2DLIMIT

My C7 (2016 Z51) is parked inside my heated garage for the winter.

What I am wondering is, how often to start it up, and then how long to run it for. I have the battery on the GM charger and it is unplugged when I start it up. note: It will be parked from November to April. (current milage is 1500km or 932miles)

Also any other considerations to keep on top of would be appreciated.

Greg

mikez06

Same here, on battery tender from Nov. to April. Do NOT start it up.
Have done this for many years, just keep it on the tender.
Pump up the tires to about 35psi, they will lose air. I keep my cars on carpet swatches in unheated garage.
Never had issues doing this.
(Wish we didn't HAVE to, but that's another topic altogether! )

Scoobydoobydoo

No reason to start it if it's on a tender. Fill the tank 3/4 of the way, put a good fuel stabilizer in it and change the oil before you put it away.

SK360

I wash it, plug the battery tender in, throw a cover over it and forget about it until late March. I don't worry about fuel level, plastic tanks won't rust. Oil I change I do my yearly change in the spring. Tires may flat spot a tiny bit but they work themselves out in the first few miles.

Before the first start in Spring I push the gas pedal all the way down and hit the start button a few times to build oil pressure and circulate some oil to the areas where it drained down by sitting then I fire it up as normal and move on with my life.

thrilled

I believe some people believe letting it sit for A long time without starting dries the cylinder
Lining.That way when the car is started it's metal against metal.I believe there is oil so it won't become dry.Also the tires Supposely will get flat spots even with them inflated to 40 psi.Myself this is all here say.I'm just the messenger.

2DLIMIT

I assume without your foot on the brake...... I didn't realize that this was a way to turn the motor over without it starting?

PUGPROUD

...Wash it ...fill tank up, add stabilizer and run for 5 minutes ...put on ramps to avoid tire flat spots ...connect battery tender ...steel wool in exhaust pipes to keep out mice ...moth ***** around car to scare away mice ...small dehumidifier bucket in interior ...cover car ...never ever start it up (condensation would form) It all sounds **** but it works and gives me piece of mind.

proexpert

Been that way since 1997.

SK360

Nope. Clutch pedal down, gas pedal down and e-brake on or in an auto leave it in park and put the pedal to the floor.

It's a built in safety feature in case the drive by wire system fails stuck full on so that the motor won't start, cuts fuel and spark and just spins the starter.

John Ulrich

Worst thing to do is start it and not driving it.

The C7 is in a zippered bag, the battery tender cord is existing the bottom edge in the photo with duct tape around it to keep a mouse from sneaking in. The C3 is in front of it with Bounce drier sheets hopefully keeping the mice away....I need to purchase a second bag.

PegasusCapital

Here's my 10-step approach to putting my baby to sleep in my heated garage:

1. Wash and blow-dry thoroughly to remove all moisture from vents, cracks and crevices
2. Drive and apply brakes sufficiently to remove any rust from the brake discs
3. Put fresh Stabil into gas tank and top-off with fresh fuel
4. Inflate tires to 40PSI to help from flat bottoming
5. Put an open box of A & H baking soda on interior floor to absorb any orders
6. I park the car on a set of Flat Stoppers to raise it off the ground and further protect against flat bottoming of the tires
7. Install battery tender
8. Lower driver's side window just slightly in case you lose power and have to get into the car
8. Cover with a proper fitting (and not cheap) car cover
9. During the crap winter months I will also remove each wheel and tire and thoroughly clean each one wax each wheel before reinstalling. I'll also clean the undercarriage, brake caliper and wheel wells as necessary.
10. Pray for Spring!

Patman

You should be doing the yearly oil change right before storage, not right after. It's always preferable to have the cleanest oil during the long storage period. Do you really want the oil to have a higher level of acid in it during those 3-4 months every year or would you rather have the oil as fresh as possible?

SK360

There are valid arguments on both sides, I subscribe to the "it doesn't matter as most of it is going to drain into the pan shortly" theory.

BlueFinn

And, if it is in a garage, sit in it every once and a while, drink a single malt scotch and dream of spring!

xwing

Is it that time of year already? Not quite yet, though.

mikez06

Nope not quite yet, it was a record breaking 75 degrees today!

dvilin

rmorin1249

I am determined to find at least one sunny day with dry roads each month during the winter so I can take a nice long drive on some western MD back roads.

thrilled

I like rt.40 from Hagerstown to Frederick.It works for me.

busterkeller

is it ok to leave charger inside car and run plug out the window to an outlet?