Notices
997 Forum 2005-2012
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Winter storage checklist thread

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Oct 24, 2010 | 09:09 AM
  #1  
crw's Avatar
crw
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,522
Likes: 358
Default Winter storage checklist thread

Car goes into storage at the end of November for 3 months.

Checklist - anything else?

- battery tender
- cover
- inflate tires to 50 pounds
- interior desicant (baking soda in a pan)
- clean and wax
Reply
Old Oct 24, 2010 | 10:35 AM
  #2  
No HTwo O's Avatar
No HTwo O
Banned
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,299
Likes: 19
From: Arlington Heights, IL
Default

Check you owner's manual, IIRC the tires should be 58 PSI.

Also, I recommend parking on a plastic tarp. You can buy a decent painters tarp at Home Depot. Fold and re-use each year.

Stabilize your fuel, and run in.

Remove any food items from the cabin. Chewing gum, scented lip balm, and anything that could feeze, like a water spray bottle.

Suspend parts of your car insurance, and save $$$.

I also put desiccators in the frunk and trunk in my Boxster. You may want to put some in your frunk.

The first Saturday of each month, I roll the car by hand, about 6-10 inches to further protect against flat spots. The last month of storage, I increase this interval to weekly.

Don’t park the car in gear, nor with the e-brake engaged. Just block the wheels.
Reply
Old Oct 24, 2010 | 11:28 AM
  #3  
Coochas's Avatar
Coochas
Rennlist Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 10,213
Likes: 861
From: 01776
Default

My mechanic recommends filling the gas up to minimize the volume in which moisture can condense.

Don't forget if you're running straight dH20 to change that out to glycol.

I would also put a Teddy Bear in the passenger seat so it doesn't get too lonely.
Reply
Old Oct 24, 2010 | 11:51 AM
  #4  
Edgy01's Avatar
Edgy01
Poseur
Rennlist Member
Veteran: Army
Veteran: Air Force
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 17,737
Likes: 291
From: Santa Barbara, CA
Default

For the rubber on door and trunk seals, get some baby powder and rub that on both sides of the rubber seals. It will extend the life of the rubber as well as keep the rubber from sticking to the metal part of the car if the car gets very cold and moisture is a factor. Even if you simply park it for the duration the talcom powder will help all the rubber.
Reply
Old Oct 24, 2010 | 11:52 AM
  #5  
crw's Avatar
crw
Thread Starter
Rennlist Member
 
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,522
Likes: 358
Default

Add to list - weather strip treatment
Reply
Old Oct 24, 2010 | 09:15 PM
  #6  
Norsk's Avatar
Norsk
Rennlist Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 830
Likes: 228
From: A Yankee in Dixie
Default

In the "hibernation package" that my dealer sells they include steel wool to put in the exhaust tips and engine air intake to prevent mice from getting in; I guess it can't hurt.

The other thing they include are small pieces of styrofoam to place under the wiper arms so your wiper blades stand off the windshield and don't take a set. You could also just remove the blades...

I'm trying this stuff called Mouse Magic in the garage to keep the little SOB's at bay - and dryer sheets in the car.
Reply
Old Oct 25, 2010 | 05:53 AM
  #7  
Edgy01's Avatar
Edgy01
Poseur
Rennlist Member
Veteran: Army
Veteran: Air Force
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 17,737
Likes: 291
From: Santa Barbara, CA
Default

That mouse issue canno be over stated. They are highly destructive to auto wiring.
Reply
Old Oct 25, 2010 | 09:23 AM
  #8  
Thegman's Avatar
Thegman
Banned
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 250
Likes: 0
From: Naperville, IL
Default Winter car care lists

Here's a list of things to do....
Attached Files
File Type: doc
Reply
Rennlist Stories

The Best Porsche Posts for Porsche Enthusiasts

story-0

Porsche 911 GT3 Artisan Edition Pays Homage to Japanese Culture

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Porsche Reveals Coupe Variant of the Electric Cayenne With a Fresh Look

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

10 Porsche Colors That Have More Personality Than Most People

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Guntherwerks' Final Speedster Creation Is the Ultimate Porsche Restomod

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

10 Reasons I Hate Going to the Porsche Dealership (& the 1 Reason I Stay)

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Porsche Shakes Up The Nürburgring Lap Record Table Once Again

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

6 Ways the Porsche 911 GT3 S/C Redefines Performance

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

10 Wildest Homologation Specials Porsche Ever Sold

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Super Rare RUF BTR III Comes Out of Hibernation, Looking For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Porsche Opinions That Can Start a Fight

 Joe Kucinski
Old Oct 25, 2010 | 10:10 AM
  #9  
RonCT's Avatar
RonCT
Moderator
Rennlist Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,993
Likes: 11
From: Connecticut
Default

I've seen almost everything I do in the above with one big exception. Not only fuel stabilizer, but enzyme treatment for the ethanol we are all stuck with now. Startron in the blue bottle - I get it at the marine supply store for my boats, but works for cars too.

Basic list:
Clean and wax
Inflate tires
Fuel stabilizer and enzyme / top off gas
Battery tender (Porsche lighter model, was $55 at Suncoast)
Cover
Mouse control placed around the car

I also run the car every 2-3 weeks for about 20 minutes (oil temp), roll it into a new position.
Reply
Old Oct 25, 2010 | 10:35 AM
  #10  
No HTwo O's Avatar
No HTwo O
Banned
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,299
Likes: 19
From: Arlington Heights, IL
Default

Originally Posted by RonCT
I also run the car every 2-3 weeks for about 20 minutes (oil temp),
IMHO, this is one of the worst possible things you can be doing during a winter hibernation period.
Reply
Old Oct 25, 2010 | 11:43 AM
  #11  
RonCT's Avatar
RonCT
Moderator
Rennlist Member
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,993
Likes: 11
From: Connecticut
Default

Tell us why you think so. Just about everything I've read and been told by Porsche mechanics have suggested running / driving the car to circulate the fluids, with the key being it has to be long enough to bring the car up to operating temperature (not coolant, rather oil).
Reply
Old Oct 25, 2010 | 11:49 AM
  #12  
No HTwo O's Avatar
No HTwo O
Banned
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,299
Likes: 19
From: Arlington Heights, IL
Default

Originally Posted by RonCT
Tell us why you think so. Just about everything I've read and been told by Porsche mechanics have suggested running / driving the car to circulate the fluids, with the key being it has to be long enough to bring the car up to operating temperature (not coolant, rather oil).
Just about everything I've read and people I've talked to, state the opposite. Like I said, JMHO. If it works for you, that's fine.

I put my cars down in October (987S) and late November (993TT). I don't touch 'em (start) till March/April.
Reply
Old Oct 25, 2010 | 11:49 AM
  #13  
pewter82's Avatar
pewter82
Drifting
20 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,350
Likes: 2
From: Middle Missouri
Default

I've heard that running the car for short periods can lead to moisture forming in the engine during the winter. Best to leave alone.
Reply
Old Oct 25, 2010 | 01:52 PM
  #14  
997_rich's Avatar
997_rich
Rennlist Member
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 959
Likes: 32
Default

This is also the consensus thinking in the moto world. If you're going to run the engine during a winter storage, don't do it for a short period of time. If you run it for an hour or something (going out riding) it fully blows the humidity out of the engine and exhaust. otherwise you're just collecting humidity in the crankcase and exhaust.

I'm not sure if there is any data out there to support this but it seems to make logical sense and most riders that I've interacted with believe it.
Reply
Old Oct 25, 2010 | 02:28 PM
  #15  
DrJay's Avatar
DrJay
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 952
Likes: 34
From: Minnesota
Default

Originally Posted by Coochas
I would also put a Teddy Bear in the passenger seat so it doesn't get too lonely.
Reply



All times are GMT -3. The time now is 09:41 PM.

story-0
Porsche 911 GT3 Artisan Edition Pays Homage to Japanese Culture

Slideshow: Porsche has created a Japan-only 911 GT3 Artisan Edition that blends track-ready hardware with design cues inspired by traditional Japanese craftsmanship.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-28 19:37:40


VIEW MORE
story-1
Porsche Reveals Coupe Variant of the Electric Cayenne With a Fresh Look

Slideshow: Porsche's latest electric Cayenne Coupe blends dramatic styling with supercar acceleration, turning the brand's midsize SUV into a 1,139-horsepower flagship.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-27 19:39:30


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Porsche Colors That Have More Personality Than Most People

Slideshow: Porsche's wildest paint colors aren't just shades-they're full-blown personalities on four wheels.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-27 19:38:13


VIEW MORE
story-3
Guntherwerks' Final Speedster Creation Is the Ultimate Porsche Restomod

Slideshow: The last of the Speedsters doesn't just close a chapter, it makes quite the bold, air-cooled statement.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:55:04


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons I Hate Going to the Porsche Dealership (& the 1 Reason I Stay)

Slideshow: Going to a Porsche dealership may not be the dream experience you expect it to be and these are the reasons why.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-21 13:54:19


VIEW MORE
story-5
Porsche Shakes Up The Nürburgring Lap Record Table Once Again

Slideshow: Porsche just proved-again-that precision engineering can outrun brute force at the Nürburgring.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-18 20:27:02


VIEW MORE
story-6
6 Ways the Porsche 911 GT3 S/C Redefines Performance

Slideshow: Six reasons why you will love the Porsche 911 GT3 S/C and 1 reason you will hate it.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 10:21:39


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Wildest Homologation Specials Porsche Ever Sold

Slideshow: Some of the most desirable Porsche models are those that were sold to the public solely for homologation purposes.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:54:26


VIEW MORE
story-8
Super Rare RUF BTR III Comes Out of Hibernation, Looking For a New Home

Slideshow: The lone BTR III-spec Targa features rare RUF engineering with a 430-hp turbo flat-six and fewer than 30 miles since its rebuild.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-06 20:03:25


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Porsche Opinions That Can Start a Fight

Slideshow: If you want to start a debate with a Porsche friend, these 10 opinions are a great way to get started.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-02 16:53:02


VIEW MORE