Nismo Z prep for 1-year deployment in Afghanistan

wind.zero

Just a couple of tips.

1. Put all 4 corners on jack stands or leave it on the ground with overinflated tires
2. Change the oil/filter and top off all fluids
3. Fill the tank full with quality premium fuel and add a stabilizer
4. Completely clean the interior, close all points of entry, and put something in the interior to absorb odors like a container of baking soda. Keep it locked while stored.
5. Hand wash the exterior and apply wax
6. Put a trickle charger on the battery or pull the battery and charge 1x a month
7. Block off entry at the exhaust tips to keep out potential pests
8. Cover the car with a quality cover

I have heard pro's/con's to the idling to warm up method. You could probably save a lot of hassle and less prep by arranging to have someone drive it long enough to reach operating temperature for 10-15 minutes twice a month.

EDIT
All of my vehicles have been a DD, so I have never had to store a vehicle for over a month. GL during your deployment and teach your wife to drive a stick.

Mecinoid

That's about right. I'd just disconnect the battery with battery disconnect blade and have the wife start the car every other month. Just show her how to reconnect and disconnect and why. A tickle charger on the battery would be a nice plus. As long as she did that with the steps above you'll be golden. My cars, motorhomes and boats has lasted over 18 months at times without issues using these methods. Good battery condition and gas stabilizer in the tank are probably the two most important items.

Thank you for your service to this country !!!!

Maila87

As said above:

Change oil before keeping car in garage. Vapors made during combustion process are staying in oil and these acids could damage valves, piston sealings and other components during long stay. But you will be fine, mine friends Jeep Grand Cherokee stayed for 3 years outside with less than 10 starts and no preparation.

Important to fill up with premium GAS. Try to avoid to any with Bioethanol. Also is used etyl-tercbutyleter (ETBE) instead bioethanol (but is based on OIL), but helps keeping moisture away.

Battery also should be filled with distilled water, because Z is not using GEL battery (Don't know if in US, but in Europe it is liquid based).
Battery could be unplugged and sometimes recharged, or kept, but you should start car every 3 weeks and let it run for some time and recharge battery.

Paint should be clear and don't contain anything like inspect or salt. Waxing before or paint sealing is also practical.

You could use rubber sealant/enhancer and definitely should not stay without moving with them, or use jack stands.

Starting car once every 3-4 weeks will be best solution.

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-->2005-6 Nissan Micra 1,3i CVT 72PS Red MY 98 -->2006-8 Nissan Almera 1,5i N16 96PS Red -->2007-8 Skoda Fabia Combi 1,2HTP 3 cylinder 60PS Green -->2008-11 AUDI TT 2,0TFSI FWD S-tronic 200PS Red MY06 -->2011 Nissan 370Z manual White Pearl