As someone who uses a classic car in summer and lays it up for winter, can I add a couple of things:
Inflate the tires to about 10-15 psi more than the recommended setting - otherwise the tires will develop flat spots from having the vehicle weight on the same spot all the time - the only cure for this if it happens is new tires! If you do this make sure you leave a post-it or similar note on the steering wheel to remind you to deflate them before you use the vehicle again.
Change the oil at about half the mileage (i.e. twice as often) as you normally would - oil lying in the sump of an unused vehicle picks up contaminents and moisture which won't be kind to your engine.
Also, I run a dehumidifier in my car once a week when it's laid up - you'd be amazed how fast mould grows in an unused vehicle. Before you lay it up give the window and door rubbers a quick going over with silicone spray (available in halfords or any car accessories shop) to stop the doors and windows binding shut.
Inflate the tires to about 10-15 psi more than the recommended setting - otherwise the tires will develop flat spots from having the vehicle weight on the same spot all the time - the only cure for this if it happens is new tires! If you do this make sure you leave a post-it or similar note on the steering wheel to remind you to deflate them before you use the vehicle again.
Change the oil at about half the mileage (i.e. twice as often) as you normally would - oil lying in the sump of an unused vehicle picks up contaminents and moisture which won't be kind to your engine.
Also, I run a dehumidifier in my car once a week when it's laid up - you'd be amazed how fast mould grows in an unused vehicle. Before you lay it up give the window and door rubbers a quick going over with silicone spray (available in halfords or any car accessories shop) to stop the doors and windows binding shut.
it is also a goot idea to take all the weight off the tyres - jack it up so that they are just off the ground - oh and leave the handbrake off, coz it can seize.
Allnick
New Member
Assuming winter is November till April, thats 6 months usage. Towing in the summer (June to August) another 3 months. I don't see a problem.I was just wondering, if I were to use the FL (if I get one) for the winter months, say up til March or April, then only use it a bit in the summer for towing, then ues it again come Oct / Nov, will it rapidly deteriorate with such little use?
Thanks!
More important if laid up in the winter I agree. I always remove the wheels and use winter wheels when laying up the touring caravan. Stationary tyres and frost don't mix.
Good advice.
Agreed. So long as it gets a trip of 30 miles or so every month or so it'll be absolutely fine.
Beast o Bodmin
Banned
thats thw way,far easier to tow away and burn
