Hello, my family & I have a very pressing situation whereby we MUST be out of state for 6 mo.
What are some ways to keep my LS460 from problems being in our basement that long. I agree
with having the gas tank full and tires properly inflated. Which is better, put a "trickle charge" on it
or just let the battery go down and charge when we return? Thanks for your help.

 

Trickle charge is made just for this sort of this

 

if you can, put the car on jack-stands so there won't be a flat spot on your tires

 

A flat spot in 6 months

 

easily. Sooner too, flat spots affect dealers a lot

 

Here is my advice -

1. Inflate the tires to 45 to 50 pounds. There are pads you can buy to put under the tires. I never used them, but I know guys who do. They may or may not help. I would advise against raising the car on jack stands. The suspension is not meant to be dangling all that time. If you do use them make sure the tires are not completely off the ground so that there is tension on the suspension.

2. Fill the tank with gas and add Stabil.

3. Use a battery tender.

4. Place a desiccant inside the car to absorb moisture.

5. Change the motor oil (synthetic is best).

6. Wash the car, clean the interior and treat the leather surfaces with a non-silicone conditioner.

 

I don't think it makes the slightest difference. Example, when you buy replacement coils from the dealer they have been sitting in a container for years uncompressed that's similar to if the car was on jack stands. Now if you just let the car site versus driving it, not much difference there the coils are loaded just not moving around as you drive.

 

Yes, if possible, but tires should not be inflated higher than the maximum-allowable PSI, which, by law, is printed on the sidewall of the tire. This is NOT the figure, of course, recommended for everyday driving, which is usually on the inside of the drivers' door jamb.



BTW, welcome, cwsouthern, as a brand-new CL poster....and good luck on your trip.

 

I've heard the same thing.

if raised, shocks/struts are fully extended which they are not meant to be (for 6 months anyway) among other things.

 

You're right, it may not make a difference depending on the vehicle. One guy I know who uses jackstands on 60's era Corvette and XKE leaves some tension on the suspension. Leaving the tires dangling or supported may not make a difference. However I will say a coil, shocks and struts in a box are not subject to the weight of the wheels, tires and control arms. I would rather run out flat spots on tires than possibly have to replace a whole suspension system.

Good point I put in a range, but wasn't clear on why.

 

I had my Supra up on jack stands for 2 years. I removed the wheels and let the suspension settle. Just recently got the car running and I have no problems suspension-wise.