SC430 Storage / Winter Storage Master Thread (merged)
The jacking points are fine for short term use however keep in mind that the metal will bend over time. A wood block with the right notches that fit nicely into the jack points is best. Some jack up the rear of the car via the differential which is fine to position the stands on the sides. Just do not use the differential for long term use.
Hope that helps
Lee
Hope that helps
Lee
Lexus Champion
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,973
Likes: 10
From: Arizona
You may wish to consider a couple of additional expenses.
First, a custom fit, cable lockable "NOAH" exterior car cover. This keeps the vent air systems dust free and clean while sitting outside. Along with the paint, rubber trim and interior, since it's an ultraviolet light shield. A custom fit won't blow off in the wind.
Second, a "Battery Tender - Plus", 1.25 amp trickler charger to keep your battery and electrical system in good shape. This is unlike a normal battery charger in that it senses for a trickle charge when needed, then switches on and off as required. (Pep Boys have on sale this week in Arizona). I use mine just to keep my batteries in full charged condiction.
Placing on jackstands; jackstand the front wheels first, since it's heavier. Then the rear wheels.
I have heard the opposite on the air pressure, suggesting to fill the air pressure just below the recommended maximum pressure on the sidewall. But this was for bias ply or radial tires, not run flats. You might consider a call to Lexus for their opinion.
First, a custom fit, cable lockable "NOAH" exterior car cover. This keeps the vent air systems dust free and clean while sitting outside. Along with the paint, rubber trim and interior, since it's an ultraviolet light shield. A custom fit won't blow off in the wind.
Second, a "Battery Tender - Plus", 1.25 amp trickler charger to keep your battery and electrical system in good shape. This is unlike a normal battery charger in that it senses for a trickle charge when needed, then switches on and off as required. (Pep Boys have on sale this week in Arizona). I use mine just to keep my batteries in full charged condiction.
Placing on jackstands; jackstand the front wheels first, since it's heavier. Then the rear wheels.
I have heard the opposite on the air pressure, suggesting to fill the air pressure just below the recommended maximum pressure on the sidewall. But this was for bias ply or radial tires, not run flats. You might consider a call to Lexus for their opinion.
Rookie
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: Tokyo
Long Term Storage To Do's
Hi guys,
It's been awhile since I posted here but been regularly checking up on the posts.
I am in need of your expert advice. Due to work, I will be spending my next three months in US. I will have to leave the car in my garage for three months without it being driven. What are the “To Do” lists for me prior to my departure? I plan to leave low gasoline in the tank and disconnect the battery. Is there anything else that I need to consider in doing?
TIA!
Jason
It's been awhile since I posted here but been regularly checking up on the posts.
I am in need of your expert advice. Due to work, I will be spending my next three months in US. I will have to leave the car in my garage for three months without it being driven. What are the “To Do” lists for me prior to my departure? I plan to leave low gasoline in the tank and disconnect the battery. Is there anything else that I need to consider in doing?
TIA!
Jason
Lexus Champion
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,718
Likes: 0
From: NJ
get a battery manager like this:
http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...manager+iii.do
to protect the interior from moisture, u could use something like this:
http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...siccant+bag.do
Then you'll be set and not have to worry about a weak battery when you come back and start right up.
http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...manager+iii.do
to protect the interior from moisture, u could use something like this:
http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...siccant+bag.do
Then you'll be set and not have to worry about a weak battery when you come back and start right up.
Pole Position
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,670
Likes: 2
From: Illinois
Winter Storage suggestions
Does anyone have ideas how we should store our 2003 SC430 for the winter.
I'm parking it in a detached garage at my late father in-laws house. The car came with a battery buddy trickle charger mounted to the top of the battery. I was told to leave it plugged in all winter so the battery drains all the way down and starts the recharging process again.
I'm not convinced this is a good idea...what if the car catches fire. The home is vacant and I only stop by once every few weeks.
Anything else I should do besides throw a cover on it. Put additives in gas tank or get tires off the ground (jack stands)
TIA
I'm parking it in a detached garage at my late father in-laws house. The car came with a battery buddy trickle charger mounted to the top of the battery. I was told to leave it plugged in all winter so the battery drains all the way down and starts the recharging process again.
I'm not convinced this is a good idea...what if the car catches fire. The home is vacant and I only stop by once every few weeks.
Anything else I should do besides throw a cover on it. Put additives in gas tank or get tires off the ground (jack stands)
TIA
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I'll let others chime in from up north but I've heard the battery tender is a great idea, obviously turn off everything, car cover would be good, check the garage for rodents/squirrels and seal it up good. Tons of people use battery tenders with no issues. I'm considering getting one for my garage queen myself.
CL Community Team
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 3,868
Likes: 394
From: Ohio
I don't know what a "battery buddy" is, but as far as I know, the "Battery Tender" is the device to use for long term storage as it stops charging when the battery reaches full charge, and only recharges as necessary; a continuous charge, even a trickle, is not good for the battery over a long time period. There are gasoline stabilizers that can be added to the tank to retard oxidation, and are readily available at auto and at hardware stores - there is no downside to using something like that, and it is inexpensive. Other than that, you should be fine for a three or four month period. Starting it up during the storage period and driving it a bit to move the tires would be good but not necessary. I store mine with the battery tender for most of the winter and have had no problems; the car starts right up after three months of inactivity.
Lead Lap
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 630
Likes: 1
From: Vermont
I store my SC430 every year for 6 months as I live in the winter wonder land of Vermont.
I add the fuel additive, vacuum it really well, so there is no smell of food or food particles, clean the outside, put foam/rags under the windshield wipers so the blades do not stick to the windshield, crack both the windows about half inch to allow air to flow through the cabin, put high density foam blocks under tires to avoid flat spots, stuff intake and exhaust with rags, disconnect and remove battery from car and bring it inside for warm storage, and then put cover on.
I do not believe in moth ball, dryer sheets, or putting out bait for rodents. If you did a good job cleaning your car it shouldn't be an issue, however...if you're in an area with high concentration of rodents...nothing will keep them if they want in. maybe a prayer will help. I have been storing vehicles of all types since 2004 and have never had a rodent issue knock on wood.
Hope that helps.
I add the fuel additive, vacuum it really well, so there is no smell of food or food particles, clean the outside, put foam/rags under the windshield wipers so the blades do not stick to the windshield, crack both the windows about half inch to allow air to flow through the cabin, put high density foam blocks under tires to avoid flat spots, stuff intake and exhaust with rags, disconnect and remove battery from car and bring it inside for warm storage, and then put cover on.
I do not believe in moth ball, dryer sheets, or putting out bait for rodents. If you did a good job cleaning your car it shouldn't be an issue, however...if you're in an area with high concentration of rodents...nothing will keep them if they want in. maybe a prayer will help. I have been storing vehicles of all types since 2004 and have never had a rodent issue knock on wood.
Hope that helps.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 704
Likes: 28
From: KC, MO
Raising the car off of the tires is a good way to avoid flat spots on your tires. I can be a pain to accomplish though.
Oh yeah, rodents. They have an affinity to Lexus and Toyota. Nice warm sealed cabins and engine compartments. Good intake/exhaust. Don't believe me...but read some of these crazy stories! They also like cabin filters and air filters!
They like warmth! See the first one...YUK!
http://www.salvagedirect.com/asp/vie...itemid=901741&
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/sh...d.php?t=215919
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...-on-gs300.html
http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums...howtopic=62274
http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums...howtopic=63778
They like warmth! See the first one...YUK!
http://www.salvagedirect.com/asp/vie...itemid=901741&
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/sh...d.php?t=215919
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...-on-gs300.html
http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums...howtopic=62274
http://us.lexusownersclub.com/forums...howtopic=63778