Winter Storage
Thread Starter
1st Gear Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 80
From: Ohio
Winter Storage
I won't be driving my Mustang regularly until spring. (now if we get a 50 degree \ dry day, i'll drive it) My question is this, should I start it up and let it idle for a bit or is it better just to let it sit if I'm not going to 'drive' it.
TIA
TIA
6th Gear Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 16,182
From: PA to KY ('07) to IL ('09) to MS ('10) to FL ('11)
Starting it without getting it up to operating temps UNDER LOAD for a decent amount of time is more harmful than just letting it sit running every so often since you're only circulating the moisture and not burning it off. This leads to acids which the oil now has to combat. If you'll be driving it every 3-4 weeks, then don't do anything but monitor the battery. A fresh oil change IF you're near your change frequency...
There's tons of info on winter storage here. Use the search feature.
There's tons of info on winter storage here. Use the search feature.
Thread Starter
1st Gear Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 80
From: Ohio
6th Gear Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 16,182
From: PA to KY ('07) to IL ('09) to MS ('10) to FL ('11)
The only reason I suggested the search feature is that there are a lot of different ways of going about winterizing depending on what your conditions are, how long it'll be in storage, WHERE it'll be in storage, etc... It's not THAT black and white. I wasn't being aloof or rude.
Thread Starter
1st Gear Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 80
From: Ohio
Sorry if the info I provided didn't suit you but since i've had training in oil analysis, I at least listen to myself.
The only reason I suggested the search feature is that there are a lot of different ways of going about winterizing depending on what your conditions are, how long it'll be in storage, WHERE it'll be in storage, etc... It's not THAT black and white. I wasn't being aloof or rude.
The only reason I suggested the search feature is that there are a lot of different ways of going about winterizing depending on what your conditions are, how long it'll be in storage, WHERE it'll be in storage, etc... It's not THAT black and white. I wasn't being aloof or rude.
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 42
From: alberta
I plug mine in for 3 hours and then fire it up and let it idle for 20 minutes once a month or so. I'll be getting the oil changed as soon as I can in the spring. Can't leave the garage as it's typically -20 to -40 all winter and there is a ton of snow.
