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Putting car away for winter
stuart_g - 3/12/08 at 05:22 PM

It's getting to the time of year when I'm thinking of putting the car to bed for winter.

What if anything should I do to it?
drain the fuel.
new engine oil/filter.
put car onto axle stands so the tyres are off the ground. (Toyo R888's)
Favourite teddy bear and blanket.

Is it necessary to do any of the above or anything I need to do not listed above?


Humbug - 3/12/08 at 05:47 PM

You could not put it away for winter . I use mine less in winter, but if it's cold and dry it is still nice to get out, as long as you wrap up warm


stevebubs - 3/12/08 at 05:58 PM

Car on axle stands is a good idea. Alternatively pump the tyres right the way up and keep them that way.

Clearing the fuel system out is a good idea but I wouldn't worry about draining the tank - just make sure the carb bowls / fuel rail is clear...


JoelP - 3/12/08 at 06:11 PM

'They' say you should have the tyres off the ground but the shocks still compressed ideally. I would leave oil and fuel in it, petrol will last 4 months fine. You can change oil when you get it out again.

Teddy and blanket is crucial though!

I made a very silly mistake once, took the handbrake off so it wouldnt sieze, and left it in gear. It was only when it demolished my wall that i remembered that it was parked up because the gearbox was broken! Bugger...

[Edited on 3/12/08 by JoelP]


designer - 3/12/08 at 06:53 PM

The car should be in a dry, condensation-free garage.

Then
Give it good wash and clean and wipe any chrome with an oily rag
Change oil and filter
Cover with sheets, including tyres

If only storing over the winter jacking up is not necessary, just pump tyres up an extra 5-10psi. If storing for over 4 months mount on stands.

Check antifreeze.
Leave handbrake off
Put a few drops of oil in each cylinder and turn engine over by hand.

Use battery somewhere else or fit a charger.

Then, each week, turn engine over, by hand, and bounce car up and down to exercise shockers.


Canada EH! - 3/12/08 at 07:49 PM

You might also try fuel stabilizer in the gas tank, let it run through the engine before shut down.
There is an engine spray possibly available at marin dealers which is spayed into the engine and allowed to stop the engine, this coats the combustion chamber to prevent corrosion as there are always valves open.
Plastic bags put over the exhaust and induction also help in this area.
This is how we store internal combustion engines in boats for the 6 month winter here in Canada.
Change the oil and filter as above, chemicals as result of poor combustion in the oil can also add to corrosoin.


rusty nuts - 3/12/08 at 08:08 PM

Why put it away?? Use it!!


BenB - 3/12/08 at 10:21 PM

Give it a clean, pump up the tyres to operating temperatures, change the oil, make sure the tank is full of winter grade fuel etc etc.....

Then when the first sunny day of winter comes along go and rag it round the neighbourhood.....


Meeerrrk - 3/12/08 at 11:26 PM

mines SORN'd now but i wheel it out now and again and start it up, get it upto temp and wheel it back in a different position (lots of space where i keep it)

keeps everythign "flowing" while its not being used for 3 months or what ever it will be