Car Storage

[mako20C]

MOL,
I need to get some ideas on how I can prepare my vehicles to not washed/wax while Im away for approx. 8 months. They will be outside the whole time in the southern sun.

What Im debating is whether or not it would be better to put two coats of M21 on them and let them sit or try and trust my wife to wash them correctly.
I know she will do the best she can I have explained the two bucket method and she knows how to handle the microfibers and water magnets. She know to never go to an automatic car wash. How bad will it be not being waxed for so long. It is killing me trying to figure it out.

Thanks for your input.

[1970judge]

Re: Car Storage

Do the best you can to seal it up with some nice wax and then buy a GOOD tarp. I don't trust ANYONE to wash my car correctly.

[mako20C]

Re: Car Storage

I know I dont let anyone change my oil or do anything. Do you mean like a portable tent set up?

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Car Storage

At least with some type of canopy. The car will not be directly in the sun for the 8 months. Basically, give it a good waxing. And thats about all you can do.

Here is another thought. If it is in your budget. Get the vehicle all prepped, then store it in a mini storage.

[tguil]

Re: Car Storage

You have two very nice vehicles. The black Silverado will probably take more of a beating than the white Tahoe. fs you can find a garage for one, I suggest that it be the Silverado.

As far as wax durability, eight months is quite a while for anything to last outside 24/7. I suggest waxing both trucks well with M21 before you leave. That waxing should last for at least a couple of months. If your wife can do a bucket wash, she most certainly can lay on a coat of wax or two. I suggest that she wax both truck with either Meguiar's cleaner wax of ColorX every couple of months. This will hopefully remove most contaminants. She may not do it like you would but at least there would be some protection.

Know that many new vehicle sit on the dealers lot for eight months or more and most of them clean up OK.

Tom

[StadiumDetail]

Re: Car Storage

If you can swing the price www.carcapsule.com . I've used the indoor models with wonderful success, never tired the outdoor models.

[xantonin]

Re: Car Storage

I would certainly invest in a good car cover, ~$150

[1970judge]

Re: Car Storage

I'd feel safer if I have a good (usually cost 150$ or so for a good one) car cover that is strapped down over the car.

[xantonin]

Re: Car Storage

I'd feel safer if I have a good (usually cost 150$ or so for a good one) car cover that is strapped down over the car.

Agreed, and locked too. Good quality car covers have locks you can put on them so no one steals the car cover.

[ClearlyCoated]

Re: Car Storage

Not the cheapest route, but you could look into long term storage at a parking garage. Many garage structures near major airports offer this service, and usually it's a section of the garage that's reserved for this purpose - meaning that you won't have to worry about a different car being parked next to yours every few days and dinging your doors or fenders. You may want to make a few calls or google a search for your area. Of course, this becomes impractical if your wife will need use of the vehicle during this time.