Keeping the Volvo in shape while stored in garage

[V40addict]

I am thinking about putting a 2001 V40 in storage. Timing belt is good until 2021 I think but I have no use for it for the time being so it's in the garage. I would let the engine idle once or twice a month (remove the battery for the winter). I cleaned it thoroughly inside and out and it was washed with a Meguiar shampoo that has a wax in it. I sprayed WD 40 here and there on the undercarriage (exhaust mainly) as it has spots of rust.

What is the best way to keep the (beige) leather in prime condition on these Volvo ? I am sure there is a Volvo product but it may not be the best option and today it may be better suited to the leather currenty used.

Is there a way to protect and lenghten the lifespan of the engine belts ? It could stay in the garage for a couple of years.

What else would you do ?
Topping up the gas tank?
Glycerine on doors seals?

I know with bikes it's recommended to drain the oil and completely fill up with new. Injecting a few drops of oil via the spark plug holes too.

I think I could have an issue with mold on some interior trims as when I get into the car it inevitably produces mist on the windows (garage is not heated, airco is currently out of service , needs a diode). I saw some traces of mold on the seat belt .

[Dippydog]

If you can do so get in up on axle stands-or anything stable-so the tyres are clear of the floor to stop them "flat spotting".there are two schools of thought about occasionally starting the engine and letting it run up to temp.First is to do so as that helps keep things free and lubricated while the second is that in doing so the accumulation of acids etc in the engine oil causes more harm than good[others may know better but the choice then is ultimately yours].

[XCR]

Apart from during the summer, keep a small dehumidifier on in one corner and a panel heater set to low in another. Drop all windows too.

[wrinkles]

I stored my 940 for 4 years charging the battery every 3 months and took it round the farm track every 6 months after that time took it for MOT and it passed no probs and put it back on the road the same week and did a 500 mile holiday in it and changed the oil and filter and coolant when I got home.

[Watchnut]

Over inflate the tyres so it reduces "flat spotting" them, I would also leave space front and rear of the car if you can so every month or so roll the car so a different part of the tyre is on the ground

leave the handbrake off otherwise it could stick on.

You could buy a "ctek" battery charger and leave it on charge permanently, so the battery will recondition, top up, then "trickle" charge as the alarm will discharge it over time, this will prevent a flat battery

Most cleaning protection products will look after every aspect of interior, wheels, etc....

You could buy a car cover as this will help protect from dust over time

Petrol does go "off", but I have found that even my lawn mower will start after 4/5 months of no use, so I don't know how valid that is

beware of "mice" finding a home in it.....my father had a rather expensive bill when they climbed into the engine engine bay of his mk 7 Golf, made a nest and chewed through the wiring causing a £1200 repair bill ! he then had some kind of thing fitted to put off rodents going near it again

[Welton]

Trouble with running the engine is that condensation will collect in the exhaust and just sit there.

[Discombobulated]

Regarding the petrol going off, I bought a Saxo 7 years ago, put £20 petrol in it on the way home and parked it on the drive. I start the car every few months and it still starts fine on the same petrol.

[SwissXC90]

Make sure the battery is charged with an intelligent charger at least once every 3 months