Tips for storage...

davetherave · Post by **davetherave** » 16 Oct 2009, 12:51

Tips for storage has anyone got any?, hopefully the xantia is going away for a couple of months tomorrow

HDI · Post by **HDI** » 16 Oct 2009, 13:37

Couple of months is not a big problem.
Change the oil after a run to reach full operating temp. Lower the suspension. If stored inside connect a maintenance charger to the battery , if outside remove the battery and charge once a month.
If stored outside the only thing that may possibly suffer are the brake discs. If stored outside I would NOT recommend a cover. Condensation will be much worse and cannot evaporate , also a cover flaps in the wind and this will mark the paint.
One tip I would suggest is to put window whiting on the inside of the windows. This stops sun bleaching of the interior and keeps the temperature down in sunlight which reduces condensation in the inside.

davetherave · Post by **davetherave** » 16 Oct 2009, 13:45

Thanks for the cover tip, i was going to get one but will hold off now, i will cover up the windows then.
Its going into storage at a place that stores caravans, as im going to rotate between the xm and xantia.
Its just had an oil change i just need to top up the antifreeze!

Citroenmad · Post by **Citroenmad** » 16 Oct 2009, 15:15

Put more air in the tyres to stop them from being flat at the bottom. Make sure there is enough antifreeze and that its relitively fresh, as it looses its properties over time.

We have two cars covered over, have done for years. They are both fitted covers though, made especially for that car, so fit very snug and do not flap in the wind. They are also breathable and totally water proof. Excellent products, i would strongly recommend one if your going to be storing the Xanita often.

Our two were from: http://www.carcoversuk.com/

Excellent service and fantastic products. They do not mark the paint and they do not keep condensation inside. Unlike others ive tried. Have had these for a couple of years now and the cars are all the better for being covered.

I hate leaving cars just stood out, water sits in places like the door bottoms etc which only usually drips out when you move the car. They also get covered in weather grime and the likes. Much better covered in my opinion.

Our 6wheeler is pretty much parked all year around, it lives under one of the fitted covers. However i do start it usually every month and get it up to running temperature, sometimes i will give it a little drive to get its brakes clean etc. Though its always taxed and MOTd ready for use.The Xm hatch also stands around alot, under the other fitted cover. Though this gets used monthly in the summer it rarely sees the road in winter.

Ive never had a problem with any car while its been parked, they fire up at thew turn of a key on all occasions. But then they are Citroens!

Id love more garage spaces but its not possible. Thinking about renting somewhere to store the C15 this winter, does them no good just sitting in the cold damp air, covered or not. Though covered is usually better, depending on the car cover that is.

If your parking a car up when you have been using it over the winter, make sure you have given it a thourgh wash, under the wheel arches and under the car, to get all the salt off.

Other than that, i hope you enjoy the XM

Im sure your Xantia will be perfectly ok when you come to reuse it.

Chris.

Deanxm · Post by **Deanxm** » 16 Oct 2009, 18:59

Just to say yes HDI, that was my opinion of car covers untill Chris posted on clubxm about his fitted one, and i got one............it lasted 1 month and then started falling apart like sunbleached plastic does

they sent me another free of charge by next day courier, they were great about it as they have a 2 year warantee and ive had it a year now and its brilliant, doesnt move at all in the strongest wind never gets any condense on the car and you can run a hose over it and water just does not get in, i would deffinatly say its worth having one now and ive had no issues with the second cover.

D

vince · Post by **vince** » 16 Oct 2009, 19:00

Dave post a pic of the XM

uncle buck · Post by **uncle buck** » 16 Oct 2009, 19:20

Remember to leave the handbrake off....just leave it in gear & if necessary chock the wheels.

Cheers.

Deanxm · Post by **Deanxm** » 16 Oct 2009, 19:20

I think he was eying up this one http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/citroen-xm-2-1-tu ... 0489177497, but then there this one too that just sold http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Citroen-xm-sport- ... 0492053798, both good looking cars.

Would be nice to see some pictures though 8)

D

Citroenmad · Post by **Citroenmad** » 16 Oct 2009, 21:32

Good to hear your happy with the cover Dean, they are a good product.

I was thinking its the first one, certainly a S2 being a 95 car.

We need some more info Dave!

Good luck with its collection tomorrow

Chris.

Deanxm · Post by **Deanxm** » 16 Oct 2009, 21:39

Just noticed it is the first one, says 'silver exclusive' in his sig

should have spotted it shouldnt i.
Looks like someone is on the hunt for a mk2 cow skin interior then?

D

Citroenmad · Post by **Citroenmad** » 16 Oct 2009, 22:13

Actually, i think there was someone selling a leather interior on the CCC forum, though not sure if its still available.

Chris

Post by **CitroJim** » 16 Oct 2009, 22:15

Deanxm wrote: Looks like someone is on the hunt for a mk2 cow skin interior then?

Do XM Exclusives not have leather by default then Dean?

Seems only right and proper than an XM should be the final resting place for several hides. Not so sure they're cow hides though, I've always been of the belief that the hides for seats originate from sheep...

Citroenmad · Post by **Citroenmad** » 16 Oct 2009, 22:22

Jim, at some point they had half leather and half suede fabric on the centres. It can wear badly, which is why leathers are quite sought after. Its the only Xm seating material which does actually seem to wear though.

Chris.

Deanxm · Post by **Deanxm** » 16 Oct 2009, 22:26

Hi Jim

Im not the one to ask but from what ive heard some Exclusives had a half sued half velour trim and thats what this one has and i think the suede has worn off the drivers seat bolster, cant remember if this was an optional extra now come to think of it but im sure someone will tell.
Sheepskin probably makes more sense now you mention it, cows make shoes dont they???

D

Deanxm · Post by **Deanxm** » 16 Oct 2009, 22:28

and as Chris said some had half leather too

D