What to do with the R8 while gone for months?

[HovyR8]

Hello guys,

I will be gone for 3 months on vacation and I was wondering if anything special needs to be done to "store" the R8.

I live in a condo in downtown Montreal and I intend to run the car around my block until I run out of gas and basically push it with a friend on neutral to the parking lot (thank god it does down and not up). I will do it on a Sunday morning; imagine the traffic jam with 2 guys pushing a R8 in downtown !

By doing so, I would assume it would prevent particle deposits from the gas itself inside the engine and other parts.

My friend also suggested I buy a system that lifts the car off the ground by 2-3 inches; apparently it works with 4 air pistons. By doing so, I intend to prevent wheel deformation due to car's weight.

I know I am a bit too extreme but I do take care of my cars very well.

For the rest, the R8 will be covered with the Audi satin stretch R8 indoor car cover and there are cameras everywhere and 24/7 security on top of 2 gates (so don't look for my R8 while I am gone ).

Any other suggestions/things to do?

I thank you all ahead of time for your answers & feedback!

[swansailor]

Not sure it is a good idea to leave the gas tank and fuel pipes empty. If I were you I would get an oil change, fill up with gas to avoid condensation in the gas tank and park it with the tires pumped up to the maximum permitted pressure (which is 50 psi if I remember correctly). If the parking lot is under cover then I would also put on the satin cover to protect against dust. If it is outside, I would not cover it (but give it a really good wax) since you will get condensation under the cover.

This is what I did for 8 weeks of winter storage of my R8 and the car is fine.

[mngolfer]

When I stored my car for the winter the dealer told me to fill the gas tank up, put 50 PSI of air in the tires, put a trickle charger on it, put anti-static "bounce" sheets everywhere to prevent mice or other animals from eating the rubber hoses, etc. I used about 40 sheets of bounce. When I started took it out of storage on Valentine's day I removed the sheets started it up (smoked for two minutes) and everything was perfect. I lower the tire pressure down to 39 front and 36 rear. All is good since.

[swansailor]

... put a trickle charger on it, put anti-static "bounce" sheets everywhere ...

Forgot about the charger ... I agree. I did that too. Bounce eh? I set a trap in my garage (and I caught one of those little sob's)

[desperado]

If you are concerned about the tires flat-spotting, here is a product you might consider: http://www.raceramps.com/flatstoppers.html

(I use their trailer ramps, and they are a high-quality product.)

[mdc]

Is there really a need to do anything if it is for 3 months? I am thinking having a family member or a friend to start it up once a week and drive it around the block is good enough. Unless you do not wait anyone to go near your car, or take it for a joy ride.... I have seen cars sitting on the dealer(Porsche ; D) lot that has not been move for months. Maybe they start them up here and there. Or you can send it my way, I will take good care of it.

[mngolfer]

The dealer told me to NEVER run the car out of gas. The fuel pump will be damaged if you run it out of fuel. They say this will not be covered by warranty.

If you have someone drive the car it is not going into storage for three months.

[Conker]

Is there really a need to do anything if it is for 3 months? I am thinking having a family member or a friend to start it up once a week and drive it around the block is good enough. .

Yep , that's good enough and will save a lot of hassle

[HovyR8]

My goodness!!! I was really heading the wrong way in leaving the R8 without gas. After careful consideration of all the answers, it makes more sense to have someone run the car couple miles every week (I guess I 'll have my dad do that part; my friends are a bit too crazy).

I'll get an oil change done and have it detailed and it should be enough. After, it makes sense, some cars sit at the port or at the dealer for months and nobody cares (at the dealer).

If you are concerned about the tires flat-spotting, here is a product you might consider: http://www.raceramps.com/flatstoppers.html

(I use their trailer ramps, and they are a high-quality product.)

Thanks Desperado, I really like this concept and I am going to get this.

[mdc]

Yep , that's good enough and will save a lot of hassle

That is what I would do if I have to be away for a few months. I know we all LOVE our R8, at the end of the day, it is still a car. It should bring us joy, and not worries and additional stress. That said, I do go the extra miles to watch where I park, keep it very clean, and careful of my driving. But I am Ok with a responsible family member to start it up and drive it around the block for a few minutes. No one in their right mind will want to be responsible to damage that car. But I know this approach will not work for most.