03GT2-Jonathan

What are the proper techniques when it comes to storing a car for the winter?

Trickle charge, what else? Should you ever run it after a few week or just leave it alone for the few winter months? Tire pressures?

Many thanks,
Just concerned about all the liquids in the car going bad because of sitting so long

Bob Rouleau

Here's what works for me.
Change oil and filter;
Add stabil to the gas tank and drive the car 20 mins.
Put 50 lbs of air in the tires;
Plug in a battery maintainer (Porsche sells one)
Plug openings like exhaust pipes if mice are a threat likewise spread mothballs around the engine compt and interior to discourage critters.
Put blocks of foam under the wiper arms to keep wipers off the glass a bit.
If in a secure area close doors but don't latch to preserve door seals.
Use a dust cover if appropriate. I wax the car and hose off the dust in spring.
Some folks use drying compounds inside but my garage is heated.

rockitman

Over pressurizing tires will not guarantee no flat spots. Tire cradles will...
http://www.tirecradle.com/tcradle.htm

I was told that stabil is crap...better to use redline SL-1 fuel system cleaner..It will stablize the fuel in addition to cleaning injectors, lubricating upper cylinders and removes gum and varnish. This stuff was recommended to me by the tire cradle guy who is the storage guru...Check him out... :-)

Sun Ra

Bob's got it down for ice country.

Here in Malibu, we take off the Cups and put the Pilot Sports back on, and spend 5 hours in the sun to get the same as one hour in summer

Bob Rouleau

Watt - you had to rub it in. At least I can go skiing within 45 minutes of my home. As to Stabil, it might be crap but it has worked for me for a long time in cars, boats and bikes. Start up first shot in the spring.
I agree extra air does not prevent flat spots, just bad ones. Tire cradles may be better but my tires go round after a couple of miles 5 months after being stored. I store them on street tires like Watt. I also use the winter To get wheels repaired (damn those curbs).

Sun Ra

I've used stabiliser for years in my emergency gas for the home generator [when we have a large fire, we can be w/o power for 6 days]. the stuff works great 2-3 years at a time.