As the owner of a Porsche, you may find that it becomes necessary to store it for an extended period of time due to travel or inclement weather. Typically long term storage is viewed as a period of time exceeding one year, but can also be used to describe a period of several months, and may also involve long distance transportation as part of the process. There is far more to storing your precious Porsche than simply driving it into a garage and turning off the motor. Many of the steps you take for long term storage can also be applied to preparing your vehicle for transportation.
You’ll Need To Do A Full Inspection Of Your Porsche
Whether you plan to place your Porsche into long term storage or are preparing for a long trip in the back of car hauler, you need to go over it with a fine tooth comb. This gives you the opportunity to look for physical damage (your best way of ensuring your vehicle arrives in the same condition it left in) and for fluid leaks such as oil, fuel, and gas. Fluid leaks can eventually leave your vehicles systems empty causing damage and leave a mess in the garage or floor of the trucks.
Make Sure To Replace and Top Off All Fluids
Start by giving your Porsche a complete oil and filter change as used motor oil tends to become acidic over time, which in turn can etch or damage the internal parts of the engine. Take the time to flush out both brake and clutch hydraulic systems as fresh fluid is far less likely to damage both rubber and metal components. The same applies to fluids in your automatic and manual gearboxes, these oils can cause the same amount and types of damage as the engine oil if left dirty and unattended.
Drain out the old engine coolant and flush the cooling system. Then fill with a 50/50 antifreeze mix to protect your engine’s cooling system from the damaging effects of rust and calcification. If your storage facility is subject to the possibility of freezing or your vehicle is being shipped during the winter months, this will also prevent your cooling system from freezing and damaging the engine.
Lubricate Everything Part Of The Vehicle that Moves
Be sure to use a good quality spray PTFE lubricant on door hinges, door locks, and trunk and hood hinges. You should use a good silicone paste on the door seals to keep them from dry rotting. Use a heavier type of lubricant with a rust inhibitor to spray the exposed shafts on struts, shocks, and other exposed metal surfaces to prevent rust (be sure not to get any on the brake pads or rotors).
Clean Everything – The Outside, The Inside & Even The Engine
Take the time to clean and detail the interior of your Porsche. This should include vacuuming and shampooing the carpets, and if your seat covers are cloth, do them as well. Clean leather and vinyl surfaces with a quality soap and then wipe them down with a protective coating such as Armor All leather and vinyl protectant. This will prevent them from dry rot and cracking. After everything is clean place a few silicone desiccant bags under the seats and elsewhere on the floor to keep moisture levels under control (a very important issue for those who live in humid climates such as Florida).
Protect the Exterior Of Your Porsche – Use A Cover
Whether you are planning to store your vehicle for an extended period of time or place it in the hands of a transportation company, cover it with a soft cotton cover to protect it from dust and dirt. And finally, if you are storing it, disconnect and remove the battery to avoid acid damage to the battery box. For those with a Porsche built after 1989 or newer, be sure to check with your technician to ensure long term power loss will not cause issues with the computer systems. Many models require the technician to put the car in “sleep” mode before the battery is disconnected.
Hiring a Transportation Company For Long Hauls
If you are planning to hire a transportation company, be sure to fully verify their credentials. This entails doing a little online research to see what others have to say about them. You should also find out if their insurance covers anything that might happen to your Porsche during transportation since your insurance policy may or may not cover it.
With proper preparation you should be able to store your Porsche for an extended period of time safe in the knowledge that it will run perfectly when you are ready to take it out of storage. However, you must realize that it takes time to properly prepare your Porsche for a long trip or for long term storage.