I have a 2002 Ford Explorer 2wd that is going to be parked for 2 to 3 years. What should I do so I don't have a pile of junk or a lot of problems when the time comes for it to be driven everyday.

vanman250

 

good question, i am wondering the same with my truck, and if i should sell or store for a few years?

 

If it's possible...arrange to have a friend or family member drive it once a week for 30-60 minutes. (someone who you can trust to not tear it up)

 

I've put my 62 Fairlane into hibernation for 2 or 3 years at a time for the last 20 years. I've learned a few things to do and not to do.

1. Make sure it is put in a dry place. Moisture kills
2. Use a fuel stabalizer-don't run it dry and leave it like I did last time because fuel pump valves and diaphrams (and probably fuel filters) go bad and you have to replace them. Untreated fuel gums up everything.
3. Wax and treat the surfaces before you store it.
4. Cover the vehicle with old sheets or something that can breath. It keeps the dust and dirt off of it as well as bird or bat droppings should they get in.
5. Make sure mice can't get in and live in the vehicle or under the hood. (I put rat poison out, dryer sheets and hope)
6. Disconnect the battery and use a battery maintainer on the battery if you want to save the battery.
7. Change the oil-they recommend squirting oil in the cylinders but I never have.
8. Unless the vehicle is special to you, the best bet would be to sell it and buy another when you need it. The depreciationa and loss of value as well as the deterioration would make the selling the most practical solution.