Winter Storage

[SpazHairlip]

Winter Storage

Well, I plan on keeping my GT out of the cold weather. I don’t mind a little rain as long as I keep the wax up, but my last Vert was destroyed (the top) by water freezing on it in the winters. I’m going to keep her garaged and covered for 3 or 4 months out of the year (New England).

My question is, what is the best way to keep a car stored during the 3 or 4 months of snow, Ice, slush and salt? Do I drain all the gas, drain other fluids, start it once a week, try and drive it on a nice dry day, rotate the tires, etc.

Any tips on how to keep her tiptop over the winter while she hibernates would be great.

Also, I did buy the 6 year 75K mile Premium warranty and the 3 year 45k mile maintenance coverage, so I shouldn’t have to spend a dime on the car for 6 years if something goes wrong (other then mods J )

 

[199]

I don't know much about Winter Storage, i know about just about storage so it might not apply to you, usually when you store a car it needs to be filled with gas so that the tank will not rust, umm there are rubber floor holders for the tires so that they don't become flat form underneath, don't start the car unless you will drive it, if u just start it thats bad. Don't store it just after a oil change the oil needs to be used a little, disconnect the batteries.

Thats what i remember this is some of the info i remember it might be wrong if so i hope someone corrects me, this is what and old mechanic told me years ago.

Like i said im not sure of this information please make sure someone can verfiy my info if its correct.

 

[bigcat]

its best to put jack stands under the car to keep the tires off the ground during storage, but i have never done that and have not had any problems. i have stored many cars for the winter and have not done anything special to them. they have all been fine. i think disconnecting the battery is a good idea, and keep the tank at least 1/2 full, it helps keep moisture out of the tank. they say that gas goes bad after 30 days, but i have never had a problem with gas that is a few months old. when you take it out of storage, just burn the gas by driving it lots. you willl miss it so much that should not be a problem!! be sure to put some mouse poision down near the car (alot) to keep the mice away. i put down 2 boxes last winter and they were both completely gone in the spring. i would recommend more than 2 boxes! this is just a few suggestions, and i am sure i am forgetting a few.

 

[GT520]

I've kept my Gran Torino garaged/stored for the last 18 years. Never had a problem with tires, although tire pressure should be checked at least once during the winter, but I did replace them this past spring as they've been on the car for over 18 years and were getting really hard, plus they just didn't smoke the way they used to . The fluids should be fine and shouldn't go bad over the winter. I generally take the car out 20-30 times a year and try and get it out once or twice during the winter. If I can't, I have a couple of rubber exhaust hoses (like they use at service stations) that I clamp on to the exhaust, run them outside (they're about 10-12 feet long), and run the car in the garage for about 30 minutes. One problem that I use to have is a dead battery after a month or so. Could never find the drain, so I put one of those "Green Knob" battery disconnectors on the negative terminal of the battery, but I'm not sure how well they work with newer cars (computer, alarms, presets, etc). And don't forget a nice car cover too!