Winter Storage
YellowFly
11-06-2007, 04:30 PM
I'm going to park my '92 for the Michigan Road Salt season. Other than adding an additive (Stabil) to the fuel and keeping the battery charged, does anyone have any suggestions of what else I should do? It will be under a carport.
Thanks in advance!
Thanks in advance!
tdc1948
11-06-2007, 10:58 PM
Google 'car storage' and you'll come across lots of advice. Below is an extreme version of what some say should be done. I've stored many times for the winter. Minimum, IMO, is make sure it's washed and waxed, have clean oil in it, put a breathable cover over it, raise on jack stands (tires don't need to be all the way off the pavement, but most weight should be off them), take the battery out and keep in a warm place. If you're going to be where the car is (i.e. not escaping south for months on end), you could just disconnect the battery as indicated below, reconnect and start it and run it for a few minutes every now and then, to keep at least the engine lubricated, circulate antifreeze, etc..
Before storing the vehicle:
Have the engine oil changed
Have the engine coolant changed if due during time of storage
Fill up the fuel tank with the appropriate gasoline for your vehicle
Wash the vehicle; use high pressure water or steam to clean underneath
Check underneath the floor mats to ensure the carpet is dry
If there are any paint chips, have them repairedWhen storing the vehicle:
Operate the engine at normal operating temperature* for 15 minutes prior to shutting off the engine
Disconnect the black negative (-) battery cable
Leave the parking brake off
Raise the vehicle on a level surface and place on jack stands or blocks to prevent flat spots on the tires
If stored in a temperate, ventilated garage, the windows can be left slightly open
Cover the vehicle
Operate the air conditioning once a month to ensure proper lubricationWhen bringing the vehicle out of storage:
Have the battery charged and reconnect the black negative (-) battery cable
Check fluid levels and add as needed
Check for any leaks underneath the vehicle
Check and inflate the tires to the correct pressure before taking the vehicle off the jack stands or blocks
After starting the engine, observe the warning lights; if any remain illuminated, have the issue addressed by your dealership as appropriate
Check the brake pedal for normal feel (height and firmness) before shifting the transmission
Take the vehicle to your local dealership for general inspection
Before storing the vehicle:
Have the engine oil changed
Have the engine coolant changed if due during time of storage
Fill up the fuel tank with the appropriate gasoline for your vehicle
Wash the vehicle; use high pressure water or steam to clean underneath
Check underneath the floor mats to ensure the carpet is dry
If there are any paint chips, have them repairedWhen storing the vehicle:
Operate the engine at normal operating temperature* for 15 minutes prior to shutting off the engine
Disconnect the black negative (-) battery cable
Leave the parking brake off
Raise the vehicle on a level surface and place on jack stands or blocks to prevent flat spots on the tires
If stored in a temperate, ventilated garage, the windows can be left slightly open
Cover the vehicle
Operate the air conditioning once a month to ensure proper lubricationWhen bringing the vehicle out of storage:
Have the battery charged and reconnect the black negative (-) battery cable
Check fluid levels and add as needed
Check for any leaks underneath the vehicle
Check and inflate the tires to the correct pressure before taking the vehicle off the jack stands or blocks
After starting the engine, observe the warning lights; if any remain illuminated, have the issue addressed by your dealership as appropriate
Check the brake pedal for normal feel (height and firmness) before shifting the transmission
Take the vehicle to your local dealership for general inspection
CarlR
11-07-2007, 12:58 AM
Good info, thanks ;)
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