Winter Storage Tips

Written by Frank

Friday, 14 November 2008 19:53

Compiled from various Internet sources. Fill the tank up completely with fuel and add a fuel stabilizer. Change engine oil and filter. Drain/flush cooling system. Ensure that the heater valve is open. Refill cooling system with a 50/50 mixture of fresh antifreeze and water. Top off trans/differential/steering box/power steering . Trans and diff oil should be changed every 30,000 miles; now is the time if that service is due. Top off brake fluid. Braking system should be flushed and bled with new fluid every 2 years; do so now if it is time. Wash and wax paint and brightwork. Thoroughly clean inside of car. Drive car into storage area which hopefully is indoors. If you are storing the car in an area with an earth or gravel floor, lay a big piece of plastic down first, then drive the car onto that. The plastic sheet will provide a vapor barrier and help keep the car from rusting. Remove battery (negative cable first) and clean battery and battery case with a solution of baking soda and water to neutralize acid. Take battery inside and place on automatic trickle charger. Raise the car on jackstands, or over inflate the tires. Place the jackstands under the various suspension components so that the suspension is compressed and at normal ride height, fully extended shocks tend to get stuck in that position. By over inflating the tires you will prevent them from developing flat spots. Pull the spark plugs out of the engine, pour a tablespoon of oil in each cylinder, and turn the engine over by hand several revolutions in order to spread the oil around the cylinder walls. Reinstall spark plugs. Slip a plastic baggie over the exhaust tip(s) and snap a rubber band around it to hold it on/closed. Do the same to the air cleaner inlet. This will help keep moisture out of the engine. Place a couple of mothballs in the trunk, the interior, and the engine compartment. Hopefully this will dissuade little furry creatures from building nests. If your car is a convertible store it with the top up. Then fit a quality car cover. If the car is being stored indoors, crack the windows about 3/8". The car should be left in gear, and do not apply the parking brake. By leaving the brake engaged, the shoes can freeze to the drums. < Prev

Last Updated ( Sunday, 13 September 2009 20:44 )