Winterizing Questions
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Joined: May 2019
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Winterizing Questions
First winter with the Boxster and trying to figure out the what's and the when's. I'm planning to buy a CTek charger this week. If you store your car covered, any concerns with battery gas build up under the cover? Also, debating whether to buy the cig lighter adapter or just use the clamps. Using the cig lighter adapter would require keeping a window cracked open for the cord, and i'd like to keep the windows closed if I can.
The other part is when. Temps will be in the upper 40s-mid 50s here for November. Warm enough to take it out on sunny days, but too cool to put the top down. How do you all decide when to put the car away for the winter?
Fuel stabilizer, over-inflate the tires a bit, what else? Someone mentioned dryer sheets to keep critters away?
The other part is when. Temps will be in the upper 40s-mid 50s here for November. Warm enough to take it out on sunny days, but too cool to put the top down. How do you all decide when to put the car away for the winter?
Fuel stabilizer, over-inflate the tires a bit, what else? Someone mentioned dryer sheets to keep critters away?
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Temecula, CA
When I lived in MA I monitored forecast and as soon as snow or freezing rain was being predicted I would make sure the car was ready to go into hibernation which included:
- Added fuel stabilizer and filled tank with gas
- Parked the car and overinflated tires
- Wiped the car down so it’s perfectly clean
- applied leather conditioner to leather surfaces
- Connected battery maintainer
- Covered car and placed dryer sheets on the ground underneath the car
I would also make sure that the cover was pulled over the exhaust to prevent anything from getting in there easily.
I would also have the oil changed within a month of storage to make sure the oil is fresh and has minimal moisture in it.
I wouldn’t drive the car until the spring after a few heavy rains to insure the salt was completely off the roads. Salt and or the sand/gravel mix actually does a good deal of corrosion to the cars undercarriage and engine even when dry. The salt dust coats everything and when those areas get damp it corrodes.
- Added fuel stabilizer and filled tank with gas
- Parked the car and overinflated tires
- Wiped the car down so it’s perfectly clean
- applied leather conditioner to leather surfaces
- Connected battery maintainer
- Covered car and placed dryer sheets on the ground underneath the car
I would also make sure that the cover was pulled over the exhaust to prevent anything from getting in there easily.
I would also have the oil changed within a month of storage to make sure the oil is fresh and has minimal moisture in it.
I wouldn’t drive the car until the spring after a few heavy rains to insure the salt was completely off the roads. Salt and or the sand/gravel mix actually does a good deal of corrosion to the cars undercarriage and engine even when dry. The salt dust coats everything and when those areas get damp it corrodes.
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 14
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From: s'toon SK cdn
the Ctek charger is not running 2A-10A charging so there should next to no offgassing from the battery. i have done it both ways to hook up the charger. 1 under the door to the outlet inside passenger footwell, and 2 also with alligator clips to the battery post.
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 37
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From: Charlotte, NC
I use a Ctek; have the direct terminal connections and just plug it in; leave the hood slightly popped with a microfiber down the side (with cover on) no issues.
Porsche actually has a nice checklist that covers all the other stuff here: Porsche Winter Checklist
Porsche actually has a nice checklist that covers all the other stuff here: Porsche Winter Checklist
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 10,084
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From: Spring Lake, NJ, US of A
I will stop taking mine out (and putting the top down if it's above 50F) when there is brine/salt on the roads. The Cayenne will be the daily driver again then. Once we get a good rain to wash the brine/salt away - it's open for use again... cold by itself doesn't injure a vehicle. It's corrosion caused by salt products used to clear snow/ice.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 127
Likes: 16
From: Allentown PA
Last winter I put the cayman on a trickle charger, washed, covered, took off insurance, the whole nine yards.
Looking back, its not worth it for me. I'm using my cayman all year round. As long as I have the proper tires, no snow on the ground, I'm good to go.
Looking back, its not worth it for me. I'm using my cayman all year round. As long as I have the proper tires, no snow on the ground, I'm good to go.
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Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 342
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From: Colorado
I may keep my '12 CS on a battery maintainer for a few days if we get hit with snow, but have no issues driving it in very low temps on dry streets with the all-season tires if coffee or breakfast are in order. Usually swap the tires back in the spring.
