A few easy steps keep vehicle safe in storage

Q Our 23-year-old son is a Marine in his second deployment to Iraq. Before he left in early July, he parked his 2002 Toyota Highlander in our garage until next April or May when he returns. Since we don't need it for transportation, he dropped all insurance except for comprehensive. It recently had an oil change with synthetic oil, transmission fluid exchange, coolant exchange, fuel system flush and new brake pads.

Is it bad to park it for so long? Should we drive it once a month or so? Should the battery be removed? Should it be covered, or will that just trap moisture and cause more problems? What else needs to be done to prepare it for storage?

A I salute your son for his service to his country and pray he returns home safely next spring.

Parking his vehicle in your garage for the next five or six months is not bad for the vehicle at all. With a few simple steps you can prepare it for long-term parking until he returns. It looks like the routine maintenance services have already been done, which is the first and most important step in this process. Since the insurance coverage has been canceled except for the comprehensive, it would not be wise to drive the car at all.

So, leave the fuel tank completely full of nonoxygenated fuel, and add a can of SeaFoam to keep the fuel system clean and free of moisture. Park the vehicle on top of a plastic tarp to minimize moisture condensation on the undercarriage and leave the driver and passenger windows open just a crack for ventilation. Toss a handful of dryer sheets or mothballs in the cabin, cargo area and under the hood to discourage furry critters from moving in for the winter. If you're concerned about some corrosion on the brake rotors, you can spray them with a light aerosol lubricant. This will dissipate with the first applications of the brakes when the vehicle is put back in service.

Make sure the tires are aired up to 35 to 40 pounds per square inch (psi) so they won't go flat when temperatures drop below zero, and cover the vehicle with a light, breathable fabric cover to keep it clean.

To keep the battery in good shape, leave it connected to a battery maintainer, or hook up a battery charger once a month or so for half a day.

Q My husband and I are looking at purchasing a new Toyota Camry, and one of the optional features offered is "VSC with Traction Control." I've heard conflicting opinions, and I'd like to know if you could give me a little insight. Does this feature give drivers a real advantage?

A This option -- which should be standard equipment -- is a sophisticated vehicle stability control (VSC) system that can manage the engine and brakes to maintain stability and control in turns. The idea is simple -- reduce engine power and apply the appropriate brake to steady a vehicle that is beginning to lose traction and slide.

I see no downside. Can you make the same corrections? Maybe, but it's extremely unlikely you'll recognize and respond as quickly and accurately as the VSC if the vehicle begins to slide unexpectedly.