Re: Seasonal Storage

Posted by Bob J On 2023/10/1 14:04:16

Here in the great white north I have been putting cars away for the winter for over 40 years. I agree to take a load off the tires if they are bias belt, it is not so much as it hurts them to sit, but they seem to get flat spots that need to be 'exercised' out come spring otherwise. Radials do not do this likely due to the softer sidewall.
I leave the battery in the car, I fully charge the battery once a month on a regular charger. (I do not start them as has been pointed out before there is so much condensation created at start-up in cold weather that they would need to be driven until completely warm before turning off again and with the road salt/brine used up here that would be catastrophic.)
I have never had an issue with fuel going bad over 6 months, just too well blended anymore I guess. I know some of my peers simply shut-off the fuel supply in the fall when they are storing and run the engine until it stalls out emptying the carb and preventing varnish, again, I do not and have had no issues.
I agree with the fresh oil, any contaminants caused by blow by etc. are good to get out before the long sit. Change it hot to get the best result and then run it again until warm to thoroughly dilute any that may have stuck to the engine walls so they are well diluted. This will also address the exhaust system being well dried out too so no moisture sits in it over the winter months.
I have had no issues with vermin since I sealed the garage so I cannot help with that. I know one car I bought had dryer sheets and moth balls throughout to try and keep them at bay and the mice just used them for bedding, so I know that does not work.
I also like to apply a good coat of wax to seal the paint and bright work from dust and to keep any chance of chaffing of the car cover from happening.
Oh, make sure the snow shovel and Christmas lights are not between you and the car being stored (ask me how I know this!)
Bob J.