What are the necessary actions to take when storing a car? Do i drain the oil and other fluids? thanks

 

Take the car out for a drive lasting long enough to completly heat the engine and transmission to operating temp.If you are going to store the car for several months change the coolant,oil and filter.I would remove the spark plugs and squirt some oil into the spark plug holes.Not a lot,you just want to coat the cylinder walls.Hold the gas pedal to the floor and crank the engine untill you get oil pressure on the guage.(Don't worry the car won't start,this is how you clear a flooded engine)You can raise the car and slide jackstands underneath to keep the tires off the floor.You can also take pressure off the springs by supporting the car body.If there wil be someone there to charge the battery you can leave it hooked up in the car.If not I would hook up a GOOD battery maintainer and still leave it hooked up in the car.If it's going to be inside a vermin free garage roll the winows down about 1/3 of the way to allow air to circulate and keep mildew at bay.Wash the car thoroughly(get all the bugs off),apply a good coat of wax and sweep out all the seats and carpet.Apply Armorall or an equivalent protectant to all applicable parts and you should be pretty well covered.

 

I also park mine on a rubber matt to add protection from condinsation that will come up through the cement. Also put dryer sheets in the car this will also keep creatures out of your car. I open the doors and hatch a little to give all the rubber moldings a chance to come back into shape while it sets all winter. dont open them where they will open up all the way just enough so ther still on the stricker bolt. and buy a car cover