Considerations for long time Sorn

[Jonnysnapzzz]

Hi all,

Im totally destroyed at the mo as it looks like i have to surrender my driving licence for a year following a second unexplained seizure. I’m totally gutted and will need to park my Zed in storage for a while.

please may I ask what I should consider for 12 months off the road? Are there any precautions I need to consider to ensure it too wont sufferer seizures on my return ?

thank you

 

[ktnez99]

Have you any advice and useful
tips @t-tony @Mint @Paul Rice @Synclare @Grumps @Jjim @Philpatton , please?

 

[Synclare]

Check if you do actually have to surrender your licence. Someone I know was advised to do so but actually didn't need to as no further recurring problem. Obviously you know yourself if you are fit to drive, don't risk anyones life.
Storage: Ensure good anti freeze/corrosion inhibitor installed. Perhaps put fresh oil/filter in. Inflate tyres to 40 psi and ensure you rotate wheels periodically to avoid flat spots. Ease brake pads away from disc contact and leave note on steering wheel (avoids corrosion and marking disc),. Disconnect battery.
Personally I think 12 months is no big deal, I wouldn't even run the engine.

 

[Jjim]

Are you storing it inside or outside?

Once parked up, put the battery on a trickle charger.

DON’T put handbrake on. As this could rust to the brake disc.

Ideally have an oil change, if going in storage for a prolonged period.

Try not to store in an area that has standing water.

I use silica beads in an open tub (from eBay), in both footwells. To absorb any moisture in the air inside the car.

 

[t-tony]

Not really anything to add on Adrian's comment.

Tony.

ps. Picking up on Jim's comment you can used Rice as a moisture "grabber" it works really well and it's cheap

 

[mwpe]

I hope you have a garage to store it in, first do an oil change and possibly coolant if it hasn't been changed for a while. you could leave it on axle stands or alternatively leave it on the ground but inflate the tyres to about 40 psi and chock the wheels fore and aft, leave the handbrake off. Either remove the battery or use a battery conditioner like a C tek. There are other things but I cannot think of them at the moment.

 

[Synclare]

As you are in Notts perhaps one of us can give you a ride out in the peaks during this period?

 

[mwpe]

Check if you do actually have to surrender your licence. Someone I know was advised to do so but actually didn't need to as no further recurring problem. .

I would second that, I know someone who had this problem and it was very difficult and time consuming getting it back.

 

[Mint]

Have you any advice and useful tips ... @Mint ... please?

I haven't anything else to add to the above comments. I haven't moved my 3.0 for over a year (not planned) and did nothing other than leaving the handbrake off. I have just recently put a battery conditioner on it. It is in a carport so not out in the weather and is well ventilated.

 

[ktnez99]

I haven't anything else to add to the above comments. I haven't moved my 3.0 for over a year (not planned) and did nothing other than leaving the handbrake off. I have just recently put a battery conditioner on it. It is in a carport so not out in the weather and is well ventilated.

If the handbrake is off, and stored outside on a drive, if in first gear can it be moved? For example, off a drive?

Thanks for comments, btw. You are all fab!

 

[ktnez99]

As you are in Notts perhaps one of us can give you a ride out in the peaks during this period?

I second this! There are many of us

 

[Grumps]

I stored Reggie in the garage just simply left the handbrake off and disconnected the battery. Hope your health improves quickly.

 

[Jonnysnapzzz]

Thank you everyone for the great tips and kind words, it’s a really sh*t time. I have been here before, last time it was six months but sadly a second time it’s 12 months.

My Zed is garaged but offsite so I can’t keep on a trickle charge, but will disconnect the battery. It was recently serviced so should be fine on the oil I guess.

thank you once again for everything

 

[Pingu]

If your roof is leak-free, you will have no problems.

Don't put it on axle stands unless you can raise the suspension until the car just starts to come of the stands, then lower it back onto the stands. The suspension is designed to be stored in it's natural position.

Tyres, battery and brakes - all good advice above. Don't use a brick as a brake, use a wedge. The brick will deform the tyre.

Take it for a good run before storage, get it nice and hot. Park it up where you will be storing it, do all the stuff you need to do, and leave it for the duration - don't start it again until you want to drive it. Running the car for a few seconds will fill the exhaust with moisture.

When it comes to starting it, ask us again, as there will be things to do and ways to do it.

Don't park it in the shade, unless you don't have a choice. Having the sun on it will not affect the paint, but it will help to keep it dry. It wouldn't be a bad idea to wash it BEFORE you take it for its last drive. Don't do it after, or you are just introducing moisture that will take ages to dry off.

 

[Fender2004]

As ktnez99 states make sure you have to return your licence, as my next door neighbour returned his and then took another 6 months after the hand back period, to finally get his returned!