Storing an M Car for Six Months or More

Most storage damage happens slowly and silently. A car put away carelessly in October is a repair bill in April.

Before it goes away

Change the oil first, not after. Old oil is acidic and sitting in a crankcase for six months causes real harm. Fill the tank to limit condensation and add stabiliser if the car will sleep longer than four months.

Battery and tires

A quality tender, not a trickle charger. Overinflate tires by around ten psi to reduce flat-spotting, and remember to correct the pressures before driving.

The building

A breathable cover, never plastic. Rodent deterrents around the engine bay and cabin air intake — chewed wiring harnesses are the most expensive storage failure by a wide margin.

Waking it up

Check fluid levels and tire pressures before starting. Let it idle to temperature before moving, and check that the brakes release fully before the first drive.