Winterizing my new C7
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2nd Gear
Joined: Nov 2023
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From: Delaware
Winterizing my new C7
I just bought a (new to me) 2014 Z51. I live in the North East and looking to start getting ready for winter. I do not have a garage and would like to put a battery tender on my car and looking to see if anyone has any suggestion on which one to use and how to run it if the car is outside and under a cover.
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Nov 15, 2023, 11:10 AM
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You might look in your area for a decent price on an indoor storage facility.. I would not store my car outside unless I absolutely was stuck..
Racer
Joined: Jan 2020
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From: So. Maine
There are multiple threads on this subject, you can search with either Google or the forum itself. Be prepared for multiple responses. They will go from the simple to the ridiculous. Will the car be parked on pavement. / asphalt or on dirt. If it is parked on dirt, I would recommend putting it on a tarp. Purchase a high quality cover. I use the Battery Tender brand and leave it plugged in. In the past I disconnected my battery and used my battery tender. My car however is parked in my garage. I add 4 additional ponds of air to my tires to reduce flat spots. Some folks use scented dryer sheets to reduce rodent activity. Some folks also place steel wool in the exhaust tips for the same reason.
Congratulations on your new car.
Congratulations on your new car.
Corvette Enthusiast
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Be careful about leaving a wet car cover on your car for extended periods. Wet car covers can damage your clearcoat if left on wet for too long. Congratulations on your new Corvette! We need pics! 
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2008
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From: Ottawa, Ontario
I use a Ctek battery tender plugged into the socket in the back with the low voltage cord running out under the hatch, which is fully closed. The Ctek maintainer I have can take different adapters (I.e.: battery clamps, ring connectors or cigarette lighter adapter) and I use the cigarette adapter. The charger itself is outside of the car with the cord running under the cover. If the car will be sitting on dirt, putting a tarp under the car is a very good idea. I put a number of dryer sheets inside the car and in the engine compartment. I would also suggest placing a sonic rodent deterrent under the car
Moderator
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From: Northern Illinois
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You might look in your area for a decent price on an indoor storage facility.. I would not store my car outside unless I absolutely was stuck..
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2013
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From: Calgary Alberta
I just bought a (new to me) 2014 Z51. I live in the North East and looking to start getting ready for winter. I do not have a garage and would like to put a battery tender on my car and looking to see if anyone has any suggestion on which one to use and how to run it if the car is outside and under a cover.
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Pro
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From: Iowa
I agree. In my area, one can get a 10x20 storage garage that is fully protected from the elements with gated passcode entry to the facility and electrical service in the garage stall for $85/mo. Having the outlet turned on is $5. I would go nuts having a Corvette sitting outside even if it was covered in a carport.
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These cars won't be back on the road until March/April (gets earlier every year). I use the Corvette supplied maintainer and do nothing else.
Dan
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I agree. In my area, one can get a 10x20 storage garage that is fully protected from the elements with gated passcode entry to the facility and electrical service in the garage stall for $85/mo. Having the outlet turned on is $5. I would go nuts having a Corvette sitting outside even if it was covered in a carport.
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Don't leave your car out in the elements all winter long
Safety Car
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Drifting
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No one knows the difference because you've been flipping them in less than 3 years. Hold onto them for a length of time and see what exposure to those elements really do.
Racer
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From: Central New York
Back in 1993 I had to park my '86 coupe outside of the place we were renting while our new home was being built. It got through the (central NY), Winter OK. The car was uncovered, and I would brush off any accumulated snow as needed, I also had disconnected the battery in the car. However, the direct sunlight in the Summer destroyed the rear spoiler area. Water would pool-up there and act like a magnifying lens for the sunlight.
Safety Car
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From: Northeast
Had my C6 GS for 6 years, have my C7 GS now for almost 5 years. Get some good protection on them from new, they don't melt in the winter outside.