From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Letter providing advice on the necessary precautions for long-term car storage.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 144\1\ scan0297 | |
| Date | 15th January 1940 guessed | |
| COPY. We are only too glad to have an opportunity of advising you as to what precautions should be taken when laying your car up for a lengthy period. In the first place it is essential, of course, to take the weight off the tyres, and this is best done by putting several bricks or blocks of wood under both front and rear axles. In any case, the sump should be drained to ensure the removal of any impurities which may have a harmful effect of allowed to remain and immediately refilled with fresh oil. All this should be done with the engine hot. It should then be run for a few minutes to secure complete distribution throughout the oiling system. In cases where an extreme pressure or hypoid oil is used in the rear axle this also should be drained out and replaced with fresh oil. It is not really necessary to change the gear box oil unless it is an E.P. grade. The grease gun should be liberally used on all chassis points and the road springs thoroughly painted with a stiff bristle brush, using a mixture of used engine oil and paraffin. This is much more lasting in its effects than the average Penetrating Oil. We have just put on the market our Red Rust Preventive for brushing on other metal parts, apart from chromium plated surfaces. This preventative practically eliminates any rusting which otherwise would occur, particularly during humid winter weather. It is for brake cables, brake shafts and other exposed surfaces. We are selling 1 lb. tins at 1/9d including postage, and we will be glad to send you a supply on receipt of your instructions. Chromium plated parts require but a very thin film of protective grease, and a warm rag which has been thoroughly soaked in melted vaseline is most effective for the job. This film of vaseline can be easily removed when the time comes to use the car again. As regards the battery, we attach copy of some notes which have been specially written by the Chief Engineer of one of the largest Manufacturers of batteries in the country. This advise can be accepted as authoritative. The tyres do not require any treatment other than the occasional inflation to say 20 lbs. If the | ||