Winterize
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 31
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From: Mississauga Ontario
Winterize
This will be my first winter storage of my vette. I've been told to change the oil, top It is not up the tire pressures, place a trickle charge on it and that's it. Is this the right procedure? I've also been told not to start it up every so often as it's not very good for the engine.
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From: Rolla Missouri
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St. Jude Donor '10 thru '25
Unless your going to actually drive the car for a good 10+ mile trip, then just let it sit.
Starting a engine up in a cold garage and just letting it idle for awhile is not enough to get all the fluids up to operating temps.
All you will end up doing is creating "sludge".
You want the engine oil, trans fluid, and even exhaust system to be completely up to normal operating temps every time you run it.
Condensation is really hard on exhaust system parts, and will lead to the formation of sludge in your engine oil and trans fluid.
As for the "trickle charger", make sure you get the right kind.
There is a difference between trickle charger and smart charger.
You want a "smart charger", like the brand name Battery Tender.
That is one brand, there are others.
Starting a engine up in a cold garage and just letting it idle for awhile is not enough to get all the fluids up to operating temps.
All you will end up doing is creating "sludge".
You want the engine oil, trans fluid, and even exhaust system to be completely up to normal operating temps every time you run it.
Condensation is really hard on exhaust system parts, and will lead to the formation of sludge in your engine oil and trans fluid.
As for the "trickle charger", make sure you get the right kind.
There is a difference between trickle charger and smart charger.
You want a "smart charger", like the brand name Battery Tender.
That is one brand, there are others.
Team Owner
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From: Riverside County Southern California
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Don't forget about our favorite winter threads....
Le Mans Master
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St. Jude Donor '16
This will be my first winter storage of my vette. I've been told to change the oil, top It is not up the tire pressures, place a trickle charge on it and that's it. Is this the right procedure? I've also been told not to start it up every so often as it's not very good for the engine.
.....I have old pieces carpet i put under the tires.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Delta B.C. Canada
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In addition, top up the fuel tank. Less air in there means less condensation.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2013
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From: Minneapolis Mn
Winterizing steps
I've been putting my Thunderbird to bed for the winter for years, this will be the first for a Vette. Here's what I can think of at the moment:
Check/Change the antifreeze
Do an Oil change if it's been a while since one was done.
Check the air in the tires
Check brake fluid and PS fluid - top off if it's low.
Wash and wax the car.
Top off the gas tank, add a can of Seafoam and drive it for at least 15-20 minute/miles to get it through the system.
If you have a car cover - use it.
Some people like to use a trickle charger, I prefer to unhook the battery. I've even brought it into the basement to keep it warm and check the charge on it.
I will start it up every 3 months or so and run it for about 20-30 minutes when the streets are clear enough to get it in and out of the garage safely.
Been doing this for a lot of years on the TBird so I expect the same would work for the Vette.
Check/Change the antifreeze
Do an Oil change if it's been a while since one was done.
Check the air in the tires
Check brake fluid and PS fluid - top off if it's low.
Wash and wax the car.
Top off the gas tank, add a can of Seafoam and drive it for at least 15-20 minute/miles to get it through the system.
If you have a car cover - use it.
Some people like to use a trickle charger, I prefer to unhook the battery. I've even brought it into the basement to keep it warm and check the charge on it.
I will start it up every 3 months or so and run it for about 20-30 minutes when the streets are clear enough to get it in and out of the garage safely.
Been doing this for a lot of years on the TBird so I expect the same would work for the Vette.
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From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
Don't forget to use a washer fluid that is rated to the temperatures you expect to see in storage.....
I also usually put some Armorall or similar product on all the weatherstripping so the doors, hood truck don't stick
I also usually put some Armorall or similar product on all the weatherstripping so the doors, hood truck don't stick
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