Storing your vehicle
With the Concours d’élégance and racing season wrapped up and the
temperature beginning to drop, it is time to start thinking about what you are
going to do with your vehicle. Many of
you will drive your car over the winter months; many others will store your
vehicle for the winter. Information on storing your car will not apply to all,
especially those in the sunny southern states. However, if you plan to store
your car during the winter months, this is a must read.
Ranging from a
convertible that's reserved for sunny days to a vehicle who’s owner has store
it due to an overseas assignment; for whatever reason, it only requires a few
precautions to ensure that it is preserved and will be operational after it’s
in winter hibernation All cars hate to sit idle, so don't expect to top off the
fluids and drive out of the garage. Also, notify your insurance company that
you are storing the vehicle and tell them to make adjustment to the policy. A
little work now can protect a vehicle from rust, animals and other
storage-related headaches. To help vehicle owners keep their stored vehicles in
good shape, here are a few storage tips.
Place several boxes of rodent killer (d-CON) around the car,
both inside and out, in the trunk and under the hood. Rodents due to their
size (3or 4 inches long) are able to squeeze into many small places where they
leave droppings, urine or nest and sometimes die. The areas to check would be
the engine heat shield, exhaust pipes, heater box opening, and glove box, under
dashboard and seats, door storage, the center console bumper covers and the
trunk.
Vehicle Storage
1.
To avoid capillary action
from foundation dampness; place a tarpaulin on the garage floor and it will
also form a moisture barrier. A standard tarpaulin that is available from a
builders merchant is fine, the thicker the better. Then place four pieces of
regular lumber under each wheel position on top of the tarp.
2.
Some cars have a storage
switch or fuse that can be tripped to keep things like dome lights and
non-essential systems from needlessly draining the battery. Check the owner's
manual for the switch location or special fuse location.
3.
Change the oil and filter.
4.
Replace brake fluid with DOT
3
5.
Do not drain the fuel tank,
as an empty tank will cause condensation and it will start to rust! Top off
fuel tank, then pour Stabil into the tank and run it for a few minutes (to get
it into the fuel lines) If you don't cycle your fuel through the tank every two
months, it starts an oxidation process and will turn into varnish over time,
this can clog your fuel lines, One ounce protects three gallons of any type of
fuel.
6.
Release the fuel system pressure by removing the relay and allow
the engine to run until it stalls and then replace the relay
7.
Top off coolant with a 50/50
water and corrosion inhibitor and fill all fluids
8.
Spray distributor with WD-40
9.
Protect the paint, give the
vehicle a good washing, dry it thoroughly and then apply Collinite # 845 Liquid Insulator Wax x 2, buff the polish and then apply a second coat but do not buff.
It will provide more protection and a
better durability for vehicle storage
purposes
10.
Clean the interior of the
car, apply a generous coating of Leather Master’s Protection to all leather
surfaces, and use a box of DampRid moisture absorbing products, also leave a
bar of scented soap under the seats (vermin don't like the smell)
11.
Apply Wurth HHS-2000 clear
spray lubricant to seat rails and sunroof guide rails
12.
Apply a conditioner to
`rubber' weather stripping (Zymol Seal)
13.
Close trunk, and hood, and
stuff the exhaust so as mice do not enter, steel wool works better than rags as
they cannot chew or use it for nesting material.
14.
Close windows but leave a
small gap to ensure rubber seals are not completely flattened, same for doors,
close to first `click'
15.
Over inflate the tyres
(50psi) and put car on Tyre
Cradles to avoid flat spots; cars with low
profile tires will flat spot. It is a rule of thumb that if your car's tires
have an aspect ratio of 50 or less, they will flat spot.
16.
Do not place car jacks as
these will unload the suspension and may do harm. Some vehicles should not be
stored with the suspensions unloaded (check with manufacturer)
17.
Store the car in gear; do
not apply the emergency brake.
18.
Remove sparkplugs and inject
a little oil down into each of the cylinders.
19.
Remove the battery, clean
and store separately (the myth about storing a battery on concrete is just
that, a myth) coat the terminals with Wurth battery and terminal cleaner, do
the same thing with the cable terminals, coat battery hold down bolts with WD40.
20.
Disconnecting the battery
will cause the radio pre-sets and the seat position memory to be lost. Once the
battery is re-connected the engine control unit (ECU) will reset automatically
(a good thing to do occasionally anyway)
Alternatively use a Deltran Battery Tender®, a fully
automatic two-stage lead acid battery charger, lightweight, compact size,
trickle charger that assures batteries are maintained after charging. Ideal for
all lead-acid, sealed maintenance free and gel cell batteries. After full 14.4
VDC charge is reached, converts to float charger and monitors battery at 13.2
volts. When voltage drops below 12.6 VDC, charger resumes charging back to 14.4
VDC, a two-colour LED indicator, Spark-proof; reverse polarity protected,
twelve-foot output cord and quick-connect harness. Comes with a set of quick
disconnect clamps and rings
21.
Cover the car with a good
quality cotton car cover. If you are storing the vehicle outside use a UV
sunshade on the windshield and rear window, plus a car cover
22.
Store convertibles with the
top up; convertible tops can actually shrink if they are left in the down
position, for an extended period of time.
23.
Inspect the vehicle from
time to time and check to ensure that the DampRid is still operational
A British company Bilt-Hamber
Laboratories have a product - Dynax UC new
high-performance anti-corrosion wax provides a touch-dry firm wax film that's
virtually invisible, a low film thickness see-through protective shield. Its
firm wax like film is rich in unique metal seeking corrosion inhibitors that
stop existing and prevent new corrosion.
It can be applied to bare metal or painted surfaces in fact anywhere
where a discrete and powerful inhibitor is needed.
Completely safe to use on
the vast majority of paint coatings and is ideal where dark colored waxes or
under seal would detract from the painted finish of vehicle bodywork or
underside. The touch dry, spray-on wax film also provides a tough mechanical
protection to protected surfaces.
This is the ideal product to
provide high levels of protection from salt corrosion during the winter months
Vehicle Storage Cover
Sometimes having a safe, dry, cosy place
to keep your car, truck or SUV adequately protected from the elements is not
enough. A Kimberly-Clark Corporation Dustop™ is a 4-layer fabric that stops all but the finest dust (less
than 5 microns). The Dustop fabric with Block-It™ technology has an ultra-soft
interior fabric that protects paint and enough cushioning to help prevent door
dings. Car cover can be your answer by protecting your vehicle from some of the
things you can't control. Using an indoor car cover is fundamental to
maintaining your car’s paint while it’s in storage. It will provide you with
peace of mind from dust and the minor bumps and rubs that can and do
happen. Keeping your vehicle protected
is smart insurance.
·
Dirt & Dust Resistance - 10
·
UV Sun Resistance – N/A
·
Dent & Ding Resistance - 10
·
Moisture Resistance – N/A
·
Durability Strength - 7
·
Material Breathability – 10
This car covers are designed
as our best solution for storing your vehicle indoors. There are a total of 4
layers that make up this fabric.
The first two layers are
polypropylene/polyethylene (PP) and act as outer protection for your vehicle
against dings, dents, scratches and heat. PP offers excellent strength and
stability, while PE brings superior softness. Combined, they form a soft
barrier that protects your car when bumped or something is dropped on it.
When temperatures rise, this
outer combination can also keep the surface and interior of the vehicle much cooler.
The top two layers of the car cover can prevent sharp claws from cats and other
animals that have been known to rest on your investment from scratching the
painted finish. The third is a melt blown polypropylene film that traps dirt
and dust and prevents it from getting to your vehicle.
Tests have demonstrated that
multiple layer materials are more effective than one layer woven fabrics at
keeping dirt and dust out. This is an important factor in keeping the finish of
your car, truck or SUV always looking its best. Finally, the fourth layer or
inner layer is a soft, high-loft spun bound composite that pampers and protects
your vehicle's finish.
·
4-ply developed by
Kimberly-Clark and made in the U.S.
·
Soft flannel-like fabric
designed as our "best" indoor cover
·
Nearly dirt and dustproof,
keeping vehicle surface clean
·
Breathable characteristic
allows for moisture evaporation
·
4-ply material provides
ultimate ding and scratch protection
·
Mould and mildew-resistant
to protect delicate car finishes
Tyre Storage
The Tyre Garage
lets you to safely store seasonal tyres outside, which frees up extra space in
your storage areas. This innovative, new product is made of the same rugged,
weatherproof material used for boat covers and awnings. It retains its colour
and strength for years of normal exposure to sunlight and rain. It also resists
mildew and cleans easily Also great for inside storage, it will cover up that
unsightly pile of tyres - TOTL
·
Pack each tyre separately in tyre covers (TireTote)
storage bags will work just as well, provided that they are sealed.
·
Store the winter tyres in a cool, dry place out of direct
sunlight as ultra violet (UV) radiation will cause them to dry out. Basements
and garages are good storage places, as well as temperature regulated, water
proof sheds. If none of these options are available, contact a reputable tyre
dealer that offers tyre storage.
·
Stack the tyres flat on their sides, not more than four tyres
high. Tyres stacked more than four high are unstable and can tip over.
·
Check the tyre pressure for each set of tyres when it's time to
remount the tyres. Consult the manufacturer's instructions for the appropriate
tyre pressure
Engine Start Up
·
When time comes to start the engine, pull the fuel pump
relay/fuse and crank the engine without it getting any fuel for a while to
prime the lubrication system/circulate the oil. This will avoid washing down
dry cylinder walls with fuel before it starts up.
·
Remove the steel wool from the exhaust pipes
·
Run the vehicles air conditioning system for a few minutes and
check for leaks and / or loss of refrigerant as the seals may be dry
·
Assuming you heated up the car to full operating temp after
changing the oil and filter (pre-storage) at start-up there should be only
minimal deposits and contamination.
·
Fill the stored car with low viscosity oil during storage and if
possible start the engine occasionally to ensure the oil and water gets a
chance to circulate
·
Drain the oil system and before replacing the oil and filter
fill it with oil as this will enable oil priming upon start up and prevent dry
cranking
Rodent Infestation
The mouse (Mus musculus)
can at times be harmful rodents; they are carriers of more than
sixty infectious diseases spreading them through their parasites
and feces.
They
can transmit pathogens that cause diseases such as salmonellosis, a form of
food poisoning. In North America,
breathing dust that has come in contact with mouse excrements has been linked
to Hantavirus, which may lead to Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS). So ensure
you have the appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) gloves, masks,
goggles and coveralls.
Remediation of odour,
cleaning, sanitizing replacing components affected by the rodent to include
ventilation system and cabin air filters.
Spray
down with disinfectants and HEPA vacuum any droppings or materials they have
contaminated. The danger from infection comes from mice droppings (feces) which
look like black peppercorn and about 0.12 in long, and have a strong musty
smell, its urine, which can be seen with a black light, a strong odor is more
likely caused from decaying matter especially if the rodent has died.
Rodents are carriers of more than sixty infectious diseases like
hanta virus and persons cleaning should wear PPE (Personal Protective
Equipment) gloves, masks, goggles and coveralls, and not stir up droppings or
materials contaminated. Spray down with
disinfectants and HEPA vacuum any droppings or materials contaminated
Rodents
due to their size (3or 4 inches long) are able to squeeze into many small
places where they leave droppings, urine or nest and sometimes die. The areas
to check would be the engine heat shield, exhaust pipes, heater box opening,
and glove box, under dashboard and seats, door storage, the center console
bumper covers and the trunk.
The odour is more likely
caused from urine, faeces and / or decaying matter
Proceed
to remove plenum cowling from around windshield and then clean and disinfect
entire area and parts. Fog a/c ventilation ducts with disinfectants, remove
cabin air filter and disinfect housing, when decontamination is complete
replace cabin air filter with new.
Check behind heat shield for
nests or decomposing matter, check the interior compartment, under seats to
include trunk for any sign of droppings, or nests. Check electrical wiring for
any damage.
Inspect all interior
areas and under seats and include trunk for any sign of droppings, or nests and
/ or decomposing matter. Check electrical wiring for any damage. Once all areas
have been checked, cleaned and disinfected, treat for odor with appropriate
chemicals. When you have finished cleaning go over all hard and soft surfaces
with Lysol disinfectant or a vapour steam cleaner.
Inspect
all interior areas and under seats and include trunk for any sign of droppings,
or nests and / or decomposing matter. Check electrical wiring for any damage.
Once all areas have been checked, cleaned and disinfected, treat for odor with
appropriate chemicals. When you have finished cleaning go over all hard and
soft surfaces with Lysol disinfectant or a vapour steam cleaner.
(See
also Odour, Mould and Smoke Control article).
Havahart® Small 1-Door Easy Set® Trap-this durable, rust resistant trap lets you set and
release with just one hand, keeping you far away from the captured animal. The
trap features a solid plate covering the top and doors that serves as a hand
guard to limit contact with the animal
Products - Microban
Mildew & Mold Remover is an environmentally-safe,
anti-microbial formula that destroys bacterial odours on contact. When you
cannot use chlorine, Microban is a very effective solution. The formula is a
water-based, nonflammable bactericide, fungicide, deodorant and
anti-microbial, all in one formulation
Application - do
not dilute, use full strength, apply via sprayer to porous surfaces until
moist, no not over wet, brush into carpeting, allow to dry 10-20 minutes
A vapour steam cleaning of
the interior will help to sanitise and kill any remaining bacteria
Caution- use
respiratory protection and gloves as the droppings (feces) constitute
a health hazard that can cause an allergic reactions and respiratory problems,
and cause disease
Arachnids (spiders)
Many people have an inherent
fear of spiders. They are attracted to warm, dark small spaces, like panel
gaps, air vents, and in the engine bay or trunk of your vehicle. Some species
prefer to stay closer to the outdoors, weaving their webs in your garage,
garden or near your outside lighting. Most spiders are a nuisance primarily
because of their webbing.
All spiders can and will
bite if in danger or accidentally touched; and any spider bite can cause a
reaction, ranging from a sting type bite to those requiring
hospitalization. Different people react
in different ways
EcoSMART Spider Blaster - http://www.ecosmart.com/products/spider-blaster-9-oz-can/
Application:
Kills spiders (black widow, brown recluse,
cellar, wolf, and others), scorpions, silverfish and other crawling insects
Hold container upright and aim nozzle away from person. Press button firmly to
spray. Contact as many insects as possible. For spiders, apply until web is
wet. Repeat as necessary.
Spider Identification (USA) -
http://www.termite.com/spiders/usa.html
Airflow Air Chamber -
an ingenious indoor tent for your car which pumps up to 50,000 litres of
filtered air around your car every hour. This keeps it free from moisture,
helping prevent rust, mildew and other unpleasant effects of damp.
With a rigid, 3D internal
frame, it stands upright so you can drive your car in after a mere 45 minute’s
assembly. It’s totally portable and available in 8 sizes to fit your garage and
vehicle. Turns any shed or barn into the perfect environment for storing any
occasionally used items. (UK) - http://bit.ly/6fUMbL
ValuGuard
Transseal TPF - a sheet film is a breathable
temporary protective film designed to protect finished paint surfaces without
the use of adhesives. The performance of
the TPF film is very similar to that of a skin or membrane, allowing the paint
surface or substrate to continue to breathe or outgas while protecting the
paint finish from mutilation and/or environmental damage.
At application, the TPF film
reacts like a “shrink wrap” packaging material easily conforming to component
surfaces. And since the Trans Seal film
is not readily affected by UV light, the film can endure long periods of
outdoor exposure.
Encapsulation Storage System
A perfect solution for those
enthusiasts faced with the dilemma of long-term storage of any car or truck.
The unique (and patented) Car Capsule – http://www.carcapsule.com/
vehicle storage system - virtually "seals" the vehicle in its own
purified environment. A continuous airflow keeps the car dry and prevents
corrosion and mildew. It also eliminates that "musty" door that is so
common with stored vehicles. The air is filtered, and is circulated by a highly
efficient fan that costs just a little over a dollar per month to operate and
is warranted for 5 years. Features an 18 oz. Herculite
laminated fabric base-mat, double polished 8-mil PVC shroud and heavy-duty
nylon zipper closure, the material is warranted for two years. It's easy to
use, and shows-off your pride and joy while protecting it, available in a
variety of sizes from 14' to 20' in length
Mould (Mold)
Stachybotrys Chartarum [: fungi that
grow in the form of multi- cellular filaments, called hyphae]
[Many molds can begin growing at 4 °C (39 °F), the temperature
within a typical refrigerator, or less. When conditions do not enable growth,
moulds may remain alive in a dormant state depending on the species, within a
large range of temperatures before they die. The many different meld species vary
enormously in their tolerance to temperature and humidity extremes. Certain
moulds can survive harsh conditions such as the snow-covered soils of
Antarctica, refrigeration, highly acidic solvents, and even petroleum products
such as jet fuel. Xerophilic molds use the humidity in the air as their only
water source; other moulds need more moisture. Mold has a musty odor.]
Without identifying and
eliminating the source of the mould you can't get rid of it, there are many
Counteractant type products that mask odours; what you need to do is remove and
clean and thoroughly dry the whole area; carpets, upholstery (inc foam and etc)
that is affected, including the headliner and metal floor pan (don’t forget to
clean/replace the cabin air filter).
Just like mould and mildew
contamination in other areas, you cannot wash or shampoo it away. This only
exasperates the problem. Mould is a form of fungus which forms anywhere there’s
moisture trapped in the air, and is spread by releasing millions of tiny spores
into the air. You cannot see the spores but you may be able to see moulds,
grey, green or black in colour, growing on damp surfaces.
Dirt and moisture are essential to mildew
propagation, which is very difficult to eradicate as mould uses enzymes to
digest nutrients from organic materials, the mould forms on top of the material
and also down into its fibres leaving circular or black spots in an irregular
pattern. Mould / mildew needs to be neutralized as it will not dissipate
without treatment as the spores are still present and moisture will regenerate
them
There are hundreds of
thousands of types of mould, but only about ten types cause health problems,
commonly sinusitis, bronchitis and other respiratory conditions, as well as
allergies. I would strongly recommend you wear appropriate personal protection
equipment (PPE) safety glasses, respirators; etc inhalation of mould could be
very detrimental to your health and can cause an allergic reaction
There are many
Counteractants products that only mask odours; what you need to do is remove
and clean and disinfect the whole area; carpets, upholstery (including the
upholstery foam and etc) that is affected, including the headliner and metal
floor pan. Don’t forget to clean/replace the cabin air filter.
Remove the seats and
thoroughly clean the carpet with a carpet cleaner and a disinfectant. Then let
it air dry, or use a heater to ensure that they are completely dry. To
neutralize mould use 10:1 Distiller water / (non-chlorine) bleach solution, use
a syringe to inject solution into seating foam, you may need to remove and
replace the carpet padding.
Microban®
Disinfectant Spray environmental protection against: germs, odours, mould and
mildew-http://www.baneclene.com/catalog/microban.html The first thing to
do is to raise as much dirt / dust from the carpet with a brush by using a
circular motion over the whole carpeted area; this will loosen the debris and
bring it to the top of the carpets pile, enabling a vacuum to remove it
Sporicidin®
Enzyme Mold Stain Cleaner - concentrate is a blend of enzymes in a low foaming solution
formulated to loosen and remove dried debris, protein, blood and mucin
deposits. It effectively cleans both natural and synthetic fibres that have
been soiled with organic and inorganic debris. Ideal for use as a pre-cleaner
for mould remediation, and restoration applications
·
Standard and Reference Guide for Professional Mold Remediation,
published by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration
Certification (IICRC) also contains valuable information
·
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides free
brochures to anyone who asks.
·
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and a few other
organizations can be considered unbiased and reliable sources.
·
The National Institute of Safety & Health (NIOSH) is also an
excellent source of unbiased information.
Professional
detailers –
as your you’re dealing with health-related issues, bear in mind that we are
living in a litigious society, so document the process / procedures used on
this type of remediation.
Current Information
To be of real practical use, a subject like automotive detailing
requires a great deal of research, and updating as new products become
available. The advent of materials like detailing clay, micro fibre
technologies and finely milled micro diminishing abrasives, suitable for
ceramic nanotechnology paints are examples of why it’s so important to monitor
the industries new products, chemical technologies and ideas that are
constantly being introduced, as are the techniques for applying them, hence all
of the in-depth articles will be up-dated and revised on a regular basis
Always be willing to learn;
because the more you learn, the more you’ll realize what you don’t know. You
should never stop learning, and your quest for information should be part of
your everyday process. It is
said that knowledge is power, with the caveat that it includes access to a
reliable information sources. I would like to think that these articles become an asset to anyone who
is new to detailing and to professional’s alike, as well as industry experts
who seek to advance their knowledge.
I detailed my first vehicle
at the age of fourteen forty plus years later I started to write detailing
articles to share my experiences. For about fifteen years or so I started to
contribute to various detailing forums answering questions posted by
neophyte’s, enthusiasts and professionals alike. My mantra has always been Experience
Unshared Knowledge Wasted.
About the author - http://togwt1980.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/about-author.html
This is not a product
vendor’s catalogue, nor am I a vendor pretending to be an educator, as there
are a lot of companies that are now sponsoring detailing forums, giving advice and
preaching that only the product they sell or manufacture are suitable. In reality
they are just advertisements, with the appearance of educators, mere salesman.
Those who have something to sell can be very persuasive, often using marketing
pseudo-science (i.e. blurring the
distinction between science and fiction) to make a great case while completely
ignoring meaningful facts, like their product adds nothing of real value.
I purchase all the products
I use, so the endorsement is entirely personal and commercially unbiased, the
product recommendation is based on "Does exactly what it says on the
box" and it suits my detailing goals.
The products mentioned have been
personally subjected to extensive laboratory (using state of the art
instruments and methodologies in some of the world's most prestigious labs) as
well as field testing, and I have found that they will perform the task more
than adequately, hence the personal recommendation, using the methodology and
tools cited, which may or may not be the same as those recommended by the
manufacturer.
I hope these articles are informative. They are based on the
current status of technical development as well as my experience with the
products.
By having some understanding of the ‘What’ and ‘Why’ as well as the
‘How’ along with a little science to help you understand how the chemicals we
use react, you can achieve the results you desire.
I would appreciate it if you
would share these articles as it helps other detailers further their knowledge.
As always if you have
questions, I’ll do my best to answer; bear in mind the only stupid questions is
the one that was unasked. Questions and/ or constructive comments are
always appreciated
Copyright © 2002 - 2015 TOGWT® (Established 1980) all rights reserved
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