So right after thanksgiving, I'm going to one of my companies offices in Santa Monica, CA for 3 months, maybe a little more. Does anyone have any recommendations on prepping the car before I leave it? I've already done a good wash/wax, i'm more curious about fluids and what not. Obviously, I'm gonna remove the cd face and take my subs outa the trunk in case of a break in. I can't park in a garage, but will have the driveway space. Shall I have my gf start it and let it run for 10-20 mins every week?

I'm gonna miss my car. 3+ mos of taxi rides doesn't sound fun ..

Thanks for the feedback.

 

Drive it there with you!

 

If I'm that attached, I'd ship it or drive it down there. But that's just me. I figure, a car's suppose to be driven, even if it's a few thousand miles round trip.

I know my parents traveled a lot and if they were gone for longer than 2 weeks they always had me drive their cars for a day in there just to keep the car moving. That's my only advice, ask her to drive it for a day once a week, that should keep it running well.

Any ideas about the oil? The date that they say to change it is if it's in use every day right?
~Stephen

 

yikes... too bad you cant take the gf. thats gonna be a looooong 3 months. lol. it prolly would be a good idea to have her start it for 10 min everyweek and let it warm up to let the condisation get out and so it doesnt collect.

 

drive it or the gas will like go bad or something if you let it sit that long, really bad for the motor. I cant remember the correct name for it

 

yeah....definitely have her start it, maybe take it out..if u trust her...my gilfriend backed my car into my neighbors car....nice lil dent in my right rear bumper...but...eh...what can u do about it.

def. get a car cover!! don't let it sit through all the weather etc if u cant be washing it three times a week...or is that just me?

so..have her drive it at least a day a week or so...and a car cover....if u can trust her to take it on and off while ur gone...if she loves you, she'll understand lol.

 

I used to leave it for six months (military) with the battery disconnected, and that was it. Hook up the battery, let it idle for 5-10 minutes to get the fluids circulating- then go!

 

If it were my car, I would get a storage spot and store it there. $70 or less a month, and car is in a locked secure place. I store my cavalier in strage because of no room. Keep Stabile in the gas so it does not go bad, and the obvious battery disconnect. My cars been in storage about 12 months. One time didn't get to storage unit to start car for 3 and a half months. Car started right up. I've never had a problem entire time.

 

hey if it makes you feel any better im deploying for a whole year to afghanistan so a trip back home to cali for three months sounds like a vacation to me so i still need to figure out what to do with my car i have been told to sell it and buy a new one when i get back but the ppl who told me that dont know how much i love MY lancer iunno its gonna be ok man

 

DJ if you owe less than its worth sell it and come back and get an Evo, you will make plenty in the Stan, I am in the desert for 5 months and I payed off over $7000 in credit card and college loan debt, and thats with being in a place were I can go downtown, my brother is in the stan and says he hasnt spent a dollar in the month hes been there.

 

see i just picked it up so i still owe almost the whole amount so i dont know what imma do with the car

 

Drain the gas tank or put fuel stabilizer in there. Disconnect the negative battery cable, if possible, put carpet squares under the tires, or have the car put on jackstands. Store it in a garage if possible. Starting it won't hurt, but it's not necessary.

Oh, and get that danger fire pay, seperate rats, hazardous duty, imminent danger etc pay. When I was in IFOR in bosnia man, I was BANKING!

 

also store the car on pavment if you must store it on your lawn or over dirt drive it on a tarp and wrap the car up if not mostire seeps up and your hole car turn moldy in the engine compatment and such

 

ask some one in a dealership. i'm pretty sure some of those cars on the lot sit there for a while..

 

they have to drive the cars to be washed i think at the dealership. so they getting a nice drive every week or so. dealership should definately be able to tell you exactly what to do. if not hey the cars still under warranty right.