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When I first got my 1969 L46 roadster back in 2018, i found this C3 service document online that I figured I'd follow. Fast forward to 2022 (almost 2023). I've done basics like oil changes, engine belt changes, spark plug replacements and brake fluid flush, and more intense like replacing the calipers, brake pads, brake lines and repaired the emergency brake. Beyond that, I've not done much more. The service intervals are based on miles, but I doubt any of us drive these types of miles with a C3 corvette. I wanted this forums input on your routine for winter maintenance, look forward to the responses.
It won't be in the service document that you have but STA-Bil added to the gas tank and then run for a few minutes to get the fuel stabilizer into the fuel lines, fuel pump, and carb is a quick, easy, inexpensive winterization item that I do each winter. I also use the STA-BIL on my lawn mower, weed eater, cyclone rack, and leaf blower for winterization too.
And new mouse sticky traps for the winter. Also cheap, easy thing to do to prevent rodents from getting into your car(s). I put out two packs (8 sticky traps) along garage walls and near doors. MelWff mentioned "repellant" which works too. I like to know that they were in the garage, and in which location - service door, garage door, so I use sticky traps with a small dab of peabut butter in the center of the trap.
remember improved oils/greases will change recommendations
personally I have been doing this for years … fill tank, add stabile, start every 2 wks, when rain washes away salt if it snowed take her out for a winter run . That’s it I don’t do anything else. My opinion only , that is why a lot of owners have trouble with there cars because they don’t drive them enough. A car in motion stays in motion
personally I have been doing this for years … fill tank, add stabile, start every 2 wks, when rain washes away salt if it snowed take her out for a winter run . That’s it I don’t do anything else. My opinion only , that is why a lot of owners have trouble with there cars because they don’t drive them enough. A car in motion stays in motion
^^^Some good info there. Stabil helps, but you still want to start it up every few weeks if you can. In a perfect world, take it out for a drive if there's no salt on the road. If you can't take it out, try moving it forward or backward a few feet; helps prevent flat spots in the tires.
Here is upstate NY, non-ethanol gas is available at all Stewarts locations. I use that in all my yard equipment that sits for the winter. Been using it in my Harley for years. I assume this is a good choice for the Vette as well. I read that it's a good idea to fill the tank to avoid any condensation.
As far as mice, I have a very big, hungry, mean cat guarding the Vette. (the garage is heated and air conditioned)
Here is upstate NY, non-ethanol gas is available at all Stewarts locations. I use that in all my yard equipment that sits for the winter. Been using it in my Harley for years. I assume this is a good choice for the Vette as well. I read that it's a good idea to fill the tank to avoid any condensation.
As far as mice, I have a very big, hungry, mean cat guarding the Vette. (the garage is heated and air conditioned)
Non-ethanol gas is much preferred over gas with ethanol for anything and everything! The only issue is the alcohol content; I can't find high-octane ethanol free fuel, so I don't use it in any of my cars.
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I've always been a believer in trying to use the car through the winter, Back in the UK, where they smother everything in salt if the temperature drop below 40f🤬, we still used to be able to get out at least once a month, when rain had clean ed the roads a bit. Over here in France, very little salt is used, so the car does get out at least monthly in the winter months.
However, with the increase in Ethanol, I now use an Ethanol Protection additive. It's not a "storage" additive, like Sta-Bil, but is added regularly to protect against the corrosiveness of ethanol. I add the prescribed measure (about 30ml I think) to each tankful of fuel.
personally I have been doing this for years … fill tank, add stabile, start every 2 wks, when rain washes away salt if it snowed take her out for a winter run . That’s it I don’t do anything else. My opinion only , that is why a lot of owners have trouble with there cars because they don’t drive them enough. A car in motion stays in motion
Temperature neared 50 degrees here in NW Ohio today with no rain and no residual salt on the roads. Perfect circumstances for a January drive. I do think this is a good idea to do throughout the storage season as the weather permits. And makes me smile as I’m winding it through all four gears on the Ohio Turnpike. C’mon Spring…
You should be able to plug it back in and start the car quickly in the spring. If the battery is dead and has been unplugged the whole time, remove it from the car to charge. If it then pukes acid all over your bench or floor, at least it wasn't in your car.
To add to this, I am not sure where I read this, but I over inflate my tires from 32 pounds normal to 40 pounds for the winter. I read that it will help avoid flat spots that sometimes form in tires when they have been sitting for too long overtime. Just be certain to Drop the pressure back to normal before you resurrect the vet in the spring. Ike.
Winter maintenance
