This is my first time having to store my 99' 996 C2 (new to me 4/03) for the winter. I will be keeping it in a heated garage, but will be using it very rarely over the next several months. I was hoping you can advise me on the following:

1. Car prep - should I give it fresh waxing, leave full gas tank, new oil, or any other service beforehand.
2. Car cover type
3. Disconnect the battery or trickle charge
4. How important, and/or how frequently should I try to have the engine started.
5. Any other tips.

Thanks for your help.

 

Isn't it premature to talk about winter? Especially since in the northeast, we haven't had a great summer weatherwise.
This issue has been discussed before. If you do a search, you will find what you are looking for.

 

Winter storage now ?? Huh !?!?!?!?

I'll stop driving my car when the salt hits the roads.. around here (Wisconsin) that's usually latter November or early December.

Car sits most of the winter, although I will bring it out on dry days and then wash it well before it goes back in (before the next snowfall), so it never really sits longer than a few weeks at most....

I'll even bring the bike out in the winter as long as it's dry and above 40deg.

trev

 

My idea of winter storage is:
1. Put a set of winter tires
2. Drive as usual



--Pierre

 

I agree with you all, and the 996 use to be my primary year-around car, but my fiance has her own car (automatic) so we will be using it now in the fall/winter as she does not drive standard.

I will be leaving the 996 in my family's summer home (free indoor parking) during the winter so wanted to plan in advance since I am not too sure how much longer I will be going there this season. I can't justify parking two cars in NYC, let alone one.

I will check previous threads for advice.

Thanks.

 

Briefly, summarized from previous discussions/experiences:

0. Wash and wax the car, vacuum interior. Make sure the car is completely dry. Hopefully the garage is safe from rodents, so we'll skip mothballs.
1. Change oil/filter. Don't store it with used/old oil.
2. Fill the tank, make sure cap is tight
3. For indoor storage, a soft lined non waterproof cover is fine. I own/like the European Porsche Tequipment covers (much improved over US ones in terms of material...they have a colored Porsche crest)
4. Overinflate your tires to about 50psi and put some plywood under the tires to insulate the rubber from cement; or buy TireCradles for 4 corners
5. Porsche Tequipment battery maintainer (plugs into cigarette lighter). Do not disconnect battery. OK to keep the alarm on.
6. (optional): crack windows down about 1/2" or so to relieve pressure against seals.
7. Do not start the car, unless you can drive it for about 20 miles. You don't do your engine any favors by starting the car and letting it sit while it warms up to temperature. (FWIW, mine sits in storage from Nov-Apr and never gets started. It gets top bunk on the lift)

 

I'll add one thing to ITC's list. After you wash the car and rust has started to form on your brake discs, drive it around the block to get the rust off before you store the car for the winter. Otherwise, you brake pads could rust onto the discs, which is generally only a minor problem, but could be a major one when the car's stored for months.