I need some advise here. I purchased a beater to drive during the winter and some of the summer while i get my S2000 to the way i want it. As of right now my S2000 is in my garage on 4 jack stands with the tires off the car (getting them mounted).

Here is my question (yes, i finally got to it)
Its probably gonna end up being June-July before my car is where i want it to be.. is it safe to leave the car on jacks that long with suspension unloaded.. or should i leave it sitting normally unless i need to get under it?

Only reason i am thinking of leaving it on jack stands is because it is going to make it alot easier to get under it for future mods without having to deal with jacking it up.

As well, should i drain all the fluids since car is going to be sitting that long? or is it safe to leave fluids the way they are right now?

Thanks in advance,

Chad

ps.. battery has already been taken out of the car

ps #2 - I could really go without the "why did you buy a car to just leave it in garage replies.. so please if you are thinking about doing that, post elsewhere... thanx much

 

Chad,

I can't think of any reason not to keep the car up on the stands, especially with the wheels off. The components would probably not be under any undue stress this way and it will also keep the tires from flat spotting. (I have Potenza SO3's on my 5 series BMW that flat spot after four or five days of sitting, and it takes several miles for them to work themselves out). As far as fluids are concerned, I'd probably flush the brakes and clutch with fresh fluid and then leave the fluid in place. I don't have a solid opinion about the other fluids, maybe others will chime in

Mark

 

Thanks Mark, I appreciate your response.

 

I've heard that you should do a fresh oil change before putting the car into storage and after bringing out of storage.

 

I'm not sure what exactly qualifys as a "long time" but on page 206 in the owners manual it suggests raising the car for extended storage.

 

Raven,

Thank you very much! I honestly didnt even look in the owners manual, didnt even think about it.
That certainly answers that portion of it!

 

With the crappy gas we have today, make sure you put fuel stabilizer in the tank if there is any gasoline.

 

Owners Manual Said to do Following:

- Fill fuel tank (i have full tank)
- Change the engine oil and filter (did that 500 miles ago)
- Wash and dry the exterior completely (i'll have to do that when it warms up some)
- Clean the interior. Make sure carpeting, floor mats, etc are completly dry (done)
- Raise the convertible top cover (i have hardtop)
- Leave the parking brake off. Put the transmission in reverse (doing that right now)
- Block the rear wheels
- If car is to be stored for a longer period, it should be supported on jack stands so the tires are off teh ground.
- Leave one window slightly open if the car is being stored indoors (i need to reconnect the battery to do that)
- Support the front wiper blade arms with a folded towel or rag so they do not touch the windshield (i just lifted them)
- To mimize sticking, apply a silocone spray lubricant to all door and trunk seals. Also, apply a vehicle box wax to the painted surfaces that mate with the door and trunk seals.
- Cover the car with a breathable cover, one made from a porous material such as coton.
- If possible, run the engine for a while periodically, perferably once a month.

 

Don't leave your wipers folded up. They'll stretch. And take the hardtop off and put the soft top up. Don't latch it, just put it up.