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[ScaniaV8]

Hi,
Is there anything special that  I need to consider before storing the Miggy car (i.e parked up/non use) for a period of 3 or 4 months... battery disconnect, Oil and coolant considerations, other electrical  etc etc.  Car just SORN whilst carrying out some engine related/MOT repairs
All advice appreciated..
cheers   :-/

[Ken L]

Parked up outside for this time? or in a garage? will you be moving it about if you're working on it during this time?

[Kevin Wood]

3 months isn't too long. Take the battery out and give it a charge periodically to stop it going flat. Ideally give it an oil change beforehand if the oil is old as this removes acids from the crankcase. Coolant should be kept fresh as always.

Don't be tempted to start it just to run it. Does more harm than good to keep starting an engine without giving it a workout to get everything hot, IMHO.

If it's going to be sat outside, a good wash and wax beforehand to protect the paintwork.

Kevin

[Ken L]

Especially if outside, wrap the brake discs/calipers up with plastic bags to protect from the elements, and choc the wheels and leave the handbrake off.

[ScaniaV8]

Cheers Guys thanks for the advice..very much appreciated.
I'm actually working in Sweden full time but manage to normally get back once a month usually but I will be quite busy during next 3-4 months so my last visit back is this weekend. I just wanted to avoid flat battery and other electrical/mechanical irritations whilst the MIG is laid up. It will be parked outside unfortunately, open to all the elements :-(.

[unlucky mark mv6]

If the car is to be stored outside,it may be worth buying one of those solar panels that clip on to your sunvisor,and plugs into your fag lighter,to provide the battery with a trickle charge,but dont know if they are any good,just something i noticed in a mag,and maybe someone else can comment on them.

[djac]

I've got one of those solar chargers, and I think it helps. The car seems to start a bit more smartly after standing for 3-4 days, and doesn't throw up those odd messages so much on starting.

Try to go for one with a slightly higher output, they range from 1 watt up to about 2.5 watt (they do go higher but start to cost silly money). My one is 1.2w but I am planning on buying a 2.4w and using the 1.2w on my motorbike.

You will also need to check that the socket in the car stays live with the ignition off, or wire directly to the battery.

[Kevin Wood]

You will also need to check that the socket in the car stays live with the ignition off, or wire directly to the battery.

The Omega one doesn't, so it will do no good plugged into the lighter socket.

If connecting anything to the battery, you must include a fuse rated appropriately to protect your wiring, as close to the battery as possible.

In this case, may as well remove the battery IMHO.

Kevin

[djac]

You will also need to check that the socket in the car stays live with the ignition off, or wire directly to the battery.

The Omega one doesn't, so it will do no good plugged into the lighter socket.

If connecting anything to the battery, you must include a fuse rated appropriately to protect your wiring, as close to the battery as possible.

In this case, may as well remove the battery IMHO.

Kevin

So it's only us lucky Elite owners with the 12v accessory socket at the back of the console which stays live, then?

[Jimbob]

You will also need to check that the socket in the car stays live with the ignition off, or wire directly to the battery.

The Omega one doesn't, so it will do no good plugged into the lighter socket.

If connecting anything to the battery, you must include a fuse rated appropriately to protect your wiring, as close to the battery as possible.

In this case, may as well remove the battery IMHO.

Kevin

So it's only us lucky Elite owners with the 12v accessory socket at the back of the console which stays live, then? :)

should only stay live for a short time (15 mins) after engine switch off 

[Dave Elite]

Especially if outside, wrap the brake discs/calipers up with plastic bags to protect from the elements, and choc the wheels and leave the handbrake off.

Or leave it in park

[Kevin Wood]

should only stay live for a short time (15 mins) after engine switch off 

Certainly true on my facelift. Front socket is switched by ignition key, rear has a timer.

and leave the handbrake off.

Very good idea.

Kevin

[djac]

"...should only stay live for a short time (15 mins) after engine switch off.."

Darn! And I was so sure it was making a difference!

Perhaps it is just in my head - like the voices...

Oh well, I can save some money now, I'll just move the panel I've got onto my bike...

[Jimbob]

"...should only stay live for a short time (15 mins) after engine switch off.."

Darn! And I was so sure it was making a difference!

Perhaps it is just in my head - like the voices...

Oh well, I can save some money now, I'll just move the panel I've got onto my bike...

Could always check....they have been known to go faulty 

[Jimbob]

and for clarity, iirc...

Its not just elites have the rear socket, think they all do.

facelift should stay live for 15 mins after switch off
prefacelift should be instant off.