General Maintenance & Repairs Leaks | Squeaks | Clunks | Rattles | Grinds
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by: CARiD

Getting that time of yr :(

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 12, 2008 | 10:18 AM
  #1  
GOR1LA's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 295
Likes: 0
Default Getting that time of yr :(

So winter is getting close. Another few weeks. Just wondering what everyone does to store their cars? I live in Michigan and this will be the first time i store my car. Its going to be kept in my barn. What needs to be done to prep it for storage?

Fuel Stablizer
Tarp/Cover
Tire Pressure


Anything else i should do? Just changed my oil a few weeks ago.

Thanks
Reply
Old Sep 12, 2008 | 12:03 PM
  #2  
samson_420's Avatar
TECH Addict
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,372
Likes: 0
From: Narnia
Default

Man, I feel lucky to live in a place where it is summer all year round.

How long do you let the car sit for?


Do you ever start it? Or does it just sit?


Sorry, for the stupid questions. . . . .
Reply
Old Sep 12, 2008 | 12:10 PM
  #3  
VIP1's Avatar
Copy & Paste Moderator
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 9,764
Likes: 208
From: Eastern MA
Default

I put on Blizzak WS-50 tires (mounted on cheap steel wheels) and drive it in the snow. It handles better than a FWD car with all-season tires.
Reply
Old Sep 12, 2008 | 12:53 PM
  #4  
dutinsss's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (2)
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,235
Likes: 0
From: Cairo, GA
Default

winter is the only time i love living in south georgia
Reply
Old Sep 12, 2008 | 01:33 PM
  #5  
GOR1LA's Avatar
Thread Starter
Launching!
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 295
Likes: 0
Default

nope she won't be started for about 4 months give or take depending on GLOBAL WARMING

I would drive it during the winter but my car has seen snow only once. Besides the salt on the rounds is nuts up here!!

maybe take the battery out?
Reply
Old Sep 12, 2008 | 08:01 PM
  #6  
TA-Swede's Avatar
Launching!
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 257
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, CA
Default

1. Full tank of gas (less air = less corrosion) + stabilizer
2. Trickle-charger for the battery, and disconnect it
3. If it's outside (below freezing), check the amount of antifreeze in your coolant (no idea if this even applies to dexcool)
4. De-humidifiers inside the car (non-electric)
5. Car cover closest to the car, then tarp (a light one)

If possible, start up the car once a month and let it get to operating temperature before turning it off.

That's just off the top of my head.
Reply
Old Sep 12, 2008 | 08:16 PM
  #7  
samson_420's Avatar
TECH Addict
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,372
Likes: 0
From: Narnia
Default

Originally Posted by TA-Swede
1. Full tank of gas (less air = less corrosion) + stabilizer
2. Trickle-charger for the battery, and disconnect it
3. If it's outside (below freezing), check the amount of antifreeze in your coolant (no idea if this even applies to dexcool)
4. De-humidifiers inside the car (non-electric)
5. Car cover closest to the car, then tarp (a light one)

If possible, start up the car once a month and let it get to operating temperature before turning it off.

That's just off the top of my head.

Sounds good to me too.

That's what I would suggest. I just don't know about a De-humidifier.
Reply
Old Sep 12, 2008 | 08:21 PM
  #8  
TA-Swede's Avatar
Launching!
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 257
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, CA
Default

The de-humidifiers collect the condensation that will occur when the cars temperature shifts between above and below freezing. It helps to keep the car smelling fresh when you bring it out of storage, instead of having a somewhat damp smell to it.

It's not critical, but for a few bucks, I think it's worth it.
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-5

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-6

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

 
Old Sep 12, 2008 | 08:43 PM
  #9  
darcar1's Avatar
Staging Lane
 
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 90
Likes: 1
From: New York
Default

I live in NY so we get the snow and salt also. I will drive my car up until the first salt goes on the road and then it goes away until the spring rains clean the salt off of the roads. If you are going to store it in a barn just fill it up with fuel don't have to worry about rust in the tank it's plastic. Watch out for critters like mice making a nice nest in your car. Put some glue traps down or bait to get them before they get you. Some silica packs to keep the moisture out is a good idea. You should go and start the car every once in awhile to move the oil around and keep your main seal and other gaskets from dry rotting. This will also keep you from having to trickle charge the battery. You will hear alot of diffrent ideas about storing your car. I keep mine in my garage and have only done the things I've told you and it comes out every spring ready to go.
Reply
Old Sep 12, 2008 | 09:21 PM
  #10  
79Jeep's Avatar
Staging Lane
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
Default

this might be a stupid question but i never stored a car. but my old dirt bikes we used to dump oil in the cylinders and when it was time to bring em back out just take out the plug and turn over the motor and pump out the oil. prolly no to practicle for a car tho....
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2008 | 12:18 AM
  #11  
SOMbitch's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 6,881
Likes: 3
Default

Originally Posted by 79Jeep
this might be a stupid question but i never stored a car. but my old dirt bikes we used to dump oil in the cylinders and when it was time to bring em back out just take out the plug and turn over the motor and pump out the oil. prolly no to practicle for a car tho....
Did that on all my outboard motors too but think it must be a "two stroke" thing since I have never seen it advised on a car. Don't see how it could hurt though but I would just crank it once a month and it would not be necessary.
Reply
Old Sep 13, 2008 | 07:52 PM
  #12  
johnnybravo's Avatar
Launching!
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 228
Likes: 0
From: Hoosier Daddy....
Cool

Northern Indiana

1. Full fuel tank, stabilitzer

2. Start it every 3 to 4 weeks if it's not too cold. Let it warm up to op temperature. If there's no snow, back it into the driveway. Drive it up and down the driveway a few times, ignore the weird looks from the neighbors (Actually, they are used to me by now).

3. Wish spring would hurry and get here.


This works for me.
Reply
Old Sep 14, 2008 | 03:04 AM
  #13  
mikeljohnson03's Avatar
Launching!
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 223
Likes: 0
From: La Farge
Default

Don`t forget about the flat spots you will get on your tires. Happened to me last winter and it sucked. I reccomend putting the car on jack stands or wooden blocks if you don`t trust the jack stands. Thats what i will be doing this winter because i just bought new tires and i`m not gonna ruin them. Otherwise everything else that has already been said is great advice to.Mine goes into garage with a full tank in + stabalizer, disconnect battery and take in the house with me because it gets pretty cold here in the winter and i don`t want my battery to freeze up and i don`t trust trickle chargers, start it about once a month and let it get to op temp, and also car cover one thats breathable and no tarp because that can actually draw in and hold moisture. Thats what i do and i live in Wisconsin. Like i said though if you`ve got good tires and wanna keep them make sure its off the ground because you will get flat spots. Hope that helps yea.
Reply
Old Sep 14, 2008 | 08:02 AM
  #14  
keliente's Avatar
TECH Addict
iTrader: (22)
 
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,928
Likes: 1
From: Mooresville, NC
Default

Some more info here - https://ls1tech.com/forums/general-maintenance-repairs/416584-things-do-before-storing-your-vehicle.html
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:19 PM.

story-0
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-1
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-2
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-3
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-6
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-7
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-8
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE