A question
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Joined: Dec 2016
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A question
Just moved to a new State that has much colder seasons than I have experienced before. Have a house with a good quality garage that I keep my C7 parked. But the garage is not heated. With temps starting to lower, have a question. Is there any reason for my to put my all weather car cover on when temps get into the 30's and perhaps lower? Would that be helpful in protecting my car, or not helpful and unnecessary? I do plan to drive it during winter when conditions are favorable. Any other suggestions? Thanks.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2005
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From: Pittsburgh PA
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I've been in the same situation for 20 years. I used to just throw two cotton king/queen size sheets over it to keep the dust off. Later I picked up a soft lined nylon cover for it. Just make sure the car is clean before covering it.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,668
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Your Vettes standard issue Michelin summer performance tires are the greatest potential issue for winter driving. If you have already changed to all-seasons tires, never mind.
The GM warning (caution: disturbing pictures)
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...=1572353782412
car cover in a garage. After a winter run on streets treated with chemicals to melt snow/ice, even on a perfectly dry pavement day, micro crystals of those chemicals will "dust" your car. Put a cover on, and that crystal dust will be picked up by the cover and forever "sand" your car every time you pull the cover over it.
World’s leading tire brand issues caution for drivers still running on summer tires
GREENVILLE, S.C., Dec. 21, 2016 — With the abrupt and severe onset of winter weather this year, Michelin is advising all drivers to be aware of the climate restrictions of summer tires.
The bottom line on tires and winter driving is simple and important: Summer tires are designed to be driven when the weather is warm. All-season tires can handle light-to-moderate winter conditions, but winter tires are specially designed to tackle cold weather and the challenging conditions that come with it.
“Tires are one of the least-discussed safety devices on your vehicle, so many consumers aren’t aware of just how much they contribute to keeping you safe on the road,” said Ron Margadonna, Michelin winter tire expert. “Only about 3 percent of the country’s drivers switch to winter tires during this time of year, but we want to alert drivers in colder climates that they absolutely should avoid driving on summer tires.”
Margadonna points out that tires have two important qualities that help them perform in various climates and weather conditions – the tire tread and the rubber compound. While the tread is the most visible feature of a tire, it is the rubber compound that plays the most critical role enabling the tire to better navigate winter conditions. Winter tires feature specially developed compounds that remain pliable in temperatures below freezing. All-season compounds perform adequately in moderate winter conditions, but they are not a substitute for winter tires. On the opposite side of the spectrum, summer tires feature aggressive compounds that are meant to grip best in temperatures that remain at 40 degrees Fahrenheit and above.
If consumers are not aware of the capabilities of the tires on their vehicle, they should visit a local tire dealer and have their tires inspected for safety.
GREENVILLE, S.C., Dec. 21, 2016 — With the abrupt and severe onset of winter weather this year, Michelin is advising all drivers to be aware of the climate restrictions of summer tires.
The bottom line on tires and winter driving is simple and important: Summer tires are designed to be driven when the weather is warm. All-season tires can handle light-to-moderate winter conditions, but winter tires are specially designed to tackle cold weather and the challenging conditions that come with it.
“Tires are one of the least-discussed safety devices on your vehicle, so many consumers aren’t aware of just how much they contribute to keeping you safe on the road,” said Ron Margadonna, Michelin winter tire expert. “Only about 3 percent of the country’s drivers switch to winter tires during this time of year, but we want to alert drivers in colder climates that they absolutely should avoid driving on summer tires.”
Margadonna points out that tires have two important qualities that help them perform in various climates and weather conditions – the tire tread and the rubber compound. While the tread is the most visible feature of a tire, it is the rubber compound that plays the most critical role enabling the tire to better navigate winter conditions. Winter tires feature specially developed compounds that remain pliable in temperatures below freezing. All-season compounds perform adequately in moderate winter conditions, but they are not a substitute for winter tires. On the opposite side of the spectrum, summer tires feature aggressive compounds that are meant to grip best in temperatures that remain at 40 degrees Fahrenheit and above.
If consumers are not aware of the capabilities of the tires on their vehicle, they should visit a local tire dealer and have their tires inspected for safety.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...=1572353782412
car cover in a garage. After a winter run on streets treated with chemicals to melt snow/ice, even on a perfectly dry pavement day, micro crystals of those chemicals will "dust" your car. Put a cover on, and that crystal dust will be picked up by the cover and forever "sand" your car every time you pull the cover over it.
Last edited by SilverGhost; Oct 29, 2019 at 09:02 AM.
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The cover is mostly to keep dust off the car and to add a small layer of protection for those accidental brushes up against the car. It will really not do anything to protect the car from the cold. I always put carpet squares under each tire to keep the rubber off the cold cement floor while the car is in storage and keep it hooked to a Battery Tender.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Far NW 'burbs of Chicago
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Your Vettes standard issue Michelin summer performance tires are the greatest potential issue for winter driving. If you have already changed to all-seasons tires, never mind.
The GM warning (caution: disturbing pictures)
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...=1572353782412
car cover in a garage. After a winter run on streets treated with chemicals to melt snow/ice, even on a perfectly dry pavement day, micro crystals of those chemicals will "dust" your car. Put a cover on, and that crystal dust will be picked up by the cover and forever "sand" your car every time you pull the cover over it.
The GM warning (caution: disturbing pictures)
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...=1572353782412
car cover in a garage. After a winter run on streets treated with chemicals to melt snow/ice, even on a perfectly dry pavement day, micro crystals of those chemicals will "dust" your car. Put a cover on, and that crystal dust will be picked up by the cover and forever "sand" your car every time you pull the cover over it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 215
From: Colorado Springs, CO/Augusta,GA Colorado
The cold garage by itself is no reason to have to use a car cover. Now if that garage tends to be dusty, that would be a reason to use a car cover. You mentioned cold and driving in the winter, but you didn't mention tires......might be worth considering an all-season tire.
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From: Northern NYs Adirondack Mountains,http://www.visitsacandaga.com.
I live in northern NY and I have seen tempts as low as -30F and not go above 10F degrees in over a week. My Vette sits in a unheated garage under my house, tender on of course!. The garage is insulated and so are the doors. I have lived here since 2003 and never have seen the tempt go under 40 degrees in the garage.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 837
Likes: 388
From: Olathe KS
I wouldn't worry about covering it. A little dust won't hurt the car and you'll probably do more damage taking the cover on and off if you plan to drive it frequently. Plus, I myself would be less likely to drive it if it was covered knowing I have to take the cover off and put it back on again to take it out. I would leave the top on and windows up to keep dust from getting inside the car where it's more difficult to clean though. I've seen pics of cracked tires around but in an insulated garage I have a hard time believing that's an issue. If you leave your car parked outside for a week in subzero temps at the airport or something then maybe. I will say the tires are slicker than snot on cold pavement whether they are warm or not and that's probably the biggest reason to get all season tires or leave it in the garage.
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Joined: Apr 2017
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From: Virginia
I live in northern NY and I have seen tempts as low as -30F and not go above 10F degrees in over a week. My Vette sits in a unheated garage under my house, tender on of course!. The garage is insulated and so are the doors. I have lived here since 2003 and never have seen the tempt go under 40 degrees in the garage.