Author Topic: Long term storage vs occasional driving  (Read 1386 times)

col320ce

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Long term storage vs occasional driving
« on: April 25, 2021, 00:58:47 »
I'm going to be away for 6 years so I can either "long term" store the pagoda and 250SE or have someone drive them occasionally.

What's better for the car?
How often do they need to be driven if not in long term storage?

Thanks...

FYI... Below is George's description of how to store these babies...

https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=297.msg1129#msg1129
Col

1964 230SL
1965 250SE coupe
1993 320CE Sportline

MikeSimon

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Re: Long term storage vs occasional driving
« Reply #1 on: April 25, 2021, 14:48:01 »
Running the vehicle ever so often is definitely better than having it just sit. It has to be done right, however. You have to reach proper operating temperature in order to minimize condensation build up. I would run it at least one hour each time. Not just 15-20 minutes. Short runs are worse than doing nothing.
Do this at least every two months, maybe more often, like monthly. Change the engine oil once a year. Use fuel stabilizer in the tank and keep the tank as full as possible. Change the brake fluid every two years. If you want to store it for 6 years without running it you must go through quite an effort to prep the car and the opinions what needs to be done vary widely.
1970/71 280SL Automatic
Sandy Beige
Parchment Leather
Power Steering
Automatic
Hardtop
Heated Tinted Rear Window
German specs
3rd owner