AgFormula02

iTrader: (13)

So want to get current opinions on Winter car storage.
1- Let it sit all winter long and start it up 5 months from now. (Battery tender)
2- Start it up every week or two and let it run for a bit.

Car sits in my garage which is semi climate controlled. At what point do you think it is better to just let it sit vs weekly/biweekly startups.

99 Black Bird T/A

iTrader: (4)

Here's my winter storage ritual for garage storage.

• STA-BIL storage fuel treatment in fresh gasoline, been using for 12 years and no issues
• Four 18" squares of plywood to park car on this helps reduce flat spotting on tires while car sits
• Battery Tender on Battery
• Make sure coolant is good for winter storage ~ -35 F or so

Not much for starting and running an engine briefly. Most engine wear occurs on cold start. Seems pointless to do needless cold starts every week or so on a car stored for winter ~ 4 to 5 month period.

LLLosingit

iTrader: (4)

Weekly startups are the worst thing you can do, Not only are you adding wear and tear on a cold engine as mentioned above. You're also contaminating the oil even if you let the coolant reach operating temperature. The coolant may reach temp but the oil won't get hot enough to help dissipate moisture/contaminants. Another thing to consider is the moisture that will sit in the exhaust after each run. I just use stabil and a battery tender and change the oil before driving the car in the spring.

AgFormula02

iTrader: (13)

Thanks all! Will just let her sit tight until May and not touch.

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

Both of these guys are absolutely correct.

I let mine sit all winter (4-6 months), never started. I use my own personal blend of STA-BIL and Red Line SI-1 in a fresh tank of fuel. I don't use a battery tender but I do hook up a smart charger every couple of weeks to keep the battery charged. I also air the tires to max rated psi (usually somewhere between 44-51psi for most Z-rated tires in this size) and park the car on rubber lined carpet to minimize any temporary flat spotting of the tires (as well as to protect the undercarriage from any condensation that develops on the cement).

I've been following this general routine for many, many years now and my engine, fuel system, tire & battery life have all been nothing short of excellent. No ill side-effects at all. The car fires up every spring like it had just been running an hour ago.

NC01TA

Excellent advice by many above. I certainly agree about the short quick start-ups. Not a good idea. Let it sit.