Winter storage questions

Im getting ready to store my 94 caprice for the winter. I was thinking about taking the battery out of the car and maybe starting the car a few times throughout the winter or possibly not at all. It will be in a large garage in connecticut but still very cold in the dead of winter. What i would really like to know from everyones experience is the best way to do this. Is it ok to not start the car for 5 months or should i start it every 2 weeks or 1 time a month? what fuel additives if any should i put in the car? should i leave the battery in and get a battery tender?

You could put StaBil or a similar product in the gas tank and run the car awhile before storing it to get it properly circulated. I have found fuel issues to be less of an issue with fuel injected vehicles than their old carburated counterparts. As for the battery, if it's a newer, strong battery, you could leave it in and start it every few weeks or every month depending on your schedule. If you have one of those "jump packs" you could bring that along as an aid if the battery has any trouble. The CCA rating of the battery is important in this part of the country and when buying a new one this should be taken into consideration and get the highest one you can afford. Make sure it's fully charged before storing the car. I have done different ways of storing my vehicles in that over the years I have removed the battery and kept it in the basement, left it in the vehicle and started it once a month, or not at all. Sometimes depending on my winter weather I haven't been able to access the vehicle to be able to start it and it seemed fine. It all depends on the condition of the battery. If it's fairly new it can survive the winter if it isn't started while those that are weaker may need to be jumped or charged in the Spring if not started during the winter. My latest opinion(or what i have personally started to do) is to take the battery out and keep it in a warmer location if the vehicle is to be stored over the winter. I think it may help the battery to last longer in the long run. I have experimented with small engine batteries over the past few years and have noticed I get an extra year or two out of the battery if I remove it and keep it out of the extremely cold conditions.
One thing that is very important is to change the oil and filter before storing the vehicle. By-products of combustion in the old oil can cause acids to form and do damage to the internal parts of your engine. Also check the protection level of the coolant to make sure it will properly protect the engine down to the expected lowest temperature range for your region.

thank you so much for that information. my car has current draw issues (car wont start after 3 days of use) so that is y i am most likely going to take the battery out or disconnect it and maybe hook it to a battery tender. is it bad not to start the engine at all for a few months. im really only worried about cracking or drying out an oil or tranny seal and it wont be a problem for me to start it at least once a month. also, i changed my oil less than 1000 miles ago but prolly more than 2 months ago. should i still change it before storage?

If you have the time and can afford to, it would be like a "cheap insurance policy to guard against potential issues, but again the technology of modern oils may help prevent any issues as well as today's oils are superior over those made years ago for their protection packages and holding contaminants in suspension. It's up to you and possibly 1000 miles is not that bad and you could keep that oil. A olot also depends on the condition and mileage of the engine as well.. Once you take all of that into consideration, you can make an informed decision.

EDIT: (I see you added some info as I was replying so here I'll answer your other question). I don't think it will harm an engine not starting it for a few months. I've seen people go overseas for a year and their car was fine when they got back after not being run for at least 6 months.Sometimes in the winter, it may not be good to start an engine and not let it run long enough and to properly warm up. This 'cold start' is rougher on the engine just as if you were taking a lot of short trips in the winter and not letting the engine reach the proper operating temperature.

thank you so much for that information. my car has current draw issues (car wont start after 3 days of use) so that is y i am most likely going to take the battery out or disconnect it and maybe hook it to a battery tender. is it bad not to start the engine at all for a few months. im really only worried about cracking or drying out an oil or tranny seal and it wont be a problem for me to start it at least once a month. also, i changed my oil less than 1000 miles ago but prolly more than 2 months ago. should i still change it before storage?

all vehicles over a few weeks if connected and not charged will discharge, as the pcm is constantly sucking power out of the battery..this is simular to storage of a boat engine,,,remove battery to a place that does not freeze..a discharged battery will freeze, then the soft lead plates get distorted and short out..

since this is in a garage the mositure will be low...if it was exposed to weather using an engine fogger to coat the intake /valves would be good insurance,,simply cranking the engine every few weeks "NO START" to move the pistons is also a good idea...jacking up the vehicle so that the full weight is not on the tires is also a good idea..

the other thing to do is rodent poison just in case they decide to make a nest in your dash...

fuel stabilizer is needed ..and change oil before storage and lube all fittings..

Also put down a plastic sheet down on the floor,moisture will rise and get on the floorboards from the bottom rusting them out.You can get them from your local home improvement store in a roll

sounds good. i think i am all set now. thanks to all for the advice, i really appreciate it.

so looks like my car will be outside for a lovely winter in Connecticut!!! it will be in a car port that is wider than most. does this change anything i should do? im taking the battery out and it will be in my basement, car will be jacked up, stabil in the fuel tank, fresh oil and filter.

what do i do with the rodent poisen as well? around the outside of the car or inside the car?

Areas that I would focus on include the trunk, passenger compartment and engine bay. Those are the areas I have seen rodent activity when I store my '95 Roadmaster. Seeing these cars are similar in design I'm sure they have the same access areas that the rodents find their way in to nest. I've put it on the trunk floor, under the front seats, and/or on the floor pan in the passenger compartment, and in the engine bay I've placed traps behind the header panel area where I can locate a spot and any area on top of the engine where you can fit one. Make sure and keep track of all the locations you place them so you can remove them in the spring.

Check out my comprehensive storage guide here !!
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=969475

so looks like my car will be outside for a lovely winter in Connecticut!!! it will be in a car port that is wider than most. does this change anything i should do? im taking the battery out and it will be in my basement, car will be jacked up, stabil in the fuel tank, fresh oil and filter.

I would also get a good cloth cover ,,then a tarp to put over it..this will keep the vehicle dry and protected from sun..I have a kit ready to go for when , i store my car ,when I take my winter florida trip..I have found it works great..


with leather seats, use of leather conditioner is recommended ..vinal seats /plastic should be coated with protectant as well..