www.jec.org.uk

I'm looking for advice on how to preserve or store my vehicle when it's not being used for a few months at a time (up to 6 months) due to my overseas assignments!

My main concern is the weight of the car and the damage to the tyres, do I need to jack up and leave on axle stands or should I over inflate the tyres before storing!

Anything else you would recommend that i should do like disconnecting the battery etc!

Regards
Dougie

1993 4.0L (59,000) Solvent Blue.

I have been laying up my 4.0 Convertible for the past 5 winters, about 4 months at a time whilst we enjoy the Florida sun (I do wish I had the XJS there!). I do the following, with no probs so far:

1. Use a dry garage, (if not then use a GOOD quality fitted exterior car cover, such as CoverCraft, well tied down.)

2. Inflate the tyres to around 45 psi

3. Leave the hand-brake OFF

4. Keep the tank around 1/2 full of petrol.

5. Remove the battery from the car and connect a Battery Conditioner (not a Charger - the Conditioner just maintains the original charge level and can be bought at Halfords etc).

6. Don't lock the doors - nobody can really start/steal it without battery

7. Enjoy the trip. When I get back, before I seriously drive the car I always get it serviced and generally checked out.

Keith,

Thanks for the heads up saves me mucking about with jacks and axle stands etc.

I'll try out your recommendations and see what happens!

Cheers
Dougie