Looking to put away my GX470 for 6-9 months (winter-spring-summer). Vehicle will be kept in a building but not enclosed. What recommendations are there out there?
Here is what I'm going to do:
- Car Cover
- Battery maintainer
- Full tank of fuel
- Full oil level check

What am I missing?

One of my fears are mice chewing through wiring...

 

What does "in a building but not enclosed" mean? Like under a roof, but no walls?

Mice don't like dryer sheets, so put those on the floor of the interior, and in the engine bay to keep them away. Steel wool in the tail pipe and other similar voids is another trick to keep them from getting into places.

 

Like an open garage, 3 walls and roof but open on one side to the elements.

 

Interesting design...does the rain run off the roof right onto whatever's in the carport? Wait...does it even rain in Utah? LOL!

 

haha...no no...that's just an example...it's a Googled picture...

My GX is in Armenia, we fly back and forth between work and family 1-2 times a year. Looking for pointers for 'proper' extended storage for my GX.

 

I have also heard that the scent of used cat litter will keep mice away, but I'm not sure it'll work for 5+ months. But.. having an open litter tray might invite strays to use it, so it could contain "fresh" scent for a long time. 🤷‍♂️

You might consider putting it on jack stands. Not under the frame but under the suspension (lower control arms in the front, axle tube in the back). It can help prevent flat spots on the tires.

Chip H.

 

Yep, had that thought too...found out the hard way when I went to drive my Honda Accord that was in storage for 6 months...took me ~80 miles just to drive the flat spots out... :-(

 

I would inflate the tires to 50psi (max allowed minus a few) to avoid the bald spot
On top of dryer sheets, steel wool etc., use moth bolls where ever possible, just added insurance
Ensure that you have comprehensive insurance on the vehicle, to cover any damage (if any)
Add a fuel stabilizer before filling up the tank, would help
Ensure that you block the heat from damaging the dash or interior with windshield sun blocker as well

 

Car cover is a must. I pull the batteries out of my cars in storage and put them in the coolest part of the house. None of the rodent deterrents mentioned do anything, trap them or get a cat. If tires develop flat spots I've not been able to do it even after having a car stationary for a year.

 

A fuel stabilizer like Star Tron or STA-BIL Storage gets put in my 65 Mustang Convertible every fall. Parade car , only gets about 50 miles a month on it. Never any problems with fuel varnish at all. We have 10% ethanol mix , so it is a must do here in Maryland if you let a car sit.

 

What is the advantage of pulling the battery verses using a batter tender

 

Not needing to buy a battery tender.

You would need to re-initialize the power windows/sunroof, reprogram radio stations, etc if you pull the battery though.