[s-cars] re: CQ/S6 Storage

[Joan & Paul]

Chris,
I have been storing cars for more than 20 years and here is my check
list:

1. Change oil before and after storage.  If you have dirty oil going
into storage, your internal parts will not be protected from
contaminants in the dirty oil.  Changing after storage ensures removing
any water from condensation.
2. Disconnect the negative battery terminal.  Keeps battery from
draining.  (I have had one particular car in storage for 14 years now
-no room in my garage - and I start this car once a year and the battery
always starts the big V8).
3. Fill the gas tank with premium.  If there is any air in the tank,
condensation will occur.
4. Add an extra 10 PSI to the tires.  Helps keep flat spots from
developing.  (I would put it on jack stands under the suspension, but I
don't have enough stands for all the cars I store)
5. Put a bag of fresh charcoal in the passenger seat.  This helps absorb
any moisture in the car.  Keeps mildew from occurring.
6. Wash car.  Helps keep the car from getting scratched with a cover on.

7. Cover car.  Helps keep dirt off the finish.
8. Make sure there isn't any armor-all or anything like that on any
parts - interior or exterior.  This is a great mildew attractor.
Remember, armor-all keeps things moist and shiny.  The moist part breeds
mildew and mold.

I don't have to worry about rodents where I store my cars (5 miles
underground in a lime-stone mine) but if rodents are in issue, then seal
all entrances - exhaust pipes, air intakes (I've seen nests in the air
box when the intake has not been seals).

Using this check list, I've never had any problems with any of the cars
from my antiques, to motorcycles, to a Lotus Espirit Turbo, to my BMWs
and Audis.

HTH,
Paul Dooley
95 S6


I drive my CQ in the winter and S6 avant in the summer (6 months each).

For ideal storage, what're the steps I should be taking as I store
either one
for 6 months. Some thoughts come to mind, butb please feel free to add:

1. Shoul I disconnect the battery? Should it be hooked up to a trickle
charger
or should I just let it drain?
2. Is it OK to leave the used oil in engine for 6 months, would this
facilitate corrosion? Or should I do an oil change and then store.
3. Should the fuel tank be full or empty?
4. Any pressure issues with the tires?
5. Any issues that apply to the S6 and not the CQ, or vice versa?

Plase feel free to address any other areas I might have left out.

Thanks,
Chris