R56 Storing MINI for long periods of time
#1
Storing MINI for long periods of time
Well, I'm back in china this week and was wondering what I should have done with my MINI since it will sit for the next 1-2 months without being driven. I washed, waxed and cleaned the car. I filled up the gas and parked it in the garage. Should I have done anything more with it??
The car has about 1800 miles, so when I get back I will do the first oil change, but other then that not sure what else?
The car has about 1800 miles, so when I get back I will do the first oil change, but other then that not sure what else?
#3
#4
With only 1800 miles on the car, a trickle charger like Coffeeman said is about it. You could make a case for changing the oil, as contaminants can corrode the inside out your motor. With only 1800 miles, the oil is probably OK. As the car gets older, you will want to have someone start the car and let it warm up every week or two if possible. Also, turbo and SC engines tend to contaminate the oil faster due to blow by, so if you have an S, it is even more important to change the oil before storing. For longer periods of storage good idea to change coolant and brake fluid also.
#5
2 months isn't too long.
As stated a trickle charges with an internal shut down would be perfect. Check www.batterytender.com for some great ones from DelTran (have used 'em on the motorcycles for years).
If you were away much longer than 2-3 months, some Gold Eagle "Saybil" gas stabilizer wouldn't hurt. http://www.goldeagle.com/sta-bil/
I would recommend a good quality fitted car cover.
I would also recommend changing the oil before you leave.
Don't worry about "flat spots" or anything like that with the tires. Todays manufactured ruber doesn't really need it. If you were storing for a couple years, maybe jack the car up unto blocks, but 2-months... don't sweat it.
Have a nice trip. You MINI will be waiting.
As stated a trickle charges with an internal shut down would be perfect. Check www.batterytender.com for some great ones from DelTran (have used 'em on the motorcycles for years).
If you were away much longer than 2-3 months, some Gold Eagle "Saybil" gas stabilizer wouldn't hurt. http://www.goldeagle.com/sta-bil/
I would recommend a good quality fitted car cover.
I would also recommend changing the oil before you leave.
Don't worry about "flat spots" or anything like that with the tires. Todays manufactured ruber doesn't really need it. If you were storing for a couple years, maybe jack the car up unto blocks, but 2-months... don't sweat it.
Have a nice trip. You MINI will be waiting.
Last edited by msh441; 07-09-2007 at 03:28 PM.
#7
2 months isn't too long.
As stated a trickle charges with an internal shut down would be perfect. Check www.batterytender.com for some great ones from DelTran (have used 'em on the motorcycles for years).
If you were away much longer than 2-3 months, some Gold Eagle "Saybil" gas stabilizer wouldn't hurt. http://www.goldeagle.com/sta-bil/
I would recommend a god quality fitted car cover.
I would also recommend changing the oil upon your return.
Don't worry about "flat spots" or anything like that with the tires. Todays manufactured ruber doesn't really need it. If you were storing for a couple years, maybe jack the car up unto blocks, but 2-months... don't sweat it.
Have a nice trip. You MINI will be waiting.
As stated a trickle charges with an internal shut down would be perfect. Check www.batterytender.com for some great ones from DelTran (have used 'em on the motorcycles for years).
If you were away much longer than 2-3 months, some Gold Eagle "Saybil" gas stabilizer wouldn't hurt. http://www.goldeagle.com/sta-bil/
I would recommend a god quality fitted car cover.
I would also recommend changing the oil upon your return.
Don't worry about "flat spots" or anything like that with the tires. Todays manufactured ruber doesn't really need it. If you were storing for a couple years, maybe jack the car up unto blocks, but 2-months... don't sweat it.
Have a nice trip. You MINI will be waiting.
Trending Topics
#8
IMO, Two months is not a problem for oil. The problem may be in your battery. If you leave it connected it may drain down to a point where the remote access fob doesnt work. The real door key is useless, as the window glass is up 1/2" in its seal. Rear hatch is electric. What next???......Quite a nightmare, but it could happen. Get a trickle charger, solar type if your outside, just to be safe.
#9
Oil needs to be changed BEFORE a car is stored, not after. I'd be very careful about putting a car cover on a car for extended periods, some of them are not of good quality and can damage the paint if the car is in sunlight or gets wet and the cover stays on for a long time.
Here's some more tips here for really long term storage:
http://www.techguys.ca/howto/winter.html
#10
Well, I'm back in china this week and was wondering what I should have done with my MINI since it will sit for the next 1-2 months without being driven. I washed, waxed and cleaned the car. I filled up the gas and parked it in the garage. Should I have done anything more with it??
The car has about 1800 miles, so when I get back I will do the first oil change, but other then that not sure what else?
The car has about 1800 miles, so when I get back I will do the first oil change, but other then that not sure what else?
This has been working fine for me for a few years now.
#11
Thanks all for posting.
I did not even think about the battery, so I will have my brother or GF hook-up my battery tender.
I figured the oil would not be a problem becuase of the low mileage, but you guys make a point and I guess I should have changed it. Since I travel to China frequently I will do things differently next time.
aeroguy: I spent about 1.5 years working in China and came back to USA in 07. I'm now based in USA and travel to China about 30% of the time. I never thought about making a deal with the insurance company regarding my cars. I guess I never cared about my car until I got my MINI :-)
I did not even think about the battery, so I will have my brother or GF hook-up my battery tender.
I figured the oil would not be a problem becuase of the low mileage, but you guys make a point and I guess I should have changed it. Since I travel to China frequently I will do things differently next time.
aeroguy: I spent about 1.5 years working in China and came back to USA in 07. I'm now based in USA and travel to China about 30% of the time. I never thought about making a deal with the insurance company regarding my cars. I guess I never cared about my car until I got my MINI :-)
Last edited by meche; 07-09-2007 at 11:16 PM. Reason: bad spelling
#12
Folks,
Thanks for the advice. I heard last night that I'll be leaving in about two weeks, for about 4 months on the road sans Mini. I've got an enclosed garage, and I'll unplug the battery. I may also do the oil ahead of time, but it's a low mileage car (NOV 06 and 6500 miles).
Always good to hear ideas from peers.
Thanks for the advice. I heard last night that I'll be leaving in about two weeks, for about 4 months on the road sans Mini. I've got an enclosed garage, and I'll unplug the battery. I may also do the oil ahead of time, but it's a low mileage car (NOV 06 and 6500 miles).
Always good to hear ideas from peers.
#13
My MINI had an unplanned lack of use for about a month. It fired right up. I took it on a gentle drive and it seems one or more tires lost air. After the tires warmed up, the flat tire warning came up. When I checked at a gas station (warm tires) all pressures were 40 lbs. + but they were not the same.
So, when you return home, check your tire pressures before you first drive it.
So, when you return home, check your tire pressures before you first drive it.
#14
I just put my MINI to bed for the winter for the first time ever. I took the battery out of the boot, and put it in the house where the temperatures will remain constant and well above freezing.
But then I shut the boot, and remembered AFTER THAT, that the opener mechanism for the boot is electric. How do I open it up again in the spring, to put the battery in???
Am I going to have to fold the rear seatbacks down, and put the battery in from the back seat area? It's an inconvenient solution, but it is doable. But do you have any ideas how to get the boot open without the battery being hooked up?
Thanks.
But then I shut the boot, and remembered AFTER THAT, that the opener mechanism for the boot is electric. How do I open it up again in the spring, to put the battery in???
Am I going to have to fold the rear seatbacks down, and put the battery in from the back seat area? It's an inconvenient solution, but it is doable. But do you have any ideas how to get the boot open without the battery being hooked up?
Thanks.
#17
#22
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Your Worst Nightmare :)
Posts: 3,880
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Y're welcome
Actually I wasnt joking, that's what I did when I stored my 2005 S over 3 months one winter to get at the battery (what a lame location!)--but then I had a lockable garage. If U don't, that's prob not a good idea.
And dont forget the Stabil.
Actually I wasnt joking, that's what I did when I stored my 2005 S over 3 months one winter to get at the battery (what a lame location!)--but then I had a lockable garage. If U don't, that's prob not a good idea.
And dont forget the Stabil.
#23
Jon
I think that you are correct that their is a manual latch that can be pulled to open the boot. Although my GP does not have one I have a vauge memory that it may be in the drivers side rear side compartment. Your owners manual should guide you to the correct location.
Your next post is also correct that a pair of jumper cables connecting your battery to the +/- posts under the bonnet will provide your system the needed voltage to open the boot.
When I put mine away I simply put a towel under the boot so that it will not close.
Steve
I think that you are correct that their is a manual latch that can be pulled to open the boot. Although my GP does not have one I have a vauge memory that it may be in the drivers side rear side compartment. Your owners manual should guide you to the correct location.
Your next post is also correct that a pair of jumper cables connecting your battery to the +/- posts under the bonnet will provide your system the needed voltage to open the boot.
When I put mine away I simply put a towel under the boot so that it will not close.
Steve
#24
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
09R56
R56 :: Hatch Talk (2007+)
17
11-16-2022 10:49 AM