Storage – 10 Tips to Storing Your Figaro

When it comes to car storage advice, rule one is to clean your car. Bird poo, dirt and dead bugs can be acidic and slowly eat away at paint and chrome work so wash, polish and wax thoroughly. Clean the wheel arches and undercarriage, and if you have one, use an air compressor to blast away water beads. During this process water can settle inside door jams, around rubber seals, trims and mirror surrounds so check these areas and if necessary, use a microfibre towel or hair dryer to soak up the excess. Also, take the car for a drive in dry weather if you have been driving in the wet as this will clear wet from the underbelly of the Figaro. See here https://www.figaroownersclub.com/category/cleaning

We have seen mice set up home in the air filler so maybe put a rag in the intake but remember to remove it! Clear any food from the car as don’t a hungry rodent looking for a place to eat and sleep!

It’s important to keep your car secure while it’s laid up and there are a few precautions you can take to ensure this. You may also wish to consider buying a steering wheel lock, which will act as a deterrent to thieves. If the car is in a garage, increase the security of the door by installing ground or side locking bolts. Read more

The Figaro doesn’t like the damp (especially the roof). It must be kept out of the rain by using a cover, make sure it’s lightweight, breathable, and preferably tailored to the Figaro, elasticated to fit snugly. A good tip is to tie a rag or cloth around the mirrors to stop the cover from rubbing on the paint. Remove every few weeks to stop a build-up of dew. Better still leaving under a lean-too or better still in a garage. Ask anyone for car storage advice and they’ll tell you moisture is an invisible enemy – and by the time you’ve discovered the damage excess damp can do, it’s too late. Storing your Figaro in a garage with airflow will help, and so can a dehumidifier, but don’t set it too high as it can draw the moisture out of everything around it. Consider placing silica gel packs, or a container of baking soda, in a footwell to absorb moisture and leave a window open to prevent condensation or a musty smell. Leave the roof up as folded the roof will invite mould between the lining. Not everyone has a lot of choices when it comes to where they park their car, particularly those who use street parking. However, if you do have some options, think about where it’s best to keep your car for a long period. If you have a garage at your disposal, this is the ideal location as it keeps your car protected from the elements, bird mess and any unsavoury characters who may pose a security threat. If you do not have a garage, maybe look at hiring one for the short term. If you are storing your Figaro in a garage, ensure the space is well-ventilated and open the car windows slightly. This will prevent moisture from building up inside the vehicle. Consider investing in a dehumidifier that will keep the air in the garage dry as well. Of course, many of us will either be parking our cars on a driveway or a street. If this is the case, try and park on level ground in the open, away from any trees.

What causes condensation?
Condensation occurs when warm air (carrying evaporated water) meets a cold surface. What typically happens is owners drive around nice and warm, then park up, close up the car (trapping the moist warm air inside) and leave it to cool down overnight. In cold weather, this can cause condensation to form inside the cabin. Worst still, you get home and you cover the car up. This will trap any condensation between the car and the cover too! Read more

Tips on how to fight condensation
1 – We recommend (if you can brave it) to try driving the last 5 minutes home with the windows down and no heating on. That way when you leave your fig, it is full of air that is already the same temperature as outside.

2 – As strange as it sounds, it’s important to clean your windows thoroughly on the inside as well as on the outside. Dirt particles on the inside of the windows give the moisture inside the cabin a surface to attach themselves to and will make the condensation problem worse. So, use a cleaner designed for car windows and polish it with a clean microfibre cloth or newspaper.

3 – A very effective solution is to keep something in the car that will absorb moisture. If it’s very cold then placing a cat litter in a pair of old tights and keeping it under the seat is a popular strategy.

4 – Allowing the car to breathe air whenever possible will also help. So if you’re able to safely leave it with the windows open for a few hours, then do. If you’ve just got into your car and it’s full of condensation, it’s important to clear it before setting off so you have full visibility and can drive safely. Wipe the windows down thoroughly with a clean cloth and switch on the heater blower, directing it at the windscreen.

Invest in an Outdoor Car Cover
Figaro’s do not like to be wet for long periods, so if you have no access to a garage or car store it’s very important to invest in a really good car cover. We have had a cover designed to fit the car. Learn more

Going nowhere takes its toll on tyres, but there are several ways to prevent what’s known as flat-spotting – where the tyre loses its shape. The easiest is to pump them up to the maximum recommended air pressure.

• 165/70R12/77S 2.0 BAR/29PSI Standard Use
• 155/SR12 2.2 BAR/32PSI Cold Weather

Using WED40, lubricate door locks, latches, and hinges to prevent them from freezing and sticking. This can save costly repairs and ensure smooth operation.

Avoid leaving the handbrake engaged during long-term storage as this may cause your brakes to seize up over time. Instead, leave the gear shift in the ‘P’ position. You may feel more comfortable, if there is a slight incline, for example, placing wheel chocks in front and behind each tyre to prevent any unexpected and potentially dangerous movement

A battery will naturally discharge over time. If left in the cold for a period any car can struggle and the Nissan Figaro is no different. We strongly recommend simply fitting a battery Isolator switch on your Figaro. By fitting this switch a simple turn of the dial on top of your battery ensures you are disconnected and able to reconnect and start up with
no problems. Such a practical easy solution to this age-old problem. If your Figaro is not fitted with a battery Isolator switch you can disconnect the main terminals. Using a conditioning, or smart charger is recommended to keep it in good health over the winter months. Nissan Figaros almost always drain the battery when they are not in use, due to ancillary components like the clock.

Given the susceptibility of the wheel arches and chassis of a Nissan Figaro to rust, a thorough inspection before winter sets in can save a lot of problems, time and expense later on. When it is time to get back on the road you’ll want to check all your ancillary functions are working correctly:

• Ensure lights, headlights, fog lights, brake lights and indicators are all in working order.
• Let the car warm up gradually.
• Drive cautiously, test the brakes gradually and listen out for anything unusual.
• Take a phone with you and maybe start with a short 20-minute circular route.
• Make a note of anything you feel uncomfortable with and speak to your local garage.
• Winter care for your Nissan Figaro is about blending meticulous care with practical steps. This approach not only preserves its classic charm but also ensures it’s ready for many more adventures for years and years to come. Remember, a little effort now can lead to a hassle-free start to the next driving season.

If weather permits, it’s beneficial to drive your Nissan Figaro occasionally. This keeps the mechanical parts lubricated and in good working order, avoiding issues that arise from long-term inactivity

Our final tip for car storage advice is as simple as they come. Rubber tends to fuse itself to glass when left unattended so it’s vital to keep the two apart when being left alone for so long – otherwise, the rubber will deteriorate and become useless for wiping away rain. Either lift the wipers up and off the windscreen entirely or insert a piece of cloth or paper to create a barrier between them.