Tips for winter storage...
#1
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Member Since: Aug 2004
Location: IL
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Tips for winter storage...
This is the first winter with my C4 and I was wondering what type of preparations I need to make for the impending winter season. The car is stored in a garage bay attached to my home and it is heated. It also has just been serviced and detailed. What else do I need to do through the winter months? Not knowing if this makes a difference I live in the mid-west, just FYI. Thanks in advance.
#2
Race Director
Member Since: Sep 2004
Location: St. Peters MO Sometimes you have to prove yourself by doing alot of killing or alot of dying...
Posts: 13,793
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I asked the same question... and was told to drive the car whenever possible, but storing it is not necessary... well... where in the mid west do you live?
#4
Le Mans Master
Member Since: Jul 2000
Location: Global Warming My Butt
Posts: 7,836
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Where is that "beat a dead horse" icon?
Get a battery tender (trickle charger) to keep the battery fresh, pump the tires to 45lbs and if you have mice put fabric softener sheets through the engine and interior. Toss a cover over it and let it sleep.
I start mine once a month as recommended by GM and run the AC to keep all the seal lubricated...ideally if you can jack the back end up and let the car run in gear everything stays fresh...
Get a battery tender (trickle charger) to keep the battery fresh, pump the tires to 45lbs and if you have mice put fabric softener sheets through the engine and interior. Toss a cover over it and let it sleep.
I start mine once a month as recommended by GM and run the AC to keep all the seal lubricated...ideally if you can jack the back end up and let the car run in gear everything stays fresh...
#6
Le Mans Master
Originally Posted by MinnesotaWhite
Get a battery tender (trickle charger) to keep the battery fresh, pump the tires to 45lbs and if you have mice put fabric softener sheets through the engine and interior.
#8
Intermediate
Thread Starter
Member Since: Aug 2004
Location: IL
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have it on a float charger, and it is covered. Didn't know about the fabric sheets. The starting it once a month and the advice on the A/C is very good info. Thanks.
#10
Racer
Member Since: Sep 2003
Location: Land Of Lincoln
Posts: 474
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by secretagent54
This is the first winter with my C4 and I was wondering what type of preparations I need to make for the impending winter season. The car is stored in a garage bay attached to my home and it is heated. It also has just been serviced and detailed. What else do I need to do through the winter months? Not knowing if this makes a difference I live in the mid-west, just FYI. Thanks in advance.
1. Keep in the garage (heated if you could). I don’t just in garage.
2. Change oil and filter (Mobile 1) lube if needed. Reset the oil change light!
3. Wash and clean car and wax, detail including rubber, and wheel wells. Rubber dielectric grease on lightly.
4. Check anti-freeze protection and all levels.
5. Clean garage where it's stored and put down plastic as a moisture barrier under the entire car including the tires.
6. Put on a good car cover on. (I use Max Tech), but whatever you like. Don't put anything on top of the car!
7. Disconnect the negative side of the battery. Charge up the battery. (I do this for my boat batteries I charge them half way through the winter again and then right before you start it! If you want you can use a battery tender.
8. Don't start the car until spring, it will be fine! I do not recommend running the engine because a warm engine creates water condensation when it cools down. But if you do start the car make sure it is at normal operating temperature before shutting it off.
9. I always put Stabil in to a full tank of gas run it to get through the fuel system. I do this for all my stored engines. Last up to 15 months. 1 oz’s of Stabil to 2 1/2 gallons.
10. Inflate tires to 5 lbs. over proper pressure.
11. I cover the exhaust pipes so nothing gets in there.
You can put in some moth ***** or Irish Spring or cedar for those little guys and some moisture protection bags in there.
If you remove the battery, put it on some wood. Don't put it on concrete!
**How about the insurance? Just need fire and theft? Why pay for more than what you need? Save yourself a bundle for next year!**
#11
Burning Brakes
Member Since: Oct 2004
Location: Bloomington MN
Posts: 1,009
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I always condition any leather. It's a great time to let the conditioner actually set in instead of getting rubbed off on your clothes right after doing it.
#15
Burning Brakes
Member Since: Oct 2004
Location: Bloomington MN
Posts: 1,009
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by jd_v3tt3
Correct me if I am wrong, but it is my belief that the a/c compressor gets exercised when you use the defrost setting.
#17
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Oct 2004
Location: domesticmisfits.net c4guru.com
Posts: 2,132
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Originally Posted by tempest
if you have critter problems, rat traps or poison of some sort would be recommended around the garage.