Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General General long term storage prep

If you're storing the battery with the car, put it on a charger that's designed for long-term storage (provided you have access to power). Take a look at http://www.batterytender.com for some choices. There are other, similar chargers out there. Batteries don't like to sit for that long without use and may not hold a charge afterwards.

I have recent, personal experience on this topic: My Mustang was stuck in the back of my garage for 8-10 months, blocked in by construction material for a home addition. I didn't get a chance to start it regularly, and only put it on a charger occasionally (I don't yet have a Battery Tender). When I finally got the car going again, the battery wouldn't hold a charge (a DieHard, though with only 6 months left on the warranty). I'm certain the battery would have been usable if I had a Battery Tender.

The Battery Tender would have cost less than the battery I just bought - plus I still need a Battery Tender. That's what I get for being too cheap...

whyd you buy a battery if it was under warranty?

Your owners manual has a section that tells you how to store the car.

Cole, I'd leave the oil in it and wouldn't bother w/stabilizers for the oil as the Mobil-1 should be fine for 12 months.

I would consider putting gasoline stabilizer in the gas tank and filling the tank with gas. This reduces the amount of condensation in the tank.

If the garage is heated you might be fine with just disconnecting the battery terminals but if it isn't then you can get a battery "minder/tender" or take the battery inside.

I've heard that one shouldn't store the battery on the floor/ground - supposed to make it discharge quicker. Don't know if there's any truth to it but likely better to be on the safe side. If you do take the battery inside remember that it has toxic chemicals that can give off poisionous gasses so keep it in a ventilated area not your bedroom closet

Good Luck.

BTW - Finally got my Insurance money for the SVT . They were very good with things but I had to get a problem with the registration fixed before they could release the cheque. I've bought a single owner 99 SVT , with a rod throught the motor , so I think I know what I'll be doing this winter. NOw if I can only stop thinking about finding an 01 Escape 3.0L.

Regards, Alan