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For short-term storage of a few weeks, or if a car is awaiting restoration standard or de-humidified storage with adequate preparation may be sufficient. However, medium storage, even if de-humidified, can cause subtler deterioration. Our Dynamic Storage Programme is designed to prevent this. Each car has its own requirements, depending upon its specification and equipment, and each programme can also be tailored to the owner's particular wishes. Once agreed, the Programme and its frequency of execution are entered into our computer system, which then generates customised worksheets for our technicians at the correct time, tailored to your car's individual programme. All worksheets are checked off and countersigned as the work is done, and copies sent to you. The Dynamic Storage Programme for your car is built up from the following preventive maintenance and checking routines:- Batteries - are the single item most prone to storage deterioration in any car. Simply checking and boost charging every 30 or 60 days does not guarantee that your battery will not self-discharge, even if disconnected, to the deep discharge level where sulphation and other irreversible chemical changes in the plates cause permanent irreparable damage, necessitating battery replacement. TheAutostore therefore follows museum practice, connecting a battery conditioner enabling the battery to be continuously monitored, and never allowed to discharge below 50% capacity before re-charging. Tyres and Wheels - Tyres develop 'flats' at the tread contact patch when standing bearing the weight of the car for long periods. Hub bearings, particularly ball bearings used in many older cars, rather than the commoner opposed taper bearings used today, can 'Brinell' under similar long term static loading, the bearing balls slightly indenting the race-ways of the bearing at points of maximum load, which will eventually ruin the bearing. The two options to eliminate these problems are to over inflate the tyres by 50% (to minimise the 'flatting' effect) and roll the car slightly at regular intervals to vary the contact points for tyres and bearings. Engines (and Transmissions / Brakes) - Regular monthly running of the engine will re-circulate the oil to renew protection of internal surfaces. This also allows the clutch, gearbox (or automatic gearbox) and brakes to be exercised to prevent rust bonding of friction surfaces to the very rust prone cast iron usually used for flywheels and brake discs or drums. We initially run the engine up to temperature gently and then exercise the car properly, at moderate speeds for 15 - 20 minutes, using the gears and the clutch. This is done on quiet country roads close to the store. Electric Motors - These may power window winders, cooling fans, central locking systems or any other accessory. They and their associated mechanisms, gears, sliders, window guides etc. are all prone to malfunction if not used for extended periods due to commutator oxidation and oil gumming. Our monthly exercise of all ancillaries will prevent this, or show up latent problems for correction before the car's return to the owner. Air-Conditioning Systems - if not run regularly to lubricate the compressor shafts and seals, these dry out, leaking the refrigerant and rendering the system inoperative - Dynamic Storage runs your car's AirCon system monthly to prevent this. Any other ancillary systems or accessories fitted that may deteriorate from being inoperative will also be run up, usually monthly, as specified by the owner. |
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Telephone: 01223 872879 Fax: 01223 872983 E-mail: enquiries@autostore.co.uk
Copyright © 2001 The Autostore
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