheers

[Sam]

The most important thing of all is to clear the junk from the garage and get it in there. It will be so much better than letting it sit outside under a cover and safer too.

[Carlos W]

Is the garage dry?

[dklawson]

There are many things you can do to protect the car while in storage.

 

Change the oil.

Flush/change the clutch and brake fluids.

Check the antifreeze.  Replace if the car will be in long term storage.

Remove the battery.

Since my car has an electric fuel pump I put fuel stabilizer in the gas tank.  Then I disconnect the power to the fuel pump, start the engine, and let it run until it uses up all the fuel in the float bowls and dies.  That way there is nothing left in the carb to gum up over the storage time.

If stored inside, cover the car with a sheet or cotton car cover.  You want to protect from dust but not trap moisture.  I leave the windows slightly open.

And... make sure there are no vermin in the garage or storage area that might make a meal of your car's wiring or interior. 

If your battery still has life left in it, buy a "float charger" and leave that connected during the storage time.  This is not the same as a trickle or low-amp charger.

[Tupers]

It sort of depends on the garage. 

 

Generally oil and brake fluid will be fine but petrol will obviously go off so don't leave it with a full tank. 

 

Don't leave the handbrake on as the mechanism can seize up. 

 

Make sure it's clean and dry underneath. The last thing you want is moisture festering away and eating your panels. 

 

If you can get the wheels off the ground theres less chance of the tyre flat spotting. I know someone you keeps his car on stands and the wheels in the attic to hopefully scupper and would be car thieves . 

 

Carcoon's are a brilliant investment and also stop stuff from being piled on top of the car potentially damaging the paint. 

[CityEPete]

I disagree with the empty fuel tank part, condensation can build up in the tank which then forms rust and blocks the outlet and other problems, the new thinking is fill it to the brim and add a fuel stabilizer to stop it going off.

[CornishH]

Thanks guys, all very helpful. I'm going to get that garage cleared quick!

[dklawson]

Regarding fuel and storage... I think a fuel stabilizer and full tank makes a lot of sense as long as the car is not going to be parked for a ridiculous amount of time.  As a case in point, my father-in-law recently acquired a (non-Mini) project/kit car that had been stored in a warehouse for the last 20 years.  The fuel tank had a 3/4" thick layer of crusty fuel deposits on all the interior surfaces except the top.  It took a lot of chemicals and effort to clean the tank out for use.   Of course... for a few months of storage this will not be an issue.

[gazza82]

https://www.ageas.co...-bed-for-winter

[jaydee]

Some good suggestions above, especially about fuel, this now contains a lot of hydroscopic alcohols that will cause all sort of issues if left there to deteriorate. I would drain the whole system.

Also leave handbrake off 

[Chris Donaldson]

All really depends on what facilities you have available. I have a mint condition escort cosworth with 15k miles on the clock that does 500 miles a year so am used to storing that. I have it in a heated garage, on an optimate trickle charger all year, handbrake is never on, always under a custom cover and over the winter when it's SORN'd for 6 months it sits on a brand new but never been on the road spare set of wheels on an old set of tyres that way I have an immaculate new wheel should I ever need one and don't care about the try's flat spotting as those wheels and tyres never go on the road. If you have those sort of facilities then great but if not then think sensibly about the best way you can look after it without going ridiculous.

[spiguy]

I'm storing mine over the winter in a concrete garage that leaks a bit. I found in this cold weather that the car got condensation on it due to the cold and slightly damp air. I have since put it under a fully breathable cover (halfords advanced all seasons) and find that it is staying nice and dry under there, condensation has stopped.

[brownspeed]

are you able to visit the garage periodically? I'd be inclined to fire her up and just tootle in & out of the garage every month if you can. that way the bearings, seals, gears and fuel get a bit of circulation, the spinny bits get a re-coat of oil or grease.

[CityEPete]

The best thing long term is to let someone use it! I've ONLY ever had problems with my old cars when they don't get used.