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Winter? need help winterization ?

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Old Nov 9, 2008 | 08:43 PM
  #1  
nofear's Avatar
nofear
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Question Winter? need help winterization ?

Hey all just got my car cover from cover craft in. Im going to wash her one more time on tuesday and put the cover on.

Heres my issue:

1. do i store her with a full tank of gas or under a 1/4
2. do i put something like fuel stabilizer in there or is that unnessary
3. What do peope do when the winterize their cars

I will leaving my car under the cover for the majority of the winter.
another question would be should i put a tarp under my car?


thanks
Old Nov 9, 2008 | 08:54 PM
  #2  
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disconnect the battery, plus fuel stabilizer is good, also I heard that a full tank is good cause it wont let ice built up in the tank if its full
Old Nov 9, 2008 | 09:08 PM
  #3  
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Are you parking indoors or out?
Will you still drive it on occasion or are you laying it up for 3-4 months or so?

These are critical questions since even occasional driving at least 10 miles about once or twice/month makes a big difference.


If laying it up:
  • fresh oil change if you're about halfway or more thru your oil change frequency
  • disconnect the battery OR get a battery tender
  • add fuel stabilizer, THEN top of the tank, THEN put at least 5-10 miles on it before laying it up (gets the stabilized fuel throughout the fuel system)
  • IF possible, either get the tires up off the concrete or put cardboard or carpet under them (only really necessary for long-term storage)
If you can drive her on occassion:
  • add fuel stabilizer, THEN top of the tank (try to keep the tank as full as possible in between drives)
  • battery tender
Topping off the tank reduces the airspace in the tank which reduces possibility of condensation.
Old Nov 9, 2008 | 10:50 PM
  #4  
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This is a very good thread........

My question is...should I do these things if the car will be garaged for 3 months?
Old Nov 10, 2008 | 08:00 AM
  #5  
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Originally Posted by SaddleUp
...should I do these things if the car will be garaged for 3 months?
I'd do what I listed in post #3. I really prefer to drive it on occasion, if possible. That also keeps other components lubed and the seals pliable.
Old Nov 10, 2008 | 08:18 PM
  #6  
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I didn't do these things for the white car last winter....I better get to it.
Old Nov 10, 2008 | 08:39 PM
  #7  
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I really missed not being able to drive my car last winter. Once it came back in the spring I put my cai/tune, chin spoiler, louvers, black out panel, gt4's, etc... onto the car...but this year I have nothing planned....yet Either way....now that I have a garage I can just dump some stabilizer in the tank, throw some carpet under the tires and let her sit for awhile It will be a sad sad day. I remember putting her away for the year last year on Dec 3rd. I covered her up and walked right inside for a beer
Old Nov 10, 2008 | 10:03 PM
  #8  
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Originally Posted by Nuke
Are you parking indoors or out?
Will you still drive it on occasion or are you laying it up for 3-4 months or so?

These are critical questions since even occasional driving at least 10 miles about once or twice/month makes a big difference.


If laying it up:
  • fresh oil change if you're about halfway or more thru your oil change frequency
  • disconnect the battery OR get a battery tender
  • add fuel stabilizer, THEN top of the tank, THEN put at least 5-10 miles on it before laying it up (gets the stabilized fuel throughout the fuel system)
  • IF possible, either get the tires up off the concrete or put cardboard or carpet under them (only really necessary for long-term storage)
If you can drive her on occassion:
  • add fuel stabilizer, THEN top of the tank (try to keep the tank as full as possible in between drives)
  • battery tender
Topping off the tank reduces the airspace in the tank which reduces possibility of condensation.
To get even more specific I turn everything off in the car (ex-radio) and roll the windows down enough to not have them go up on there own after you close the door and to exchange the air in the cabin while under the car cover. Check your tire pressure and I fill mine to the high end of normal as they can lose some air with drastic temp changes (depending on many variables). I wax the car and polish and protect any chrome and dress the tires (WEATHER PERMITTED). This is for long term storage. I don't start the car except maybe once or twice in the 5-6 months that I store the car. Drove the car a week ago and now she has everything done to get her ready for storage except for the fuel stabilizer.......funny thing is I just put fuel stabil in my lawnmower and may have to use it one more but I store both in the garage and they both start fine in the spring. I have an epoxy floor with more than 3 coats and moisture doesn't seem to be a problem. Remember that in most areas of the country that get snow (or below freezing temps) the humidity is less in the freezing months.
Old Nov 11, 2008 | 06:08 AM
  #9  
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I'm glad I have a garage.
Old Nov 11, 2008 | 08:26 AM
  #10  
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Ship it to me in Arizona.
What is winter? 70 degress?
I'll kept it for ya!



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