Steve Lane

Being a new corvette owner I'm looking for all your expertise with the do's and don't s
with winter storage. Any information will be helpful. I live in Michigan so lt's time to put the toys away

fozbrick69

I'm thinking of storing my vettes(cars) car on WOOD. I'm going to 3/4" plywood my floor in my storage areas!

Make sure there is a vapor barrier underneath! I would say some good mil plastic!

Others please chime in ! ! !

Tho

magicv8

Winter Storage Tips & Techniques
1. Put mouse traps in the garage.
2. Don't put it away dirty. Wash and clean your car inside and out.
3. Don't let water infiltrate your Gas. Top off the tank and include a fuel additive like STA-BIL .
4. Don't let your tires develop flat spots. Inflate your tires to the highest pressure allowed; or, consider using tire cradles that are shaped to the tire and prevent flat spots without over inflating.
5. Don't forget about the anti-freeze. If your car pumps more water than oil you'll want to check the level of your anti-freeze and make sure it's full and fresh.
6. Don't crack your windshield fluid holder. In the event you cheaped out and used water instead of windshield washer fluid, be sure to top it off with the real stuff and make sure it contains and anti-freezing agent if you live in a cold climate.
7. Don't let your battery die. Either disconnect the battery or attach a trickle charger like this one. If you do disconnect, be sure you have your radio code.
8. Don't apply the parking brake. Leave it in neutral and use wheel chocks , but leaving it in gear or park is fine too.
9. Don't neglect your windshield wipers. prop your wiper arms or place a small piece of cardboard between the blade and the windshield to protect the wiper blade edges.
10. Don't let your car collect moisture. We place reusable desiccant containers in the car as our garage is not climate controlled. check them once a month or so and reactivate them per the instructions.
11. Don't let your car get scratched or dirty. Put a car cover on it.
12. Don't waste money! You could possibly save big bucks (as much as $100 per month) by letting your insurance company know your car is off the road. Be sure to check with your agent, but we reduce our coverages to the minimums and remove the liability all together. Just be sure to let them know before you take it out in the spring!

Mike Ward

Fill the gas tank.

Inflate the tires to the maximum indicated on the sidewalls.

Disconnect the battery and hook up a 'tender'.

Don't start the engine till you're ready to drive it in the spring.

Roger Walling

Keep the snow away from the garage doors so that on a nice sunny day you can enjoy a drive.

Don't be a *****!!! Life is too short to wait until everyday is perfect!

(You won't believe all the thumbs up you will get, that alone is worth it.}

ohiovet

Mike is absolutely correct with his suggestions.

Possibly change the oil and check the antifreeze.

Hope for spring.

thoyer

Pretty much the same deal here. Also make sure the antifreeze is up to snuff. My cars start right up in the spring.

scopeli

place 4 sheets of 4'x8' greenboard under car for a vapor barrier. you can leave it year round and it is quite durable. disconnect battery. store with top up. place bar of irish spring in car to deter mice. there hasn't been a need to add stable to gas since leaded gas was discontinued. half way through the winter you could put the car in neutral and move it 6 inches to a foot to avoid flat spot on tire. at the same time you could put a charger on battery. (i have never needed a charge) use a soft, breathable cover.

corvetteed

Regarding whether or not to start up the car when in storage, I've done it both ways: for years and years, I'd start up the car every 4 weeks or so, run it for 20 minutes, and then cover 'em back up. However, a few years ago, I stopped doing that, and just let 'em all sit (6 different vehicles) and it hasn't made one bit of difference. So, either way will work just fine.

MasterDave

Winter is when I bring mine out.....

sixtysixtom

I too start mine up every few weeks and run for 15-20 minutes to get up to temp., and keep the engine and seals lubricated.
Tom

Mike Ward

First hand evidence indicates that there's still plenty of residual oil clinging to the internal surfaces and seals, even after sitting for years.

Let the poor old dears rest in peace.

ohiovet

Again, I agree with Mike W.
By starting and running the engine you do freshen the lubricant throughout the engine but you also introduce moisture in the engine and throughout the exhaust system.
Let the car rest until you can run the hell out of it.

66jack

Ship it out west...I'll drive it for ya...

dahogan

I am not an expert, but I let her rest until the rains wash away the salt, unlike Jack.

ifitgoesfast

Wood holds moisture

Get a dehumidifier for the garage

abdo

Steve: I sure like your avatar! What a beautiful car.

The only thing I could add to all the comments is some of us put the car on jack stands. It is best to put them under the suspension, not the frame. That way you don't have to move the car every few weeks or use "cradles" to avoid flat spots. Plus, putting the car on jack stands lets you work on the undercarriage during the winter.

Steve Lane

Thanks to who all have replied, the information from all is great. I do plan on putting
my car on jack stands as I do have bias tires. Also thought about an oscillating fan to keep the air moving around. I've also heard that drier sheets will keep the mice away.

Mike Ward

No jack stands under the frame or anything that allows the suspension to just 'hang'. Very hard on the bushings.

Wayne1964

Have you thought about a 4 post lift. Gets her up no moisture problems. Paint seal floor . Moth ***** inside . Leave windows down an inch . That is another topic under awesome garages.