[miamiparis]

I'm going to France for 1 year. I have a Kia Niro 2019 hybrid. The car will be parked in a covered garage in my house. Is there anything special I should do before leaving?
Should I unplug the battery? I did the oil change 1 week ago.

 

[Sstr Maria]

I'm going to France for 1 year. I have a Kia Niro 2019 hybrid. The car will be parked in a covered garage in my house. Is there anything special I should do before leaving?
Should I unplug the battery? I did the oil change 1 week ago.

Consult with Kia.

 

[Techy]

I don't think Kia will be very helpful but you can certainly connect with them.
I would put some fresh gas (non-ethanol if possible) in the tank and add fuel stabilizer. Tank does not have to be full.
Try to store with traction battery at least 60% charged.
Maybe pump tires up to 50 psi but remember to reduce pressure when you return.
Please report back here when you return in a year as storage almost always affects cars is some way.

 

[FlNiro]

I don't think Kia will be very helpful but you can certainly connect with them.
I would put some fresh gas (non-ethanol if possible) in the tank and add fuel stabilizer. Tank does not have to be full.
Try to store with traction battery at least 60% charged.
Maybe pump tires up to 50 psi but remember to reduce pressure when you return.
Please report back here when you return in a year as storage almost always affects cars is some way.

Do you think he should disconnect the 12v. battery?

 

[Techy]

Do you think he should disconnect the 12v. battery?

If it is a PHEV, I would disconnect the 12V battery and connect a smart charger to it for the whole time I am gone.
If HEV (assume it is), I would leave the 12V battery as is because there is the reset switch upon return a year from now.

 

[vangone]

I'm going to France for 1 year. I have a Kia Niro 2019 hybrid. The car will be parked in a covered garage in my house. Is there anything special I should do before leaving?
Should I unplug the battery? I did the oil change 1 week ago.

Do you have any trustworthy friends or family members that could take the Niro out for a spin every month or so? Perhaps they could also take a peek under the hood to see if anything is nesting there.

 

[TK6]

If you are concerned about mouse nests under the hood, some people put mothballs in the engine compartment to deter rodents.

 

[Sstr Maria]

This was discussed in a similar post.

If a Niro is Unused for 5 Months a Year?

It is time (probably past time) to replace the 1996 Ford Ranger I bought new. I am pretty sure I want a 2018 Niro. My major question is whether a hybrid or plug-in hybrid is a wise choice if it will only be running it during summers. I took early retirement and we spend five months away from...

www.kianiroforum.com

.

 

[no2gates]

I'd also put in Stabil or something in the gas tank to keep the gas fresh for that long.

 

[miamiparis]

It's a HEV car. Thank you for these expert advices!

 

[miamiparis]

If I don't put sta-bil in the gas tank, what would happen?

 

[no2gates]

Might have issues starting it when you return. I would HIGHLY suggest you don't leave a lot of gas in the tank in the first place, maybe a few gallons, add Stabil to it, drive it at least 20 miles or so to make sure it mixes with the gasoline and is now also in the fuel lines.

 

[Techy]

If I don't put sta-bil in the gas tank, what would happen?

Without stabilizer, the gas will be stale and ICE may not run well at all.
Run the current gas tank very low, then add 2 - 3 gallons of stabilized gas (non-ethanol is possible) run the ICE in sport mode for 5 minute drive and then you are ready to put it away for the next year.
When you return, add another several gallons of new, fresh gas and then you are ready to "start" the Niro from hibernation.

 

[vangone]

It appears that the OP is in Florida? Is mold or mildew a concern? One thought would be to keep the windows opened slightly, however you may return to a thriving insect terrarium. Is there any concern having the tires sitting on the concrete for a year--would anyone advocate keeping the vehicle up on jack stands or would that present more potential or real problems?

 

[FlNiro]

Mold and Mildew is a HUGE concern in Fl. especially if your anywhere close to the coast. One of the snowbirds in our condo complex left his Subaru outside for 6 months. When he came back it wouldn't start dealer found lots of electrical connections corroded.