Winterize or Not?

[Paul A.]

[James W.]

Re: Winterize or Not?

Just change the oil, add fuel stabilizer, fill it with fresh fuel, park it after you've driven it to get everything up to temperature, park it, put the battery maintainer on it, throw moisture absorbing bags in the interior, cover it after it has cooled, and don't start until next spring.

Been doing it this way since I was a kid. At least that's what dad taught me. Worked this way without a problem. My opinion regarding only starting them is it doesn't get the engine hot enought to get the moisture out of the engine or exhaust system.

James West

[Harry S.]

Re: Winterize or Not?

Paul, if you had A/C with R12 and oil, I'd say start it every two weeks so the oil doesn't settle.

[Bill M.]

Re: Winterize or Not?

I live in upstate NY and we have field mice galore. We put sheets of Bounce inside the cab and in the engine bay of each car. We used to use peppermint oil but it is crazy expensive now. I add stabilizer and disconnect the battery. I try to start them up once a month. i change the oil in the spring.

[Duke W.]

Re: Winterize or Not?

Various studies over the years indicate that about 80 percent of engine wear occurs during cold start and warm-up. So don't start it unless you want to drive it.

You don't need "fuel stabilizer" for short term storage, especially if it is cold. The colder the storage temperature the slower the fuel reacts to form gum and varnish. Commercial gasolines already have stabilizers, and most oil companies say the "shelf life" of gasoline is about a year, and that's conservative. A handful of months storage is nothing. I've been doing it for decades.

Fill the fuel tank and pump the tires up to the maximum cold pressure placarded on the sidewall or at least 35 psi.

Check that the cooling system has sufficient anti-freeze to prevent freezing at the lowest anticipated temperature.

I've gotten away from annual oil changes because I drive so much less now than in the past. If the engine has a properly functioning PCV system, less than 1000 miles since the last oil change, and the oil hasn't noticeably darkened, leave it be.

Disconnect the battery and charge once a month or leave a float charger on it.

Most guys way overthink short term storage, or they read to many ads in magazines and the Web advertising unnecessary additives like "fuel stabilizer".

Duke

[Bill M.]

Re: Winterize or Not?

Since my corvettes get started less than 100 times a year i really dont worry about cold start. I like to sit in the car during the winter and imagine it is spring time. I do run the ac in the 67

[Mark E.]

Re: Winterize or Not?

I vote for driving it on those special winter days that are clear and dry- usually they happen at least monthly. This keeps all the seals in good shape. Be sure to use the AC for a few minutes even though it isn't warm.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Winterize or Not?

I vote for driving it on those special winter days that are clear and dry- usually they happen at least monthly. This keeps all the seals in good shape. Be sure to use the AC for a few minutes even though it isn't warm.

You must not have salt on your roads.

I don't drive until usually the first weekend of May due to the salt.

[Matthew T.]

Re: Winterize or Not?

Would you suggest rolling windows up or leaving down some to not let smell build up?

[Dan D.]

Re: Winterize or Not?

Paul,

I posted this on another thread last week and asked for comments back, but so far have not gotten any.

There are various opinions on how to store a car. You can use this document as a guide if you like. But do whatever floats your boat.

Dannn

[Paul A.]

Re: Winterize or Not?

I usually do not winterize my cars. The 66 or the GS. Except for my boat that is in the elements. As others have said I take the car out for a winter drive. Unless there is lots of salt residue. Then not due to the salt powder covering the car upon return. Usually have to wait for a nice rain to wash the salt off the streets. Should move to a warm climate to alleviate all of the issues. Dan, thanks for the linc.

[Paul A.]

Re: Winterize or Not?

[QUOTE=Dan Dillingham (49672);924459]Paul,

I posted this on another thread last week and asked for comments back, but so far have not gotten any.

Dan,
Interesting, well organized article. The zippered storage bag is an nice approach, although my garage is dry and does have heat if so desired. Good info on the oil classification. Do you use zddp additive in your car?

[Larry E.]

Re: Winterize or Not?

[QUOTE=Paul Arrigo (67948);924481]

Paul,

I posted this on another thread last week and asked for comments back, but so far have not gotten any.

Dan,
Interesting, well organized article. The zippered storage bag is an nice approach, although my garage is dry and does have heat if so desired. Good info on the oil classification. Do you use zddp additive in your car?

)
FWIW>I have use Car Bags(Old name was OMNI Bags) for over 25 Years with excellent results. My building
no heat but has concrete floor. I use the white pellets(Bought through Camping World) that absorb all moisture in the bag before sealing it. Of course pure Av Gas is in the tank. Have stored cars for 3 or more years and they start right up.

AFA the other liquid items eg>Oil/Brake Fluid/Anti Freeze NO ONE HAS EVER EXPLAINED TO ME THE FOLLOWING>

"WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE" BETWEEN THE ITEMS ABOVE THAT SIT IN THE CAR(OIL PAN/BRAKE LINES/RADIATOR)
NOT BEING USED OR THE SAME ITEMS SITTING IN A CAN ON A SHELF 5' FROM THE STORED CAR??
THANKS AND OF COURSE JMHO> LARRY

[Keith M.]

Re: Winterize or Not?

Ha. The topic is a "religious war" IMHO. What I mean is...there is probably an endless array of things that could be done or avoided. Most will have some level of benefit, few will actually do harm. There is no definitive approach to EVERY point...but many things are hard to argue against. Biggest thing in my mind about this topic is what was already posted...many WAY overthink this. But since you asked. My approach...loosely in order of priority, importance, benefit (or at least perceived):
1) battery - BEST is trickle charger, hook it up and done. If that not done then at least disconnect OR start once a month...see below on that
2) fuel - somewhat important to not ignore totally....though I have rarely had fuel issues even with reg gas that has sat months in a tank partially full. That said...I only put ZERO ethanol in my car...often with regular fuel additives...take your pick..StaBil, Lucas. Best to fill er up to minimize tank moisture.
3) starting - my vote is start it every month and let run to operating temp. gets all the fluids where they should be. bit more juice for the battery. That said...mine sat 20 years untouched....drained and replaced fuel and oil and she fired up.
4) tires - I think getting the vehicle weight off them helps avoid flat spots. In past I would put on jack stands but see recent thread about not letting suspension hang...so prob not great. I use "Flatstopper" ramps now. Alternatively jack stands under frame JUST high enough to get some weight off tires without changing suspension geometry should be fine.
5) oil - change before or after winter...advantages/disadvantages to each...don't think it critical to do before.

Other than that...I'd roll up windows and put in a bucket of DampRid inside. Goes without saying garaged is better than not...heated even better.

[Keith M.]

Re: Winterize or Not?

Paul,

I posted this on another thread last week and asked for comments back, but so far have not gotten any.

There are various opinions on how to store a car. You can use this document as a guide if you like. But do whatever floats your boat.

Dannn

Anyway you can reproduce without white on black? ...I wanted to print it off and that would burn a lot of ink as is.