With storage on many people's minds at this time of year, what would we advise to do your car?

A) A thorough clean top to bottom

B) Check all fluid levels, fill the gas tank and use a stabiliser additive.

C) Set tire pressures about 5-6 psi over normal.

D) Install a "battery maintainer" charger, this will keep a charge in the battery but allow the voltage to fall and rise, thereby helping prevent battery failure and keeping the car's ECU memories avoiding having to reset them.

E) Depending on location, some kind of 'critter' control, there are products available to deter unwanted squatters who might choose to use part of the car for a midnight snack or bathroom facility!

F) Soft breathable car cover.

OIL CHANGES:

We use a full synthetic oil in most cars, but older cars may be better with old style dinosaur oil plus a zinc additive. Either way, an interval of 5-6000 miles is good, although longer periods 10-12,000 might work also (make sure that you check level regularly). Pictured left is a conrod from a Ferrari 355 blow up, lack of lubrication to the bottom end! Fluids are important, many manufacturers use a specific coolant or hydraulic oil and we will mostly purchase these directly from  a dealer rather than choosing some off brand.

TRACK EVENTS:

Be sure to have your vehicle checked over carefully before any type of track event or trip. We can advise on any possible issues which may be noticed during the inspection. Most groups will require this and also ask that the brake fluid be fresh. Many tracks also request that coolant does not contain antifreeze. Recently there was a tragic accident during a DE where a car slid offroad after hitting some spilled coolant, killing the instructor. Another point that this brings up is to install a proper racing seat and harness and maybe even a rollcage, unfortunately these make road use less comfortable many times.