First Winter
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Pro
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 706
Likes: 597
From: Chicago Illinois
First Winter
This will be the first time storing a Corvette for me. I did a bunch of searching but have one or two questions.
I will be storing the car here in Chicagoland for approximately 4 months. I'm a little late, since its already in the 20s with snow on the ground, but I'm going to try and give it a good wash if the temp raises back up (its not especially dirty but I should have done this already!).
I have a trickle charger for it and I know to put a full tank of gas with stabil in it. I was also going to put DampRid in the cabin and moth ***** in the engine bay (any advice on how many to use or placement??) while covering the exhaust tips.
My main concern is not changing the oil. I've read this is a must and I've read its not needed. It would be hard for me to get it to the dealer for the free oil change at this point but I could easily do it myself if I must...
Also.. I've read that I should start it for 20 minutes once a month and I've also read to NEVER start it.. what do you guys/gals do??
Thanks in advance for the help!
I will be storing the car here in Chicagoland for approximately 4 months. I'm a little late, since its already in the 20s with snow on the ground, but I'm going to try and give it a good wash if the temp raises back up (its not especially dirty but I should have done this already!).
I have a trickle charger for it and I know to put a full tank of gas with stabil in it. I was also going to put DampRid in the cabin and moth ***** in the engine bay (any advice on how many to use or placement??) while covering the exhaust tips.
My main concern is not changing the oil. I've read this is a must and I've read its not needed. It would be hard for me to get it to the dealer for the free oil change at this point but I could easily do it myself if I must...
Also.. I've read that I should start it for 20 minutes once a month and I've also read to NEVER start it.. what do you guys/gals do??
Thanks in advance for the help!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 2,691
Likes: 140
I always change the oil in the spring, and I don't bother starting. Just put on battery tender, clean, damp-rid is a good idea for the cabin or the silica bags.
Last edited by Grimlock13; Nov 24, 2015 at 04:25 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,630
Likes: 203
From: MI
If you really do research. You will find a lot of people do it both ways.
So that must mean its ok not to change your oil before winter. I would only change the oil before winter if i was due to change my oil. If you have decent life left on your oil, i wont change it.
So that must mean its ok not to change your oil before winter. I would only change the oil before winter if i was due to change my oil. If you have decent life left on your oil, i wont change it.
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I change the oil in mine before storage - I just do not like keeping the old oil sitting in the car for those months. I also do not start the car during storage unless I get the opportunity to get it out and take it for a decent drive on a nice winter day.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 30,055
Likes: 351
From: Big Red Ne
Almost through Nov. here in Nebraska and still driving the C7. I generally find some time during each month (all 12 months of the year) to get it out on the road as long as conditions permit (clear roads with no moisture). Otherwise, just the battery tender and some fuel stabilizer.
Last edited by rkhegler; Nov 24, 2015 at 07:44 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 6,442
Likes: 2,535
From: New Jersey
My first winter with the car in NJ and I hope to drive it on the few nice days in the winter. If the winter turns out to be a bear and I can't drive it for a long period of time, I will just put it on the battery tender. A long time in this area would not be more than 2 months and I think 2 months just on a battery tender would be OK. I might keep a full tank during this period and maybe throw some stabilzer in the tank. While I'm at it I might put some steel wool in the exhaust just for the heck of it. Aah heck, the more I think about it the more I will probably do.
I would not just start the car and keep it running-if it starts, it goes outside for at least a 20 minute ride.
I would not just start the car and keep it running-if it starts, it goes outside for at least a 20 minute ride.
Last edited by Corgidog1; Nov 24, 2015 at 07:53 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,032
Likes: 173
From: Upstate NY
You're right, everyone does things differently.
We keep the cars on battery tenders for around 4 months, pump up the tires to 35-38psi, put tires/car on carpet swatches. We do NOT start 'em up.
Have changed oil, but only because it was due. Remember 'time' will diminish the oil monitor's percentages.
We've done this for many, many years with various cars, never any issues.
Other than we'd like to driiiiiiiiive!
We keep the cars on battery tenders for around 4 months, pump up the tires to 35-38psi, put tires/car on carpet swatches. We do NOT start 'em up.
Have changed oil, but only because it was due. Remember 'time' will diminish the oil monitor's percentages.
We've done this for many, many years with various cars, never any issues.
Other than we'd like to driiiiiiiiive!
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 246
Likes: 13
This is what I did to mine based on what I've read and what I think I should do:
1. Filled the tank and put in Stabil
2. Washed and waxed the car
3. Put the battery tender on
4. Covered it
5. Said "Goodnight"
I didn't change the oil because I had 80% life left. I also do not plan on starting it throughout the winter.
My old TransAm WS6, I use to just put a cover on it and let it sit for the winter and did nothing else to it. Nothing bad happened. In the research/reading online I've done, I haven't read about anyone putting their car in for winter storage and it coming out damaged because of improper storage. Just my observation though.
1. Filled the tank and put in Stabil
2. Washed and waxed the car
3. Put the battery tender on
4. Covered it
5. Said "Goodnight"
I didn't change the oil because I had 80% life left. I also do not plan on starting it throughout the winter.
My old TransAm WS6, I use to just put a cover on it and let it sit for the winter and did nothing else to it. Nothing bad happened. In the research/reading online I've done, I haven't read about anyone putting their car in for winter storage and it coming out damaged because of improper storage. Just my observation though.
Last edited by IndyPilot; Nov 24, 2015 at 08:12 AM.
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Team Owner
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Rochester, NY
I change the oil before I store my Vette but no big deal if you wait until Spring.
Once you hook-up your battery maintainer leave the car alone until you are ready to put it back into action. You do NOT want to start it periodically it does the engine no good, actually more harm than good.
As for moth *****, etc. Just use your judgement there is no magic number.
Inflate your tires approximately 5 lbs above the recommended 30, full tank of gas and you should be fine,
Once you hook-up your battery maintainer leave the car alone until you are ready to put it back into action. You do NOT want to start it periodically it does the engine no good, actually more harm than good.
As for moth *****, etc. Just use your judgement there is no magic number.
Inflate your tires approximately 5 lbs above the recommended 30, full tank of gas and you should be fine,
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 29,113
Likes: 2,194
From: Big Bend Country, TX
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15- '16-'17-‘18-‘19-'20-'21
NCM Lifetime Member
Never stored.............
Windy city area born and raised. Highland Park to be exact. Somewhere on this forum are many pictures of my Vettes in snow when I came up from TX to visit my parents. Heck, the '62 was my school car. Not cool riding the bus when one has their driver's license. The '67 made the trip between Carbondale and H P all the time 
Drive it. It won't melt .......
Drive it. It won't melt .......
CORVETTE TODAY Show Host
Joined: Oct 2013
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From: Kansas City, Missouri
CORVETTE TODAY Host
St. Jude Donor'15
My wife and I need to move from Kansas City....we have Winter here, which is not conducive to driving Stingrays. Driving my C7 is important to me.....not Winter.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 8,515
Likes: 255
From: Rochester New York
ok here is the drill
change Oil in the fall as acid is what builds up and effects the engine the most
Pump up the tires to 40#'s pressure
Plae a carpet/ Material under the tires. reduces tire rot
clean /wax car inside out.
coat rotors with wd-40 clean wheel barrels of brake dust
dampx etc. helps
prop up windshield wipper blades to take pressure off of rubber blades.
Cover /Battery tender
AND DO NOT START UNLESS YOU RUN IT !/2 Hr. to eliminate condensation.
IN the Spring push the gas peddle to the floor crank engine a few time to get lubrication to the cylinders before starting.
Enjoy the coming year with all your friends
change Oil in the fall as acid is what builds up and effects the engine the most
Pump up the tires to 40#'s pressure
Plae a carpet/ Material under the tires. reduces tire rot
clean /wax car inside out.
coat rotors with wd-40 clean wheel barrels of brake dust
dampx etc. helps
prop up windshield wipper blades to take pressure off of rubber blades.
Cover /Battery tender
AND DO NOT START UNLESS YOU RUN IT !/2 Hr. to eliminate condensation.
IN the Spring push the gas peddle to the floor crank engine a few time to get lubrication to the cylinders before starting.
Enjoy the coming year with all your friends
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
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From: Guelph, Ontario
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Big Bend Country, TX
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15- '16-'17-‘18-‘19-'20-'21
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Team Owner
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From: I live my life by 2 rules. 1) Never share everything you know. 2)
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13, '16-'17-'18
I don't store my C7 (never have any of my vettes).
They're meant to be driven and mine are, in anything other than snow!
They're meant to be driven and mine are, in anything other than snow!
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,268
Likes: 250
From: Billings Mt
One of the most popular questions among Corvette owners is "how should I prepare my Corvette for long-term or winter storage? This age old question is just like the typical "which type of aftermarket exhaust system should I install" question. You're bound to get five hundred different answers and all of them could be different. Some people will tell you to completely drain the fuel tank and others will tell you not to do this. Some owners will tell you to put your Vette up on blocks and others will tell you not to. Above all of the uncertainty and mythical storage remedies you've heard of, you are sure of one thing: you want your Corvette to receive the very best care possible.
So what is the proper way to prepare your Corvette for long-term storage? The answer really depends upon the length of time the car will be in storage. To help us gain some insight into some of the more controversial issues such as engine andsuspension preparation, we spoke with General Motors Powertrain Engineers and Guldstrand Motorsports.This article addresses some of the uncertainty that revolves around proper long-term storage and will hopefully give you a better sense of confidence and security in knowing that your pride and joy has been properly prepared.
General Washing
Before placing your Corvette in long-term storage, be sure to properly wash the exterior in order to remove any environmental fallout from the paint such as bird droppings, tree sap, bugs, etc. Some of this fallout can be acidic and leave permanent marks in your Corvette's clearcoat.
Clean the tires and wheels
This is one area that is often overlooked in terms of the quality of cleaning. The rubber in the tires is prone to oxidative stress due to road grime and ultraviolet rays from the sun. This oxidation can be seen in the form of a dark yellowish dirt that clings to the sidewalls of the tires. Using a soft brush and soapy water, scrub the tires to remove any built up oxidation and roadgrime. Once the tires are cleaned and dried, apply a good quality tire dressing.
Solvent vs. Water Based Tire Dressings
Most tire dressings are either water-based or solvent-based. Each type uses silicone which is the key ingredient that gives tires that shiny, wet look. The more silicone in the product, the shinier the tire will be after application. Solvent based dressings work by soaking into the rubber, thus pulling the silicone in with them. This type of dressing tends to be more durable and last longer, however they also tend to pull the "black" out of the rubber and change the composition of the rubber with extended use over time. Because of this, some tire companies will actually void your warranty if you use a high volume, solvent based silicone product on their tires. Water-based dressings sit on the surface of the tire and do not pull the silicone into the rubber assolvent-based dressings do. They will provide the same quality shine as the solvent based products do, but they are not as durable and will not last as long.
Brake dust can accumulate on the wheels and over time, can permanently stain the wheel finish if the wheels are painted and/or clear coated. There are several different brands of wheel cleaners on the market. Make sure that if your wheels are clear coated, you use a wheel cleaner that specifically states that it's safe to use on clear coated wheels. Because most wheels cleaners are caustic and harmful to brake components, be sure to never spray the wheel cleaner directly on the wheel. Instead, dampen a cleaning cloth with the wheel cleaner first and then apply.
Flat Spotting
These days, flat spotting isn't as much of an issue as it was years ago. Due to changes in composition and technology, today's tires are less prone to flats potting than they were back in the days when '67 big blocks were prowling the streets. Any flat spotting that does occur to today's tire usually disappears within 20-30 minutes of normal driving time at normal highway speeds.
Regardless, some of the owners we spoke to prefer to place their cars on jack stands in order to remove the constant pressure on the tires. Some owners don't like to do this because they feel that it places the car's suspension in an unnatural state that when combined with the added weight of the tires and wheels, could cause permanent damage to the suspension over time. To help settle this dispute, we went to the leading authority on Corvette suspension design and engineering, GuldstrandMotorsports. "We suggest that when people put their cars away for the winter months, they put the cars on stands and remove and bag the tires. This prevents any moisture from having harmful effects [on the tires]. Allowing the suspension to hang is really the least of their worries, and is not detrimental" said Dave Tillotson, Guldstrand's Operations Director. If you choose to remove the tires and wheels from the vehicle prior to storage, please see our Tire Storage Recommendations page from Goodyear for more helpful storage tips.
Some owners feel that specially designed tire cradles, tiles, plastic forms orpieces of cardboard under the tires help to prevent flat-spotting and some owners don't. Most of this is trial and error and there is no easy way to determine what works and what doesn't. It's mostly based upon experience and personalpreference.
One method that has proven reliable to this author in the past is to over-inflate the tires to the maximum allowed pressure specified on the sidewall of the tires by the tire manufacturer. By over-inflating the tires, you're hindering their pliability and increasing their resistance to flatten. Just make sure to deflate the tires to the recommended normal operating pressure before driving.
Polish and Wax
After a thorough wash, apply a good quality polish and wax to your Corvette's paint. Contrary to popular belief, there is a difference between a polish and a wax. A polish (also known as "glaze") contains a small amount of abrasives that actually remove a thin layer of clear coat or paint off the surface. Some manufacturers include oils and nutrients in their polishes that they claim help to nourish the paint and prevent oxidation from occurring. A wax does not contain any abrasives and seals the paint therefore protecting your Corvette's finish. It provides a protective layer to prevent exposure to the elements and related fallout. A good rule of thumb is to apply a coat of polish and then seal that with one or two coats of wax.
Meguiars, 3M Car Care Products and Zaino are just a few examples of high quality paint care products that are popular among Corvette owners.
For applying and removing the wax and polish, make sure to use 100% cotton terry cloth hand towels that are made in the United States. Although the manufacturer tags on some hand towels will indicate that they are made of 100% cotton, some foreign countries have different regulations when it comes to the amount of cotton and other fibers used in the composition of their towels. These other fibers, such as polyester can leave tiny scratches in the clear coat. In order to keep your polishing towels clean, do not use laundry detergents or fabric softeners. Even though your towels may feel nice and soft, fabric softeners contain oils that give them that soft touch. When applied to your Corvette's finish, these oils can leave a milky, cloudy haze on the surface of the paint. This oily layer smears easily when wiped and proves difficult to remove without the use of a "paint cleaner". Keep in mind that a lot of laundry detergents come with fabric softeners mixed in, so make sure you read the ingredients prior to use.
Exterior Trim
Another frequently overlooked area to prepare is the exterior trim componentsof your Corvette. These include, weather-stripping, door hinges, hood latches and release pawls, pivots, and spring anchors.
For the weather-stripping, use a non-solvent based, silicone lubricant or grease. Mequiars Vinyl and Rubber Cleaner and Conditioner is one example and GM Goodwrench Dielectric Silicone Grease (part no. 12345579) is another. If youchoose to use the silicone grease, apply a small amount to the weather-stripping using your fingers. Wipe off any excess with a clean rag.
For the door hinges, hood latches and related hardware, use Lubriplate Lubricant(GM part no. 12346293). This is similar to white lithium grease which can be applied using your fingers. If you can't find this product at your local Chevrolet parts department, try GM SuperLube (GM part no. 12346241). This lubricant is similar to WD-40 and contains teflon.
Interior Care
The cleanliness of your Corvette's interior is just as important as the exterior prior to long-term storage. The most important parts of your interior are the leather surfaces. These usually consist of the seats, steering wheel, shifter **** and boot. During the summer, leather surfaces tend to become very hot during extended periods of sun exposure. As a result, you're bound to sweat a little when you first sit down in your Corvette. Sweat is very acidic and over time, can prematurely age your leather seating surfaces if they go untreated. That's why it's important to choose a high quality leather cleaner and/or conditioner for the leather components of the interior. Several companies, including Meguiars and Lexol, make excellent products that are easy to apply and most of these can be found in your local automotive supply store. Make sure you read the directions that come with each product before use.
To prevent moisture buildup and possible mold formation on interior components,you may want to consider adding desiccant (a chemical that removes moisture from the air) to various parts of your interior. Companies such as Beach Filter Products, Inc., Ecklers Corvette Parts andAccessories, and MidAmerica Designs, Inc supply special pouches of desiccant that can easily be placed in foot wells, seats and rear cargo hatch areas. For more information on properly treating your interior, take a look at our article on the Maintenance of Vinyl, Leather,Plastic, and Rubber Surfaces.
Engine Care
Another common area of misconception is proper engine storage. Some of the confusion comes from the fact that the Corvette has been around for almost 50 years. During those 50 years, automotive technology and electronics have experienced enormous growth and change. As a result, different generations of Corvette have different needs when it comes to care and maintenance.
Based upon conversations we had with owners of both old and new Corvettes, the majority of owners of Corvettes prior to the 1984 model year prefer to remove their spark plugs and squirt a small amount of motor oil into the cylinders. In order to understand why they do this, you need to understand the general purpose of an engine lubricant.
The main function of motor oil is to reduce friction between two metal surfaces inmotion. Some of these metal surfaces can have microscopic high points or peaks.When these metal surfaces rub together, enough heat can be produced to actually weld those peaks together. The peaks can be broken off, dragged and re-welded over and over again. This is known as scuffing, which can eventually cause permanent engine damage.
Overtime, the lubricant film that lines the cylinder walls underneath the piston, gradually recedes leaving the walls exposed. As the piston travels up and down the cylinder upon startup, a few critical seconds exist where two metal surfaces are rubbing together without proper lubrication. You now have an ideal environment for scuffing to occur. To prevent this, owners believe that removing the spark plugs and squirting a small amount of oil into each cylindercan help prevent this from occurring. It all seems to make sense, right?
If it did, we would expect the owners of newer Corvettes to practice this same method. Not so. Based upon conversations with owners of 1984 Corvettes and up, other than changing the oil and filter, removing the spark plugs and adding asmall amount of oil to each cylinder was rarely mentioned. This could be due to several possibilities. Are the spark plugs much harder to reach on an LT1 or LS1 engine as compared to an old 1968 L36 big block? Or has technology advanced far enough that today's engines are able to stay lubricated longer during extended periods of inactivity?
To help us understand the proper way to prepare an engine for long-term storage, we spoke to David A. Scott, Senior Service Engineer, at General Motors ServiceParts Operations. He suggested that if an engine is to be stored for nine months or longer, "remove the spark plugs and add approximately one (1)ounce of engine oil to each cylinder. The engine should be rotated just after adding the oil to the cylinders. The purpose of this step is to coat the cylinder bore to protect against rust formation during storage. Also note, this procedure is repeated after extended (18 months and longer) storage before start up. These steps were recommended by both the Base Systems Engineer and the Fuels and Lubricants Engineer."
Battery
Owners of older Corvettes usually unplug and sometimes remove their batteriesduring long periods of storage which they feel works well for them. If youchoose to remove the battery, do not place the battery directly on a concrete floor. Concrete has a tendency to discharge a battery which is the exact samething you're trying to avoid by leaving it connected to the car. Use a piece ofwood between the battery and the floor. Because batteries produce hydrogen gas which is flammable, do not store the battery where it will be exposed to openflame, or where it is exposed to children.
Some owners of newer Corvettes (1984 to the present) feel that battery disconnection and/or removal isn't a good idea given the large amount of onboard circuits in newer Corvettes. They prefer to use a "Battery Tender". The Battery Tender, produced by Halon Marketing, Inc., is a 1.25 amp battery charger capable of fully charging a battery and maintaining the batteries optimal charge. The unit is small, compact and comes with a 5-year warranty from the manufacturer.
We asked David Scott at GM if battery disconnection was a viable option for newerCorvettes. "Actually, it is because there are circuits using power when the vehicle is "off". Without a "Battery Tender" as you mentioned, the circuits would drain a battery in about 30 - 40 days. General Motors does not require / mandate that an owner have a charger going. We have typically recommended disconnecting the battery."
Fluid Levels
Make sure to top off all fluid levels. These include coolant, brake fluid,clutch/transmission fluid and most importantly, oil and fuel. Over time, motor oil can become contaminated by dust, condensation, and even antifreeze and metallic shavings. Some motor oils contain additives which can break down overtime and also act as contaminants. As these contaminants accumulate in the oil,sludge can form which will gradually adhere to internal engine components, causing your engine to perform less efficiently. Left long enough, this sludge can cause permanent engine damage. Combustion gases can also accumulate in the oil that will gradually lower the pH of your oil making it more acidic. Even if you only put 1,000 miles on your Corvette per year, make sure that you always change your oil and filter before placing it in long-term storage.
To do this, start and run the engine until it is brought up to normal operating temperature. If your Corvette is equipped with air-conditioning, the AC unit should be operated during this final engine warm-up to lubricate the compressor seal. Drain the oil and replace the filter. Refill with the type of oil recommendedin your factory owner's manual. Last but not least, if you own a newer Corvette equipped with the engine oil life monitor, remember to reset the "ChangeOil Light" as instructed in your owner's manual.
Fuel Stabilizer
Another important step is to make sure you top off the fuel in the tank and add a fuel stabilizer. Some owners prefer to completely drain the fuel tank andlines, but this may be an open invitation for condensation to build within the fuel system causing premature corrosion. Most fuel stabilizers, such as Stabil, can be purchased at any mainstream automotive parts store.
If your Corvette is carbureted, you should drain the carburetors of any residual gasoline. Remaining gasoline can evaporate and turn into a varnish that can coat and eventually clog the internal parts of a carburetor.
Mothballs
One of the biggest problems with long-term automotive storage is rodents.Depending on how secure the facility is that you store your Corvette in, one fact remains.... it's a source of protection from the elements for both your Corvette and those furry little critters. Most owners don't realize it, but certain brands of spark plug wires can become a meal for mice. Some brands (including GM brands) consist of a silicone inner jacket that surrounds the carbon suppression core. The silicone inner jacket is then surrounded by a vegetable oil based insulating outer shell which mice find particularly appetizing. To help prevent them from making a meal out of your Corvette's ignition system, place some mothballs in and around the engine compartment, but remember to remove them before starting up the car!
Exhaust System
Mice and other small rodents like to build nests in very small spaces and your Corvette's exhaust tips and mufflers make a perfect home. Use a couple small face cloths and rubber bands to seal off the exhaust tips on your Corvette. Simply cover the opening of each tail pipe with the towel and wrap a rubberband around it.
Car Cover
"Should I cover my Corvette while it's in storage and if so, what's the best type of cover to use?" This is one of the most commonly asked questions when it's time to store your Corvette. The answer depends upon where the car will be stored. If it's stored within a garage or similar shelter, it's not necessary unless the car will be stored for an extended period of time and you would like to keep the dust off of it. If the car is stored outdoors, it is recommended that you keep the car covered. Remember to periodically remove the cover, especially after a soaking rain, so that air has a chance to circulate and properly dry the car and cover.
The type of cover you should use, again depends upon where the car will be stored. If it's stored indoors, a simple cotton based cover is sufficient to keep dust off the car. If it's stored outdoors, you should consider using a Dupont Tyvekor Evolution-3 type weatherproof cover to protect against the elements. These covers can usually be found at either your local automotive parts store, or through mail order companies such as Mid America Motorworks.
Engine Start
Last but not least: "Should I start my Corvette periodically, or leave it alone until it's ready to come out of storage?" This is definitely the most commonly asked question when it comes to automotive storage and there seems to be two opposing sides. One side feels that you should start your car at least once per month and let it run for a good 20 minutes plus until the cooling fans kick in. The other side feels that you should leave the car alone until it's time to remove it from storage.
Again, we asked David Scott at GM. "It is always best to start your vehicle once a month if possible." When this is not practical, David offers the following guidelines:
Vehicle Storage of 9 months or less:
• Change oil and filter
• Store vehicle with full fuel tank using winter fuel - available nationwide after Oct. 1 (Higher Vapor Pressure)
• Disconnect negative battery cable
To prepare vehicle for use:
• Change oil and filter (eliminates moisture in crankcase)
• Charge battery
• Connect battery cable
Vehicle Storage of 9 months to 18 months:
• Change oil and filter
• Store vehicle with full fuel tank and use a fuel stability additive
• Remove the spark plugs and add approximately one (1) ounce of engine oil to each cylinder. Install spark plugs and rotate engine.
• Disconnect negative battery cable
To prepare vehicle for use:
• Change oil and filter (eliminates moisture in crankcase)
• Charge battery
• Connect battery cable
Vehicle Storage of 18 months and longer:
• Change oil and filter
• Remove the spark plugs and add approximately one (1) ounce of engine oil to each cylinder. Install spark plugs and rotate engine.
• Disconnect negative battery cable
• Drain the fuel system
To prepare vehicle for use:
• Change oil and filter (eliminates moisture in crankcase)
• Charge battery
• Connect battery cable
• Remove the spark plugs and add approximately one (1) ounce of engine oil to each cylinder. Install spark plugs and rotate engine.
• Fuel vehicle
Hopefully, this article has provided you with some valuable information to help you better prepare your Corvette for long-term or winter storage. Feel free to print a copy of our handy Storage Checklist to help you remember what to do in preparation for storage and to provide a source of documentation that you can look back upon should you repeatedly store your Corvette each winter. The long winter months when we can't drive our Corvettes may be long and brutal for some of us, but it doesn't have to be for your Corvette!
The Corvette Action Center would like to thank the following people who took timeout of their busy schedules to provide valuable insight and information for this article: Hib Halverson, Automotive Journalist & Contributor to Internet Media, Thomas A. Read, General Motors Corporaton, David A. Scott, General Motors Corporation, Dave Tillotson, Operations Director - Guldstrand Engineering.
So what is the proper way to prepare your Corvette for long-term storage? The answer really depends upon the length of time the car will be in storage. To help us gain some insight into some of the more controversial issues such as engine andsuspension preparation, we spoke with General Motors Powertrain Engineers and Guldstrand Motorsports.This article addresses some of the uncertainty that revolves around proper long-term storage and will hopefully give you a better sense of confidence and security in knowing that your pride and joy has been properly prepared.
General Washing
Before placing your Corvette in long-term storage, be sure to properly wash the exterior in order to remove any environmental fallout from the paint such as bird droppings, tree sap, bugs, etc. Some of this fallout can be acidic and leave permanent marks in your Corvette's clearcoat.
Clean the tires and wheels
This is one area that is often overlooked in terms of the quality of cleaning. The rubber in the tires is prone to oxidative stress due to road grime and ultraviolet rays from the sun. This oxidation can be seen in the form of a dark yellowish dirt that clings to the sidewalls of the tires. Using a soft brush and soapy water, scrub the tires to remove any built up oxidation and roadgrime. Once the tires are cleaned and dried, apply a good quality tire dressing.
Solvent vs. Water Based Tire Dressings
Most tire dressings are either water-based or solvent-based. Each type uses silicone which is the key ingredient that gives tires that shiny, wet look. The more silicone in the product, the shinier the tire will be after application. Solvent based dressings work by soaking into the rubber, thus pulling the silicone in with them. This type of dressing tends to be more durable and last longer, however they also tend to pull the "black" out of the rubber and change the composition of the rubber with extended use over time. Because of this, some tire companies will actually void your warranty if you use a high volume, solvent based silicone product on their tires. Water-based dressings sit on the surface of the tire and do not pull the silicone into the rubber assolvent-based dressings do. They will provide the same quality shine as the solvent based products do, but they are not as durable and will not last as long.
Brake dust can accumulate on the wheels and over time, can permanently stain the wheel finish if the wheels are painted and/or clear coated. There are several different brands of wheel cleaners on the market. Make sure that if your wheels are clear coated, you use a wheel cleaner that specifically states that it's safe to use on clear coated wheels. Because most wheels cleaners are caustic and harmful to brake components, be sure to never spray the wheel cleaner directly on the wheel. Instead, dampen a cleaning cloth with the wheel cleaner first and then apply.
Flat Spotting
These days, flat spotting isn't as much of an issue as it was years ago. Due to changes in composition and technology, today's tires are less prone to flats potting than they were back in the days when '67 big blocks were prowling the streets. Any flat spotting that does occur to today's tire usually disappears within 20-30 minutes of normal driving time at normal highway speeds.
Regardless, some of the owners we spoke to prefer to place their cars on jack stands in order to remove the constant pressure on the tires. Some owners don't like to do this because they feel that it places the car's suspension in an unnatural state that when combined with the added weight of the tires and wheels, could cause permanent damage to the suspension over time. To help settle this dispute, we went to the leading authority on Corvette suspension design and engineering, GuldstrandMotorsports. "We suggest that when people put their cars away for the winter months, they put the cars on stands and remove and bag the tires. This prevents any moisture from having harmful effects [on the tires]. Allowing the suspension to hang is really the least of their worries, and is not detrimental" said Dave Tillotson, Guldstrand's Operations Director. If you choose to remove the tires and wheels from the vehicle prior to storage, please see our Tire Storage Recommendations page from Goodyear for more helpful storage tips.
Some owners feel that specially designed tire cradles, tiles, plastic forms orpieces of cardboard under the tires help to prevent flat-spotting and some owners don't. Most of this is trial and error and there is no easy way to determine what works and what doesn't. It's mostly based upon experience and personalpreference.
One method that has proven reliable to this author in the past is to over-inflate the tires to the maximum allowed pressure specified on the sidewall of the tires by the tire manufacturer. By over-inflating the tires, you're hindering their pliability and increasing their resistance to flatten. Just make sure to deflate the tires to the recommended normal operating pressure before driving.
Polish and Wax
After a thorough wash, apply a good quality polish and wax to your Corvette's paint. Contrary to popular belief, there is a difference between a polish and a wax. A polish (also known as "glaze") contains a small amount of abrasives that actually remove a thin layer of clear coat or paint off the surface. Some manufacturers include oils and nutrients in their polishes that they claim help to nourish the paint and prevent oxidation from occurring. A wax does not contain any abrasives and seals the paint therefore protecting your Corvette's finish. It provides a protective layer to prevent exposure to the elements and related fallout. A good rule of thumb is to apply a coat of polish and then seal that with one or two coats of wax.
Meguiars, 3M Car Care Products and Zaino are just a few examples of high quality paint care products that are popular among Corvette owners.
For applying and removing the wax and polish, make sure to use 100% cotton terry cloth hand towels that are made in the United States. Although the manufacturer tags on some hand towels will indicate that they are made of 100% cotton, some foreign countries have different regulations when it comes to the amount of cotton and other fibers used in the composition of their towels. These other fibers, such as polyester can leave tiny scratches in the clear coat. In order to keep your polishing towels clean, do not use laundry detergents or fabric softeners. Even though your towels may feel nice and soft, fabric softeners contain oils that give them that soft touch. When applied to your Corvette's finish, these oils can leave a milky, cloudy haze on the surface of the paint. This oily layer smears easily when wiped and proves difficult to remove without the use of a "paint cleaner". Keep in mind that a lot of laundry detergents come with fabric softeners mixed in, so make sure you read the ingredients prior to use.
Exterior Trim
Another frequently overlooked area to prepare is the exterior trim componentsof your Corvette. These include, weather-stripping, door hinges, hood latches and release pawls, pivots, and spring anchors.
For the weather-stripping, use a non-solvent based, silicone lubricant or grease. Mequiars Vinyl and Rubber Cleaner and Conditioner is one example and GM Goodwrench Dielectric Silicone Grease (part no. 12345579) is another. If youchoose to use the silicone grease, apply a small amount to the weather-stripping using your fingers. Wipe off any excess with a clean rag.
For the door hinges, hood latches and related hardware, use Lubriplate Lubricant(GM part no. 12346293). This is similar to white lithium grease which can be applied using your fingers. If you can't find this product at your local Chevrolet parts department, try GM SuperLube (GM part no. 12346241). This lubricant is similar to WD-40 and contains teflon.
Interior Care
The cleanliness of your Corvette's interior is just as important as the exterior prior to long-term storage. The most important parts of your interior are the leather surfaces. These usually consist of the seats, steering wheel, shifter **** and boot. During the summer, leather surfaces tend to become very hot during extended periods of sun exposure. As a result, you're bound to sweat a little when you first sit down in your Corvette. Sweat is very acidic and over time, can prematurely age your leather seating surfaces if they go untreated. That's why it's important to choose a high quality leather cleaner and/or conditioner for the leather components of the interior. Several companies, including Meguiars and Lexol, make excellent products that are easy to apply and most of these can be found in your local automotive supply store. Make sure you read the directions that come with each product before use.
To prevent moisture buildup and possible mold formation on interior components,you may want to consider adding desiccant (a chemical that removes moisture from the air) to various parts of your interior. Companies such as Beach Filter Products, Inc., Ecklers Corvette Parts andAccessories, and MidAmerica Designs, Inc supply special pouches of desiccant that can easily be placed in foot wells, seats and rear cargo hatch areas. For more information on properly treating your interior, take a look at our article on the Maintenance of Vinyl, Leather,Plastic, and Rubber Surfaces.
Engine Care
Another common area of misconception is proper engine storage. Some of the confusion comes from the fact that the Corvette has been around for almost 50 years. During those 50 years, automotive technology and electronics have experienced enormous growth and change. As a result, different generations of Corvette have different needs when it comes to care and maintenance.
Based upon conversations we had with owners of both old and new Corvettes, the majority of owners of Corvettes prior to the 1984 model year prefer to remove their spark plugs and squirt a small amount of motor oil into the cylinders. In order to understand why they do this, you need to understand the general purpose of an engine lubricant.
The main function of motor oil is to reduce friction between two metal surfaces inmotion. Some of these metal surfaces can have microscopic high points or peaks.When these metal surfaces rub together, enough heat can be produced to actually weld those peaks together. The peaks can be broken off, dragged and re-welded over and over again. This is known as scuffing, which can eventually cause permanent engine damage.
Overtime, the lubricant film that lines the cylinder walls underneath the piston, gradually recedes leaving the walls exposed. As the piston travels up and down the cylinder upon startup, a few critical seconds exist where two metal surfaces are rubbing together without proper lubrication. You now have an ideal environment for scuffing to occur. To prevent this, owners believe that removing the spark plugs and squirting a small amount of oil into each cylindercan help prevent this from occurring. It all seems to make sense, right?
If it did, we would expect the owners of newer Corvettes to practice this same method. Not so. Based upon conversations with owners of 1984 Corvettes and up, other than changing the oil and filter, removing the spark plugs and adding asmall amount of oil to each cylinder was rarely mentioned. This could be due to several possibilities. Are the spark plugs much harder to reach on an LT1 or LS1 engine as compared to an old 1968 L36 big block? Or has technology advanced far enough that today's engines are able to stay lubricated longer during extended periods of inactivity?
To help us understand the proper way to prepare an engine for long-term storage, we spoke to David A. Scott, Senior Service Engineer, at General Motors ServiceParts Operations. He suggested that if an engine is to be stored for nine months or longer, "remove the spark plugs and add approximately one (1)ounce of engine oil to each cylinder. The engine should be rotated just after adding the oil to the cylinders. The purpose of this step is to coat the cylinder bore to protect against rust formation during storage. Also note, this procedure is repeated after extended (18 months and longer) storage before start up. These steps were recommended by both the Base Systems Engineer and the Fuels and Lubricants Engineer."
Battery
Owners of older Corvettes usually unplug and sometimes remove their batteriesduring long periods of storage which they feel works well for them. If youchoose to remove the battery, do not place the battery directly on a concrete floor. Concrete has a tendency to discharge a battery which is the exact samething you're trying to avoid by leaving it connected to the car. Use a piece ofwood between the battery and the floor. Because batteries produce hydrogen gas which is flammable, do not store the battery where it will be exposed to openflame, or where it is exposed to children.
Some owners of newer Corvettes (1984 to the present) feel that battery disconnection and/or removal isn't a good idea given the large amount of onboard circuits in newer Corvettes. They prefer to use a "Battery Tender". The Battery Tender, produced by Halon Marketing, Inc., is a 1.25 amp battery charger capable of fully charging a battery and maintaining the batteries optimal charge. The unit is small, compact and comes with a 5-year warranty from the manufacturer.
We asked David Scott at GM if battery disconnection was a viable option for newerCorvettes. "Actually, it is because there are circuits using power when the vehicle is "off". Without a "Battery Tender" as you mentioned, the circuits would drain a battery in about 30 - 40 days. General Motors does not require / mandate that an owner have a charger going. We have typically recommended disconnecting the battery."
Fluid Levels
Make sure to top off all fluid levels. These include coolant, brake fluid,clutch/transmission fluid and most importantly, oil and fuel. Over time, motor oil can become contaminated by dust, condensation, and even antifreeze and metallic shavings. Some motor oils contain additives which can break down overtime and also act as contaminants. As these contaminants accumulate in the oil,sludge can form which will gradually adhere to internal engine components, causing your engine to perform less efficiently. Left long enough, this sludge can cause permanent engine damage. Combustion gases can also accumulate in the oil that will gradually lower the pH of your oil making it more acidic. Even if you only put 1,000 miles on your Corvette per year, make sure that you always change your oil and filter before placing it in long-term storage.
To do this, start and run the engine until it is brought up to normal operating temperature. If your Corvette is equipped with air-conditioning, the AC unit should be operated during this final engine warm-up to lubricate the compressor seal. Drain the oil and replace the filter. Refill with the type of oil recommendedin your factory owner's manual. Last but not least, if you own a newer Corvette equipped with the engine oil life monitor, remember to reset the "ChangeOil Light" as instructed in your owner's manual.
Fuel Stabilizer
Another important step is to make sure you top off the fuel in the tank and add a fuel stabilizer. Some owners prefer to completely drain the fuel tank andlines, but this may be an open invitation for condensation to build within the fuel system causing premature corrosion. Most fuel stabilizers, such as Stabil, can be purchased at any mainstream automotive parts store.
If your Corvette is carbureted, you should drain the carburetors of any residual gasoline. Remaining gasoline can evaporate and turn into a varnish that can coat and eventually clog the internal parts of a carburetor.
Mothballs
One of the biggest problems with long-term automotive storage is rodents.Depending on how secure the facility is that you store your Corvette in, one fact remains.... it's a source of protection from the elements for both your Corvette and those furry little critters. Most owners don't realize it, but certain brands of spark plug wires can become a meal for mice. Some brands (including GM brands) consist of a silicone inner jacket that surrounds the carbon suppression core. The silicone inner jacket is then surrounded by a vegetable oil based insulating outer shell which mice find particularly appetizing. To help prevent them from making a meal out of your Corvette's ignition system, place some mothballs in and around the engine compartment, but remember to remove them before starting up the car!
Exhaust System
Mice and other small rodents like to build nests in very small spaces and your Corvette's exhaust tips and mufflers make a perfect home. Use a couple small face cloths and rubber bands to seal off the exhaust tips on your Corvette. Simply cover the opening of each tail pipe with the towel and wrap a rubberband around it.
Car Cover
"Should I cover my Corvette while it's in storage and if so, what's the best type of cover to use?" This is one of the most commonly asked questions when it's time to store your Corvette. The answer depends upon where the car will be stored. If it's stored within a garage or similar shelter, it's not necessary unless the car will be stored for an extended period of time and you would like to keep the dust off of it. If the car is stored outdoors, it is recommended that you keep the car covered. Remember to periodically remove the cover, especially after a soaking rain, so that air has a chance to circulate and properly dry the car and cover.
The type of cover you should use, again depends upon where the car will be stored. If it's stored indoors, a simple cotton based cover is sufficient to keep dust off the car. If it's stored outdoors, you should consider using a Dupont Tyvekor Evolution-3 type weatherproof cover to protect against the elements. These covers can usually be found at either your local automotive parts store, or through mail order companies such as Mid America Motorworks.
Engine Start
Last but not least: "Should I start my Corvette periodically, or leave it alone until it's ready to come out of storage?" This is definitely the most commonly asked question when it comes to automotive storage and there seems to be two opposing sides. One side feels that you should start your car at least once per month and let it run for a good 20 minutes plus until the cooling fans kick in. The other side feels that you should leave the car alone until it's time to remove it from storage.
Again, we asked David Scott at GM. "It is always best to start your vehicle once a month if possible." When this is not practical, David offers the following guidelines:
Vehicle Storage of 9 months or less:
• Change oil and filter
• Store vehicle with full fuel tank using winter fuel - available nationwide after Oct. 1 (Higher Vapor Pressure)
• Disconnect negative battery cable
To prepare vehicle for use:
• Change oil and filter (eliminates moisture in crankcase)
• Charge battery
• Connect battery cable
Vehicle Storage of 9 months to 18 months:
• Change oil and filter
• Store vehicle with full fuel tank and use a fuel stability additive
• Remove the spark plugs and add approximately one (1) ounce of engine oil to each cylinder. Install spark plugs and rotate engine.
• Disconnect negative battery cable
To prepare vehicle for use:
• Change oil and filter (eliminates moisture in crankcase)
• Charge battery
• Connect battery cable
Vehicle Storage of 18 months and longer:
• Change oil and filter
• Remove the spark plugs and add approximately one (1) ounce of engine oil to each cylinder. Install spark plugs and rotate engine.
• Disconnect negative battery cable
• Drain the fuel system
To prepare vehicle for use:
• Change oil and filter (eliminates moisture in crankcase)
• Charge battery
• Connect battery cable
• Remove the spark plugs and add approximately one (1) ounce of engine oil to each cylinder. Install spark plugs and rotate engine.
• Fuel vehicle
Hopefully, this article has provided you with some valuable information to help you better prepare your Corvette for long-term or winter storage. Feel free to print a copy of our handy Storage Checklist to help you remember what to do in preparation for storage and to provide a source of documentation that you can look back upon should you repeatedly store your Corvette each winter. The long winter months when we can't drive our Corvettes may be long and brutal for some of us, but it doesn't have to be for your Corvette!
The Corvette Action Center would like to thank the following people who took timeout of their busy schedules to provide valuable insight and information for this article: Hib Halverson, Automotive Journalist & Contributor to Internet Media, Thomas A. Read, General Motors Corporaton, David A. Scott, General Motors Corporation, Dave Tillotson, Operations Director - Guldstrand Engineering.
Last edited by DennyMenholtChev; Nov 25, 2015 at 11:48 AM.