Car storage and what about Fairbanks?
Let’s back up. Don’t charge your battery OR remove it. Don’t put gas in your tank. 1. DO disconnect the battery. It may need a light/short charge when you get back, but it won’t be completely dead and worthless. 2. Do Not add gas before you leave. 6 months is not long enough for your gas to go bad. However, you will want to burn brand new gas when you return to make up for what little decomposition (in the gas) that did occur. 3. Tires will crack along the sidewalls when sitting for a long period. If you want to make these last longer, drive the car up onto some peices of 2×6. That simply insulates them from the cold and damp floor, and makes a big difference, especially in Minnesota. As far as your car, I think you’re set! Have fun and good luck!
Fairbanks gets cold and cold to the point of having the oil freeze in your car so do not “top off” any liquids whose expansion may cause you problems. Depending on car model and off chance emergency use you might want to consider getting a block warmer in case you want to thaw out your engine or keep it from becoming a rock. Fairbanks has land traffic access unlike Juneau so there is off chance to travel though winter maybe a bit rough. Besides skiing there is dog sledding, events at the University of Alaska campus and simply being social. Alaska allows for great social activities (people are real friendly) but winter does give some folks an opportunity to hibernate and be slightly grumpy- it is a great time to read, watch movies and see the lights. A North Dakotan could probably give you even better tips on taking care of your vehicle during extreme cold so if you know one ask. Hope this helps.
I’m also in Minnesota, and this is a big issue for storing motorcycles. Dan’s MCs has a full winterizing checklist, although his site is extraordinarily annoying with the effects. Do make sure you check out his political spewing too, for shear hilarity. In any case, it was claimed above that gas will not go bad in 6 months. Sure, the gas will still ignite fine 6 months later, the problem you get is carbon clogging up your fuel system–in your case, the injectors. Fill up and stabilize. This will also prevent water from condensing on all those metal parts and rusting. Old Dan recommends that you not use gas with EtOH… I otherwise haven’t heard that. Run the engine a bit before leaving it. Oil: drain it, change the filter, flush, refill. A 14mm wrench and a bucket is basically all you need (of course, your car might not have that size plug bolt). REMOVE YOUR BATTERY. If you leave your ba
Six month shouldn’t hurt your car or battery. I will say just park it and leave it alone… Maybe cover the car with car cover or some sort of a sheet. (just make sure covered car doesn’t get wind-draft… It may rub your cover/sheet against your car) However, If you really want to be extra careful and love your car a lot, try following. Use up as much fuel as possible before park… But do not empty it completely. You wouldn’t need new oil change until you start driving again. OPTIONAL: Jack up your car with your normal Jack and put some brick or 2×4 s under your car (all four sides) But do not completely lift up your car. Lift the car up about 50/50 so that your suspension only comes down about half way from completely down. This will keep pressure off from your tire, spring, etc..etc… Unhook the battery.. Don’t need to take it off… Probably the most importing thing above all is to keeping your interior nice and cozy… Put some Arm&Hammer Baking Soda box with lid open… One med
