Winter Storage
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 256
Likes: 1
From: Taylorville IL
Winter Storage
Well, it looks as though winter is officially upon us. Time for me to swap positions in my garage with my 94 six-speed coupe and Polaris snowmobile. Before I do the swap though, I plan on changing the oil, full grease job, and packing the fuel tank with high test gasoline and some sort of winter stabilizer. Wash job complete, the cover will go on and I plan starting it up every week or so and letting it idle up to operating temp. I would like others to chime in on possible suggestions that I could add to the list and what they do to store thier babies for the winter season. Unless it is an exceptional day out, i.e. warm and dry, I do not plan on driving it until warmer weather. Anything I am missing?? What type of fuel stabilizer is recommended, if any at all?? Thanks in advance for all input.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,457
Likes: 9
From: Minneapolis MN
I fill my tires to about 34psi as an anti-flatspotting measure. Probably doesn't do that much good, but can't hurt. I use Sta-bil in mine and make sure to run it long enough for it to reach the engine (I usually just put it in at the gas station when I'm doing my winter fill, that way it gets mixed and run through on the way home). Starting it weekly during the winter can have mixed results as you create a lot of moisture in the car during cold starts. I start mine about once during the whole winter storage, usually on a nicer day. I do not use a battery tender, opting to make sure the battery is fully charged then I just disconnect it. A fully charged battery cannot freeze so it stays good all winter with no risk of over charging.
You'll get many opinions on winter storage techniques. There are pros and cons to each so I just go with what has worked for me for ten plus years of storing classics.
You'll get many opinions on winter storage techniques. There are pros and cons to each so I just go with what has worked for me for ten plus years of storing classics.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,770
Likes: 33
From: Cohasset MN
2017 Corvette of the Year Finalist
2016 C1 of Year Finalist
I put my '86 up on jack stands so I don't have to worry about the tires flat spotting. It also gives me a chance to work on the underside for some cleaning. I don't start it up during the winter storage as it tends to create moisture problems. Most Corvette owners I know do not start it up. I also hang a product called Damp Rid inside to absorb moisture. I put a battery maintainer on the battery once a month and have the battery disconnected. Everyone has different opinions about storage.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,791
Likes: 3
From: Maine
I use bounce fabric softener in the cabin and the engine area to keep the mice away from it. I have never had a problem with mice. And it smells better than moth *****. I remove the battery and bring it inside. I put it on jack stands to prevent any flat spotting. I start it about once a month and run it for about 20 minutes up to operating temperature. I have never had any moisture problems, any moisture in the fuel system quickly burns off. I would love to one day have a house with a garage door that opens into the basement with enough room for at least two cars. That would be an ideal way to work on them year round as the winter season is a great time for that.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,363
Likes: 7
From: 1994 LT1 Coupe 6-speed with FX3 & 2000 LS1 Vert 6-Speed with F45 Hunterdon County, NJ
Well, it looks as though winter is officially upon us. Time for me to swap positions in my garage with my 94 six-speed coupe and Polaris snowmobile. Before I do the swap though, I plan on changing the oil, full grease job, and packing the fuel tank with high test gasoline and some sort of winter stabilizer. Wash job complete, the cover will go on and I plan starting it up every week or so and letting it idle up to operating temp. I would like others to chime in on possible suggestions that I could add to the list and what they do to store thier babies for the winter season. Unless it is an exceptional day out, i.e. warm and dry, I do not plan on driving it until warmer weather. Anything I am missing?? What type of fuel stabilizer is recommended, if any at all?? Thanks in advance for all input.
Running the car occasionally to coolant operating temp will NOT bring the oil temperature up to 200+, which is required to burn off the moisture created during the previous run to prevent the moisture from turning into acid in the oil. So better to not run it.
However, if running it, also turn-on the A/C to lubricate the pump and seals. Also try and turn on/off heating system and all electrical devices to exercise their relays.
If using dino oil (non-synthetic), consider changing the oil again in the spring (read why at bobstheoilguy.com).
If the battery will constantly experience much lower than 20 degrees F, remove or trickle charge - as even a fully charged battery has some pure water in it and could freeze and crack the case -- esp as all batteries self-discharge over time.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 6,314
Likes: 508
From: South-central Missouri
Once or twice a month for me. IMO, a car suffers more from not using it tha from at least an occational bit of exercise. So, the Z gest a couple 7+k blasts; gets the tires and the oil warmed up pretty quick, and back in the stall with the Battery Tender minding the store till next opportunity. Same goes for Ami's C3.
It seems to me I have less problems with them come spring than I do if I let them sit. Same goes for the lawn mower and the standby generator: they (carb jets or injectors, the relays and hydraulics, etc, etc) seem to appreciate the exercise!!
P.
P.
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Joined: Aug 2011
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St. Jude Donor '16
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 256
Likes: 1
From: Taylorville IL
Great tips. Never thought of the cardboard or plywood under the tires trick, but will do just that. I believe I will remove the battery and put it in my basement as I only have a charger and not the tender. Also will go to the nearest dollar store and pick up the fabric softener sheets. Gotta smell better than my garage. Until spring time, I will pray for lots of snow so the Polaris Ultra can get some miles on it. Thanks all..Cessnaguy 
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,745
Likes: 275
From: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Well we am lucky here in Australia, it only snows high in the mountains several hours drive away. Comparable weather to L.A in Melbourne, further north more like Florida with extreme heat far north. Maybe consider a move to California 
and drive her all year long and stop shivering 
The worst thing you can do to a car is not drive it regularly
, i feel bad if i leave my vette in the garage for a week.
and drive her all year long and stop shivering The worst thing you can do to a car is not drive it regularly
, i feel bad if i leave my vette in the garage for a week.