Winterize?
Pro
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Queens NY
"Generally speaking", periodic starting during storage is not recommended because most people who do that "generally" don't allow the engine to get hot enough long enough to burn off built up condensation which then sits in the oil and internals and "can cause" problems. Not saying it can't be done correctly or done incorrectly and not have problems, just that most recommend not doing it. 
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From: Ventura County, Calif
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From: Jacksonville Florida BWO Dayton, Cincinnati, Bloomsbury NJ, Cincinnati
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I winterize by putting the top up in the evenings. It must be frustrating to not be able to drive your cars.
Elmer
Elmer
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From: Manitoba/San Jose del Cabo
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St. Jude Donor '11
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Gods Country WI
Actually, for most of us, as much as you southerners would like us to agonize, we really are not as frustrated as you would think. Putting our cars away for winter is a part of our life, it has been since forever, we know it comes every year and we do it, it is just a ritual that we have come accustomed to. I can tell you that the thrill of bringing them out again in the spring is a tremendous feeling.... kind of like a new hot girlfriend.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 2004
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From: Schaumburg IL
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St. Jude Donor '06-'10, '13
"Generally speaking", periodic starting during storage is not recommended because most people who do that "generally" don't allow the engine to get hot enough long enough to burn off built up condensation which then sits in the oil and internals and "can cause" problems. Not saying it can't be done correctly or done incorrectly and not have problems, just that most recommend not doing it.
Does more harm than good long term. If you are going to start it every two weeks...best to drive it at least 30-40min or more to get everything up to operating temp.
Actually, for most of us, as much as you southerners would like us to agonize, we really are not as frustrated as you would think. Putting our cars away for winter is a part of our life, it has been since forever, we know it comes every year and we do it, it is just a ritual that we have come accustomed to. I can tell you that the thrill of bringing them out again in the spring is a tremendous feeling.... kind of like a new hot girlfriend.
Yeap. And hear ya on taking the car back out again in the winter.. it almost makes you appreciate the car that much more being temporarily without it.
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Confession my next car will be a C6 vert, my current car is a BMW 540i . I also own a boat. Ethanol in gas plays havoc with boats. Currently there is a lot of controversy regarding filling the tank or getting as close to empty as possible. The theory is that if the gas goes bad when its nearly empty you have less to dispose of. Plus when you fill in the spring you have mostly fresh gas. Makes sense to me so I leave it empty and use Startron to stabilize.
The car is different. It seldom sees rain and never sees snow. Having said that, here in Connecticut, when we have our periods of snow and garbage on the streets the car stays in the garage. But, after a rain I see no problem driving the car once the streets are dry. The biggest problem is summer tires don't work very well until they warm up. After a mile or two they probably are not warm enough for aggressive driving but they are OK.
Maybe it's just me, but the idea of not driving my car from November to March is a non starter
The car is different. It seldom sees rain and never sees snow. Having said that, here in Connecticut, when we have our periods of snow and garbage on the streets the car stays in the garage. But, after a rain I see no problem driving the car once the streets are dry. The biggest problem is summer tires don't work very well until they warm up. After a mile or two they probably are not warm enough for aggressive driving but they are OK.
Maybe it's just me, but the idea of not driving my car from November to March is a non starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,678
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Congrats on your GS Where are located in Chicago? Burbs or actually in the city?
I am keeping my car on the road as long as possible, normally I put it away week before Thanksgiving or that week so long as there is no salt on the roads yet
You should be able to rack up another 500 miles in the next couple weeks. If you have trouble....I'll drive your car some for ya
I have a 70 mile round trip commute to work each day
With regards to storage, as a few others have said:
Battery Tender (NOT Trickle charger)- A MUST
Top off fuel and add Stabil Fuel Stabilizer
Fill tires to 35-40PSI
Rodent protection (if that is a concern where you are storing) lots of different urban myths as to what works...I've used Dryer sheets and moth ***** and never had a problem
Car cover
That is about it. Also, lots of opinions on this, but once I store mine, I do not start it or drive it until I am ready to take it out of storage for the season.
Where are located in Chicago? Burbs or actually in the city?I am keeping my car on the road as long as possible, normally I put it away week before Thanksgiving or that week so long as there is no salt on the roads yet
You should be able to rack up another 500 miles in the next couple weeks. If you have trouble....I'll drive your car some for ya I have a 70 mile round trip commute to work each dayWith regards to storage, as a few others have said:
Battery Tender (NOT Trickle charger)- A MUST
Top off fuel and add Stabil Fuel Stabilizer
Fill tires to 35-40PSI
Rodent protection (if that is a concern where you are storing) lots of different urban myths as to what works...I've used Dryer sheets and moth ***** and never had a problem
Car cover
That is about it. Also, lots of opinions on this, but once I store mine, I do not start it or drive it until I am ready to take it out of storage for the season.
Have sometime until we get that snow & salt.
Looks like Thursday, Friday & Saturday will be nice in the Chicago area.
Get out there and get the 500 and open her up before winter.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 2,678
Likes: 1
Actually, for most of us, as much as you southerners would like us to agonize, we really are not as frustrated as you would think. Putting our cars away for winter is a part of our life, it has been since forever, we know it comes every year and we do it, it is just a ritual that we have come accustomed to. I can tell you that the thrill of bringing them out again in the spring is a tremendous feeling.... kind of like a new hot girlfriend.
Just noticed what you said.
Pro
Joined: Feb 2010
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From: Sussex WI
St. Jude Donor '10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
