Winter storage
Discussion
Early I know, but just planning ahead...
The weather in West Cornwall can be decidedly iffy, the roads covered in mud, etc, etc. So, the car will go in the garage permanently for 6 months or so over the winter. A dehumidifier isn’t going to be much of an option as the garage cannot easily be sealed and will be opened pretty much every day anyway. The kids bikes and other stuff is stored in it. I will start the car and run it up and down the drive on dry days to keep the fluids circulating and avoid flat spots on the tyres. It will be on a battery conditioner.
I intend to put a dust cover on it, and protect it from knocks and scratches with a few blankets perhaps. However, I’m a bit worried about air circulation. I thought about putting some moisture absorbers in; maybe one in the boot, one inside and one in the engine bay. Is there anything else I should consider doing/not doing?
Thanks again.
Matt
The weather in West Cornwall can be decidedly iffy, the roads covered in mud, etc, etc. So, the car will go in the garage permanently for 6 months or so over the winter. A dehumidifier isn’t going to be much of an option as the garage cannot easily be sealed and will be opened pretty much every day anyway. The kids bikes and other stuff is stored in it. I will start the car and run it up and down the drive on dry days to keep the fluids circulating and avoid flat spots on the tyres. It will be on a battery conditioner.
I intend to put a dust cover on it, and protect it from knocks and scratches with a few blankets perhaps. However, I’m a bit worried about air circulation. I thought about putting some moisture absorbers in; maybe one in the boot, one inside and one in the engine bay. Is there anything else I should consider doing/not doing?
Thanks again.
Matt
Theres no need to run the car up and down the drive, just put it on axle stands, disconnect the battery, leave handbrake off and make sure the brake discs are dry before storing (6 months is not a long time), (don't but away straight after washing) drain coolant (optional) use an indoor cover and all will be fine. no need to start it if battery is disconnected. I never do and my car is locked away for at least 9 months every year. Starts and runs perfect every time and yours will be the same.
DON'T USE BLANKETS!!!!
DON'T USE BLANKETS!!!!
Edited by OatSy on Monday 9th August 14:08
I like the look of the carcoon, but I only have a large single garage so size could be an issue. I would also worry that it would get ripped by the kids, hence why I was going to heap lots of blankets on the car. I could, however, tie it to the garage roof to avoid any potential for scratching when it was switched off. Is the permabag a viable alternative?
Axle stands will be an issue as the car will tucked into one side of the garage, and I won’t be able to access the passenger side to get a jack underneath and don’t know where I would jack it at the front or the back.
Otherwise, it might just be a light, breathable cover and some dessicant then?
Axle stands will be an issue as the car will tucked into one side of the garage, and I won’t be able to access the passenger side to get a jack underneath and don’t know where I would jack it at the front or the back.
Otherwise, it might just be a light, breathable cover and some dessicant then?
The Carcoon is excellent, I have used one for the last six years for the long term storage of one car. The car comes out every couple of years looking (and starting!) the same as when it went in. It does have loops to attach to ceiling but having to unzip all the way round if you want regular access could be a pain. My Griffith which shares duty with one other as my daily driver lives in an Airchamber which has a built in framework. I bought the smallest one I could drive into as it has easy access via zip up front panel and side panels to climb in and out. I've only had it about 6 months but it's better quality than another make I had which also uses a framework (it fell apart), and I think it will last.
In my highly respected, much sought after and humble opinion, these products are well worth the expense.
Julian
In my highly respected, much sought after and humble opinion, these products are well worth the expense.
Julian
No chance of axle stands, so a good clean and dry. Let the airchamber do it's stuff. Then every week or two (on a dry day) run it up to temperature, have it out of the garage and up and down the drive (no road runs as it won't be taxed).
If that turns out to be unrealistic(!) then I will leave it and have to see whether the tyres really do develop flat spots. If that's the worst of it then it won't be too bad!
Cheers.
If that turns out to be unrealistic(!) then I will leave it and have to see whether the tyres really do develop flat spots. If that's the worst of it then it won't be too bad!
Cheers.
Edited by Deadfast on Tuesday 7th September 13:57
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