• Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • SVT Tech Forum

First Time Storage Questions? Help

  • Thread starter Thread starter SSWWRITE
  • Start date Start date Dec 29, 2003

SSWWRITE

New Member
Apr 25, 2003
58
0
0
OHIO
Dec 29, 2003
#1
  • Dec 29, 2003
  • #1
THIS IS MY FIRST TIME PUTTING A CAR UP FOR THE WINTER. 2001 COBRAA - 9500 MILES ON IT - PUT 2800 ON IT THIS SUMMER. DID NOT GET A CHANCE TO CHANGE OIL BEFORE COLD HIT.

SHOULD I START IT ONCEIN AWHILE? IF SO HOW OFTEN? OR JUST WAIT?

THANKS IN ADVANCE.

HURRY UP SPRING!!!!!!!!!!!!!
 

COBRA90GT

Mustang Master
Sep 22, 2001
6,654
0
87
HOCKEYTOWN ® , MI
Dec 29, 2003
#2
  • Dec 29, 2003
  • #2
Eh, is there any way to change the oil? If so, I would strongly encourage it (although you can get by without doing so, if you can't get to it).
I would just prefer to have that old oil out of there, so that it has no chance of "gunking" up in the pan or filter, especially if you are due for an oil change.

As far as other storage suggestions go:
I would disconnect the battery, let it sit if you plan on a short winter (IE: if just 3-4 months?), top off the gas tank, add a few ounces of fuel stabilizer (Stabil) to the gas tank as well, place a box of baking soda in the interior to absorb moisture/odor, and not worry about too much else. If you were to store the car for a longer timeframe, I would then spray some fogging oil into each of the spark plug holes in addition to the above...that should cover the basics.
 

Venom4.6

Founding Member
Jun 30, 2002
1,356
0
0
Saint Louis, MO
Dec 29, 2003
#3
  • Dec 29, 2003
  • #3
COBRA90GT said:
Eh, is there any way to change the oil? If so, I would strongly encourage it (although you can get by without doing so, if you can't get to it).
I would just prefer to have that old oil out of there, so that it has no chance of "gunking" up in the pan or filter, especially if you are due for an oil change.

As far as other storage suggestions go:
I would disconnect the battery, let it sit if you plan on a short winter (IE: if just 3-4 months?), top off the gas tank, add a few ounces of fuel stabilizer (Stabil) to the gas tank as well, place a box of baking soda in the interior to absorb moisture/odor, and not worry about too much else. If you were to store the car for a longer timeframe, I would then spray some fogging oil into each of the spark plug holes in addition to the above...that should cover the basics.
Click to expand...
That's pretty much what I do. Change the oil, top off fuel tank and tire pressure, wash, wax, disconnect battery and cover.
 

Tat98Cobra

Founding Member
Nov 2, 2002
681
0
0
Dec 29, 2003
#4
  • Dec 29, 2003
  • #4
All I do is start it every other week, and take it for a quick haul around the block

peace
 
9

99SVTAddict

New Member
May 8, 2003
613
0
0
Clinton Twp, MI
Dec 30, 2003
#5
  • Dec 30, 2003
  • #5
Follow what these guys have said, BUT, do not start the car. If you start the car for a few minutes it does a lot more negative than positive....like, get moisture in the exhaust, you just did a non nessesary cold start, ect....

If you do start it, you will have to let it run for at least 20 minutes or so, so why bother. Just let her rest for the winter...go out and stare at it every once in awhile to feel better
 

Tat98Cobra

Founding Member
Nov 2, 2002
681
0
0
Dec 30, 2003
#6
  • Dec 30, 2003
  • #6
99SVTAddict said:
Follow what these guys have said, BUT, do not start the car. If you start the car for a few minutes it does a lot more negative than positive....like, get moisture in the exhaust, you just did a non nessesary cold start, ect....

If you do start it, you will have to let it run for at least 20 minutes or so, so why bother. Just let her rest for the winter...go out and stare at it every once in awhile to feel better
Click to expand...

What do you guys have against driving it when its cold out???

peace
 

Venom4.6

Founding Member
Jun 30, 2002
1,356
0
0
Saint Louis, MO
Dec 30, 2003
#7
  • Dec 30, 2003
  • #7
It's not just the cold but the snow, ice and the salt on the roads throughout the winter. I took it out in the snow once just for $hits and giggles and will never do that again. It sat stuck 1 block down the road for a week. I've got a beater truck I drive to work all year round anyway so no problem here. Less mile on her too.
 

SSWWRITE

New Member
Apr 25, 2003
58
0
0
OHIO
Dec 30, 2003
#8
  • Dec 30, 2003
  • #8
Tat98Cobra said:
What do you guys have against driving it when its cold out???

peace
Click to expand...


SALT SNOW AND A COMPANY TRUCK
AND I HAVE TO KEEP THIS THING FOR LLLLLLLOOOOONG TIME!!
 

Tat98Cobra

Founding Member
Nov 2, 2002
681
0
0
Dec 30, 2003
#9
  • Dec 30, 2003
  • #9
OF course you wouldnt drive it with snow and ice and sand! When I see the roads crystal clear though - hell yes I drive her. SHe runs way stronger on an icy cold day. Thats the main reason I dont take it off the road for the winter - for those clear cold days. You guys must live in a place where there's always snow/sand??

peace
 

COBRA90GT

Mustang Master
Sep 22, 2001
6,654
0
87
HOCKEYTOWN ® , MI
Dec 30, 2003
#10
  • Dec 30, 2003
  • #10
Tat98Cobra said:
.. You guys must live in a place where there's always snow/sand??

peace...
Click to expand...


Well, like the other guy said, our main gripe up here in the Northern states is the amount of salt that they use on the roads. On some of the warmer winter days, the roads are fine to drive on, except for the excess salt crystals that you can see glittering all over the road
 

FEARNO1

Founding Member
Sep 1, 2002
1,241
1
39
Maine
Dec 30, 2003
#11
  • Dec 30, 2003
  • #11
COBRA90GT said:
Well, like the other guy said, our main gripe up here in the Northern states is the amount of salt that they use on the roads. On some of the warmer winter days, the roads are fine to drive on, except for the excess salt crystals that you can see glittering all over the road
Click to expand...

Not to mention all the sand and rocks that get thrown up that does a number to the front end,paint,hood,windshield...etc....
 

COBRA90GT

Mustang Master
Sep 22, 2001
6,654
0
87
HOCKEYTOWN ® , MI
Dec 30, 2003
#12
  • Dec 30, 2003
  • #12
FEARNO1 said:
Not to mention all the sand and rocks that get thrown up that does a number to the front end,paint,hood,windshield...etc....
Click to expand...


Yes, that too! That stuff's never good for the pain -
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

9
Engine Donor '00 Mountaineer meet '91 Fox
  • 91firecracker
  • May 11, 2026
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
  • 2 3
Replies
41
Views
931
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech May 28, 2026
91firecracker
9
B
2001 roush stage 3 - sat for 5 years
  • Brando_05
  • Aug 26, 2025
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
0
Views
262
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Aug 26, 2025
Brando_05
B
Engine 87 NA - Tune or no Tune needed?
  • R82148V
  • Sep 17, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
8
Views
379
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Sep 17, 2025
R82148V
Drivetrain 83’ Glx convertible C5 Trans help!
  • JacksonJared2113
  • Dec 25, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
2
Views
401
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Dec 26, 2025
JacksonJared2113
B
Where to go from here on my build…
  • B0udreaux
  • Jul 14, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
8
Views
211
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jul 18, 2026
AeroCoupe
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • SVT Tech Forum
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?