Storing my car. need help please
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Teching In
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 34
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From: va beach, va
Storing my car. need help please i am storing my car for the winter starting jan 1. i probably wont take it back out for 4-5 months. i still want to take it around the neighborhood a few times a week. i need to know what i need to do to keep everything in perfect running condition. (engine, transmission, exterior, interior, etc.) thanks
<small>[ December 06, 2002, 11:29 AM: Message edited by: Pro Stock John ]</small>
<small>[ December 06, 2002, 11:29 AM: Message edited by: Pro Stock John ]</small>
Re: Storing my car. need help please </font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by HITMANSS:
<strong>If you're planning to drive it around once or twice a week, you shouldn't need any special measures to store it.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Ding, ding, ding. We have a winner <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
<strong>If you're planning to drive it around once or twice a week, you shouldn't need any special measures to store it.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Ding, ding, ding. We have a winner <img border="0" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="gr_grin.gif" />
Launching!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
From: Almonte, Ont. Canada
Re: Storing my car. need help please Living in the frigid north, I have to store my SS every year. This is the list that I have compiled and it works well.
When I bring the car out in the spring it's ready to go.
- change oil and filter just before storage.
- do not start the car during storage if it is only being stored for 4 - 6 months. This actually creates condensation within the engine and exhaust systems and accelerates corrosion.
- fill tank and add a high quality fuel stabilizer like Stabil to prevent the gas from "gumming".
- wash, clay if you can (don't let particles rest in the paint for 4 - 6 months) and wax or polish paint – I use Zaino
- condition all of the weather-stripping with silicone conditioner - GM sells this as well as most autoparts stores.
- lubricate all hinges.
- wipe down all engine bay hoses with either the silicone conditioner or Armorall to prevent drying or cracking.
- vacuum the interior.
- treat leather seats with a good leather conditioner.
- treat dash and other areas with Zaino, Back to Black, etc.
- wash interior windows.
- remove antenna (if you are covering).
- treat tires with a non-petroleum based conditioner.
- just before storage inflate tires to maximum recommended rating. The "flat spots" came out of my F1's in about 15 miles in the spring. Most car manufacturers do not recommend taking the weight off the suspension during storage. Remember to deflate to running pressure when you bring the car out of storage.
- disconnect the battery (and remove if storing outside)
- check your antifreeze strength and drain windshield reservoir if filled with summer fluid
- place a deodorizer / moisture absorber in car to prevent stale smells – tool supply stores sell vinyl mesh bags with volcanic ash that absorbs and Home Depot has a powder in a container.
- cover the car.
- if storing outside, plug exhaust pipes and other entry points for rodents to prevent them from wintering in your car.
When I bring the car out in the spring it's ready to go.
- change oil and filter just before storage.
- do not start the car during storage if it is only being stored for 4 - 6 months. This actually creates condensation within the engine and exhaust systems and accelerates corrosion.
- fill tank and add a high quality fuel stabilizer like Stabil to prevent the gas from "gumming".
- wash, clay if you can (don't let particles rest in the paint for 4 - 6 months) and wax or polish paint – I use Zaino
- condition all of the weather-stripping with silicone conditioner - GM sells this as well as most autoparts stores.
- lubricate all hinges.
- wipe down all engine bay hoses with either the silicone conditioner or Armorall to prevent drying or cracking.
- vacuum the interior.
- treat leather seats with a good leather conditioner.
- treat dash and other areas with Zaino, Back to Black, etc.
- wash interior windows.
- remove antenna (if you are covering).
- treat tires with a non-petroleum based conditioner.
- just before storage inflate tires to maximum recommended rating. The "flat spots" came out of my F1's in about 15 miles in the spring. Most car manufacturers do not recommend taking the weight off the suspension during storage. Remember to deflate to running pressure when you bring the car out of storage.
- disconnect the battery (and remove if storing outside)
- check your antifreeze strength and drain windshield reservoir if filled with summer fluid
- place a deodorizer / moisture absorber in car to prevent stale smells – tool supply stores sell vinyl mesh bags with volcanic ash that absorbs and Home Depot has a powder in a container.
- cover the car.
- if storing outside, plug exhaust pipes and other entry points for rodents to prevent them from wintering in your car.