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Regretfully, some of us have to put our cars away in the winter. I’m in Chicago so winter time with the snow and salt is a no go for me.
Question: for those that do store their cars during the winter, do you fill up the gas tank or keep it almost empty? I’m in a non heated garage.
I fill up the tank and put in Sta-Bil, put on the battery tender, throw on the cover, and I am ready to go. I usually add a few pounds of air to the tires. I also put some steel wool in the exhaust tips. I have doing this for many years, and have never had any kind of issues.
The link in this thread from a couple of weeks ago says, NO. Store with 1/4 tank, so sending unit doesn’t get damaged by sulfur in fuel, if I remember correctly.
There is a link (in the link above) to a corvetteblogger vid that shows a chance of the fuel sensor failing. Probably a very slim chance with good (top tier fuel) but why risk it.
Add Techron concentrate plus complete fuel system treatment (or GM 88865595 or AC-Delco 10-3016) to a full tank of TopTier fuel (or ethanol free if you can get that). The Techron additive will coat and protect the fuel level sender from potential sulfur damage. There is a GM TSB that specifically recommends that additive as preventive care for the fuel level sender(s). If you put good gas in it, there shouldn't be an issue with sulfur.
If you store with low fuel, there can be other corrosion issues with the fuel sender.
For <6 months, I wouldn't bother with stabilizer.
For tires, I generally pump them up to the sidewall max pressure while stored. They can develop a settled "flat spot," and be a bit shaky when you first drive them in the spring, but that usually works itself out after the tires heat up. Higher pressure while stored helps to prevent that.
"The old reasons for storing with a full tank of gas no longer apply with the C7, c6, and C5.. The double sealed fuel filler neck and the charcoal canister on the other side of the tank prevent moisture build up from taking place."
Last edited by joemessman; Oct 19, 2021 at 06:56 PM.
A little more than 1/4 tank plus Stabil, then drive one last time down to 1/4 tank before detailing, covering and putting to bed for the winter. Plus you'll be ready for a full tank of fresh gas when the cover comes off next year.
Sadly, the time is getting near. I pump the tires to 40psi, put it on wheel cribs and leave a 1/4 tank of fuel. Cover it up and forget it exists for 5-6 months. I don’t put my Camaro away though, so that helps. As long as there’s no salt, I drive the Camaro.
Change oil and filter before putting it to bed want it to be stored with new oil. I’ve used Sta-Bil and a can of Seafoam in the tank for years with my C5 and now in my C7. Let it sit all winter do not start it unless your going for a long drive. Use a battery tender
Last edited by Bobtam; Oct 19, 2021 at 09:32 PM.
Reason: Addition
Putting your C7 away for 4-5 months over the winter isn't storage but more extended parking and nothingneeded except connecting tender to battery.
If it makes you feel better and don't mind wasting your time and $, by all means change your oil/filter, add fuel stabilizer, put carpet under the tires and wash and wax it.
By the way, modern tires don't flat spot, at least not to a point that driving a block won't correct. Now, old C1-C2 bias-ply tikes will flat spot.
Last edited by Kevin A Jones; Oct 19, 2021 at 11:27 PM.
Sadly, the time is getting near. I pump the tires to 40psi, put it on wheel cribs and leave a 1/4 tank of fuel. Cover it up and forget it exists for 5-6 months. I don’t put my Camaro away though, so that helps. As long as there’s no salt, I drive the Camaro.
I keep the tank full but otherwise the exact same routine.
I keep the tank full but otherwise the exact same routine.
I used to keep it full, but recently switched to 1/4. One way or another, LS3, LT1, LT4, they all survive just fine. I put it up off the ground because in the spring, I just slide under and dump the oil and start the season with fresh oil.
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I have always added some air to the tires, put fresh oil/filter in the car, and added Sta-Bil and Techron to a full tank of gas. Never a problem, but as stated, some follow the advice of only storing the car with about 1/4 tank of gas.
Storing C7
