[Z06] Car storage tips
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 318
Likes: 29
Car storage tips
Almost to the point of putting my baby away till the spring. Was wondering about opinions on storing your car? I'd actually like to drive it if the weather allows. We do have some long stretches though of icy roads etc where I'm not going to want to take it out at all. Thoughts? Thanks Scott
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 318
Likes: 29
That's what I'm thinking. My neighbor has a low low mileage ZL1 and that car does not get started at all through the winter. I think the worst thing you can do is let a car just sit in your garage for months without starting it. At least get the thing up to full operating temperature and then run it for say 10 minutes more. Our mechanics out at work would say don't even bother starting it unless your going to let it run for a "significant" period of time.
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 14,137
Likes: 2,985
From: Iowa
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
A little early in the year, where do you live?
I put Sta-bil in my gas(keeps gas fresh), extra air in tires (helps prevent flat spotting), oil change before storage, dryer sheets and Irish Spring soap (keep fury creatures away), wash and wax, take wheels off and detail, cover, and wake up in Spring. I'm sure I'm forgetting a few things.
I put Sta-bil in my gas(keeps gas fresh), extra air in tires (helps prevent flat spotting), oil change before storage, dryer sheets and Irish Spring soap (keep fury creatures away), wash and wax, take wheels off and detail, cover, and wake up in Spring. I'm sure I'm forgetting a few things.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 318
Likes: 29
A little early in the year, where do you live?
I put Sta-bil in my gas(keeps gas fresh), extra air in tires (helps prevent flat spotting), oil change before storage, dryer sheets and Irish Spring soap (keep fury creatures away), wash and wax, take wheels off and detail, cover, and wake up in Spring. I'm sure I'm forgetting a few things.
I put Sta-bil in my gas(keeps gas fresh), extra air in tires (helps prevent flat spotting), oil change before storage, dryer sheets and Irish Spring soap (keep fury creatures away), wash and wax, take wheels off and detail, cover, and wake up in Spring. I'm sure I'm forgetting a few things.
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,402
Likes: 394
From: Virginia
St. Jude Donor '18
Do some reading here on the forum. It’s discussed every.single.fall.
It is NOT good practice to start the car UNLESS you are going to take it out and bring ALL fluids up to operating temperature to burn off the moisture content. Otherwise, just leave it parked, dormant.
It is NOT good practice to start the car UNLESS you are going to take it out and bring ALL fluids up to operating temperature to burn off the moisture content. Otherwise, just leave it parked, dormant.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 318
Likes: 29
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 174
Likes: 67
From: Courtice, Ontario
I read an article in Car and Driver years ago were they said you shouldn't start the car intermittently during storage even if you let it idle for 20 mins as it can build moisture inside the motor and cause corrosion over time.
Best bet is to change the oil if it hasn't been done recently, trickle charge, top up your gas tank, pump up the tires a few extra psi and cover her after she's been cleaned. Then leave her until spring.
Best bet is to change the oil if it hasn't been done recently, trickle charge, top up your gas tank, pump up the tires a few extra psi and cover her after she's been cleaned. Then leave her until spring.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 34,479
Likes: 532
From: Central PA. - - My AR15 identifies as a muzzleloader
I believe in the Beer Fairy
I don't waste my time with starting mine. I did drive mine last winter anytime the roads were clear and dry and had not been salted or otherwise uglied up. I didn't care about those tires, but of course it voids the warranty on my new ones if I drive it in freezing temperatures. So mine will probably just sit.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,230
Likes: 139
From: SOME WHERE IN ILL
storage
change oil ,full tank of gas, sample carpet under each wheel, charger cover tennis ***** on exhaust zo6 bounce fabric softener cover I put away in November and don't touch it till march since 2003
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,275
Likes: 739
From: Miami FL
I know this is one of those subjects... but take a look at this:
And check the following article that includes a video:
"Why You Should Store Your C5/C6/C7 Corvette With Just a Quarter Tank of Fuel"
STORAGE INFORMATION from Paul Koerner, GM Master Corvette Technician.
If you plan to store your C7 for longer than one month, Paul emphasizes the following points. Review your owner's manual for more storage recommendations (battery tender, etc.).
- Store newer Generation (4 through 7) with 1/4 tank of gas.
- Use fuel stabilizer if storing for longer than one month at a time.
- Change oil before storage
The reason for only storing with 1/4 tank of gas has to do with the location of the fuel sending unit. In the C7, the fuel sending units are half way up inside each of the two tanks. Sulfur in the gasoline can coat the fuel level sensors, causing the fuel gauge to become inoperative. The reason that this does not happen when you are regularly driving the car is that movement of the gas in the tanks keeps the contacts clear. In order to clean the contacts, use a 20 ounce bottle of
Chevron Techron Fuel System Cleaner
(Auto Zone, etc.).
The old reasons for storing with a full tank of gas no longer apply with the C7. The double sealed fuel filler neck and the charcoal canister on the other side of the tank prevent moisture build up from taking place.
If you plan to store your C7 for longer than one month, Paul emphasizes the following points. Review your owner's manual for more storage recommendations (battery tender, etc.).
- Store newer Generation (4 through 7) with 1/4 tank of gas.
- Use fuel stabilizer if storing for longer than one month at a time.
- Change oil before storage
The reason for only storing with 1/4 tank of gas has to do with the location of the fuel sending unit. In the C7, the fuel sending units are half way up inside each of the two tanks. Sulfur in the gasoline can coat the fuel level sensors, causing the fuel gauge to become inoperative. The reason that this does not happen when you are regularly driving the car is that movement of the gas in the tanks keeps the contacts clear. In order to clean the contacts, use a 20 ounce bottle of
Chevron Techron Fuel System Cleaner(Auto Zone, etc.).
The old reasons for storing with a full tank of gas no longer apply with the C7. The double sealed fuel filler neck and the charcoal canister on the other side of the tank prevent moisture build up from taking place.
And check the following article that includes a video:
"Why You Should Store Your C5/C6/C7 Corvette With Just a Quarter Tank of Fuel"
Last edited by GCG; Sep 22, 2019 at 12:13 PM.