Winter Storage
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 15,323
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From: Guelph, Ontario
It's really not needed if you're only storing it for 3-4 months, as gas will not go bad in that short of a time. I've stored many cars in the winter for that period of time and have never put in fuel stabilizer and have never had a problem. Just make sure the tank is full (to prevent condensation) and then when you bring it out from it's slumber, keep topping it up with fresh fuel frequently for the first few hundred miles.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
It's really not needed if you're only storing it for 3-4 months, as gas will not go bad in that short of a time. I've stored many cars in the winter for that period of time and have never put in fuel stabilizer and have never had a problem. Just make sure the tank is full (to prevent condensation) and then when you bring it out from it's slumber, keep topping it up with fresh fuel frequently for the first few hundred miles.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,867
Likes: 66
From: . Wyoming .
I don't store my C7, but I use Stabil in my RV to ensure the fuel doesn't varnish in the generator's carburetor. If I did store the Vette, I would use Stabil in it, also, being sure to run it through the whole system.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2013
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From: Calgary Alberta
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: Ft Lauderdale
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Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 15,323
Likes: 2,077
From: Guelph, Ontario
Fuel stabilizer is really more necessary for small engines that might be running the same tank of gasoline for a year, not for a short period like 3 or 4 months. Think about how many used cars (and new cars for that matter) that sit on a lot for longer than that with the same fuel in them and the fuel doesn't go all gummy.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 2,299
Likes: 466
From: Long Island New York
With non-ethanol fuel, stabilizer isn't needed.
With E10, it does help prevent phase separation.
If you have a climate controlled garage, keeping it near empty is better than full as it is less to go bad, and if it is a constant temperature condensation is not an issue.
With E10, it does help prevent phase separation.
If you have a climate controlled garage, keeping it near empty is better than full as it is less to go bad, and if it is a constant temperature condensation is not an issue.
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 36
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
The CEO of the company I work for is a car collector, he currently has 50 cars with the oldest being 1956 up to 2012 Rolls Royce. He puts Seafoam in all of his cars when being stored for more than 3 months.
I use Seafoam in my vehicles as well. Also use it in the lawnmower, trimmer and leafblower. They start right up come spring with fresh gas. No issues.
It's cheap insurance.
I use Seafoam in my vehicles as well. Also use it in the lawnmower, trimmer and leafblower. They start right up come spring with fresh gas. No issues.
It's cheap insurance.
Race Director
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 10,742
Likes: 629
From: Manheim Pennsylvania
It's really not needed if you're only storing it for 3-4 months, as gas will not go bad in that short of a time. I've stored many cars in the winter for that period of time and have never put in fuel stabilizer and have never had a problem. Just make sure the tank is full (to prevent condensation) and then when you bring it out from it's slumber, keep topping it up with fresh fuel frequently for the first few hundred miles.
If you have a garage with a constant temperature condensation isn't a problem and I recommend a fuel level of about 1/2 tank. When you place the vehicle back in service fill the tank adding fresh fuel. I have not had any problem with E10 fuel.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 45,248
Likes: 8,512
From: Rochester, NY
Been storing Vettes, Porsches, and other toys for many years over the Winter months and have never used any stabilizer. No problems but as someone mentioned it is cheap enough and if it gives you piece of mind then I guess there is no harm in using it.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 485
Likes: 7
From: MN
When I first saw the title of this thread, I thought to myself "why would anyone want to store such a fun to drive car for months at a time?"
I'm more concerned about "storing" my other vehicle that I wasn't driving. Even over the Minnesota winter, my 4x4 Silverado sat in the garage for a few stints of 2 and 3 weeks where we did not have any significant active snowfall.
I'm more concerned about "storing" my other vehicle that I wasn't driving. Even over the Minnesota winter, my 4x4 Silverado sat in the garage for a few stints of 2 and 3 weeks where we did not have any significant active snowfall.
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 15,323
Likes: 2,077
From: Guelph, Ontario
I do worry a little bit about the temperature of my garage though. It's well insulated as it's completely surrounded with no walls exposed to the outside elements, and stays above the freezing mark even without any heat source. However, the garage door does get opened for short periods of time, to take out the garbage or bring out the snow shovels for instance. So I'm not sure I'd feel comfortable storing it with an almost empty tank, but I might try 1/2 tank this season. I just wish spring would hurry up and arrive, I haven't even stored my car yet but I'm already dreading what's sure to be a very long winter season again
I envy those that live in Florida or other warm states that never need to put their cars away.