What should I do about my car, which is in storage ?

Question

I am overseas (Iraq) and my VW Touareg is in storage and not being used or driven. I will be returning home every four months and will be utilizing the vehicle. Will this inconsistant usage ruin the vehicle, the tires, the engine or nothing at all. The storage is climate controlled.

Answer 1

No, this will not hurt the vehicle. However, you should take the following precautions:
When placing the vehicle in storage, make sure the fuel tank is full. Check all the fluids and make sure they at proper capacities. Disconnect the battery. Make sure the interior is clean from garbage and anything wet which might grow mold )this should no happen in climate-control, but you never know!). You might want to cover the seats to protect from dust.
When you first start up the vehicle, do not race the engine. Just turn the key and let it idle normally for 5-10 minutes to ensure that the oil gets pumped around. Every time you fill the gas tank, add dry gas and injector cleaner.

Answer 2

Actually, It would harm the vehicle.

The battery will go flat. There will be flat spots on your tyres as it is parked too long in the same spot. You will notice the car jumping maybe after a year when the rubber hardens due to environmental deterioration. There is also a potential of the brake master cylinder wearing out.

This happened to my dads car when he starts it only once every 3 months. Get someone to drive your car once a week or else disconnect the battery worse comes to worse..

Answer 3

it should be ok, but there are actually storage places for cars that actually start them up and check all the fluids and stuff like that. I heard about them when I was stationed overseas.
I am not sure how much it is though. But if your storage is climate controlled you should be fine.

Answer 4

Actually, It would harm the vehicle.

Answer 5

It should be ok.