i was just wondering if i should put my mustang on blocks for the winter? i heard that it is bad to just let it sit on the concrete? or could i just put carpert pieces unter the tires? thanks
Tyler

 

i don't know how concrete could hurt it, but there might be some absurd reason to put it on blocks, maybe so thieves can take your wheels WITHOUT bringing a jack

 

You could put your car on jack stands so that you don't get flat spots on the tires from sitting in one place for a long period of time.

 

The "block" deal is all about flat spots on tires. I think most modern radial tires are not subject to this. I think the rule is to over inflate by a few pounds before putting it in storage. As far as the concrete, all my restored cars are on poly. Most concrete is porous and allows mosture to pass thru fairly easy. When it rises, it will contribute to the corrosion of the underside of your car. To test this, lay a piece of poly on a concrete floor and watch for condensation to appear. If you see it on the poly, then it will also form on the bottom of your car. The ideal humidity lever is between 40 and 60%. Corrosion all but stops due to the lack of mosture in the air. If less than 40%, then the vinal and rubber starts to dry rot quicker. I also use a couple of bars of Irish Spring soap in the floorboards. Tear the box open and place it on the mats. This will help deter mice and rats from using your car as a motel. When you take it out of storage it wil be springtime fresh.

 

67 evil eleanor is exactly right. Using blocks is a holdover from the olden days when tires were made out of nylon and would flat spot. Not much of an issue anymore. Concrete does wick moisture and that moisture will end up under your car. Do what he says and you'll be fine.

 

left mine down in the so called winter in AZ and got flat spots, with new tires,, how about the issues of covering fuel stabilizer,, periodically starting the car,,dealing with mice/rats/ using fabric softner sheets for laundry to keepem out and such,,, being from minnesota I can tell you that at 40 below zero you get flat spots and they dont' leave your tires untouched in the spring

 

The fuel stabilizer is also needed. Two options, one is to use an additive like "Stabil" ane the other is racing fuel. Pump gas will start to break down in about two months and the racing fuel in about two years. There are several other issues that need to be addressed other than his original question about the concrete and tires. Maybe I'll do a post and it will find its way into the FAQ section.

 

Agree and todays gasoline blend (with 10% ethanol) will probably not last a couple months. Heard someone on the radio detailing the chemical process that occurs with the alcohol, moisture and gasoline in a short time. Stabil is great, use it in all my cars & equipment. Didn't use it in my '69 the first year and went to start it & just cranked. Float stuck in carb. Light tap on the front bowl & car started. From then on, use Stabil and no fuel issues (10 years).

Radial tires will be ok for storage, just put the pressure to the max on the sidewall and don't forget to re-adjust when you roll out the car in the spring. The bias ply tires can flat spot. And Evil is absolutely correct on poly under car. Also, crack windows to allow air flow inside and out. Cover the car with a quality, breathable car cover and you will be good to go for the long, cold winter.

 

one of the problems here in Ireland is it's almost all the time above 80% humidity. Any car left outside more than 2 months goes green like everything else here. At least we have lots of that soap ;-)

 

Would that be the real Irish Spring?