Winter storage format
Discussion
I generally leave my cars all winter without starting though I do like to roll the tyres if possible but not always.
Some people are intent on running them up to temperature sometimes twice a month. I always thought this could do more harm than good what with all the condensation etc.
Then there's the issue with our crap modern fuel which we all know about.
So what do you guys do if you don't run them through the salt ridden winter months?
Some people are intent on running them up to temperature sometimes twice a month. I always thought this could do more harm than good what with all the condensation etc.
Then there's the issue with our crap modern fuel which we all know about.
So what do you guys do if you don't run them through the salt ridden winter months?
Mine sits in the garage, tyres up from 28 psi to 45 psi but checked every time I move it, battery disconnected & left on a conditioner but reconnected once every 6 weeks & I let it run for an hour or so, I run the tank low before I store it & put a gallon in each time. I go through the gears & just go back & forth on the drive.
Been doing this for 5 years & it's never given any issues.
No doubt shortly someone will be along to tell me I'm doing nothing right!
Been doing this for 5 years & it's never given any issues.
No doubt shortly someone will be along to tell me I'm doing nothing right!
All suggestions sensible so far. I garage two Mercs over winter (Octoberish to Marchish is pretty much spot on.
I pump up the tyres and disconnect the batteries. I don't start them at all, as this just aggravated condensation issues, and I make sure they get put away clean, bone dry and polished before the covers go on.
Even on nice days, the residual salt (thrown around unnecessarily in most cases) would still coat the cars in corrosive white residue, so I resist temptation.
The by-product is that the novelty of hopping into a much-missed car is very pleasant on a crisp Spring morning.
I pump up the tyres and disconnect the batteries. I don't start them at all, as this just aggravated condensation issues, and I make sure they get put away clean, bone dry and polished before the covers go on.
Even on nice days, the residual salt (thrown around unnecessarily in most cases) would still coat the cars in corrosive white residue, so I resist temptation.
The by-product is that the novelty of hopping into a much-missed car is very pleasant on a crisp Spring morning.
I have no formal winter procedure as in principle the cars are ready to go if required. I try to use one for VSCC New Year's Day gatherings if nothing more.
Only excepting that, as I don't trust the cooling system of the 1912 Mors to retain antifreeze, I drain it. As I hardly use the Mors these days the tyres often have to be inflated before use, and although they can get a little D-shaped, once they've been inflated to their normal 60-65 p.s.i. all is well!
As I've written in the fuel thread, there is no fuel-based problem in starting either of the old 'uns after some months without fresh fuel.
Only excepting that, as I don't trust the cooling system of the 1912 Mors to retain antifreeze, I drain it. As I hardly use the Mors these days the tyres often have to be inflated before use, and although they can get a little D-shaped, once they've been inflated to their normal 60-65 p.s.i. all is well!
As I've written in the fuel thread, there is no fuel-based problem in starting either of the old 'uns after some months without fresh fuel.
I'm glad this came up. It's my first winter owning a classic. I'd not thought about Tyre deformation from prolonged sitting, I think I'll stick with rotating the wheels periodically.
I thought I would make sure the engine oil is fresh before leaving to sit. I would hope that it leaves a film of oil behind on all surfaces for corrosion protection. Fresh oil can't hurt.
I'll be working on the engine and suspension this winter. So I needn't worry too much this year
I thought I would make sure the engine oil is fresh before leaving to sit. I would hope that it leaves a film of oil behind on all surfaces for corrosion protection. Fresh oil can't hurt.
I'll be working on the engine and suspension this winter. So I needn't worry too much this year
I DREAM of having a garage. I have left my Alfa Spider on the drive for the last 8x years (albeit under a great cover) and never had any problems, even with new corrosion or restarting issues. It is usually from mid October to March and it always has an oil change prior to the rest up mind you.
I never put it away damp and park it up out of gear with the handbrake off.
Fuel is at whatever level i have when i park it up, and i check the tyre pressures are maxed.
The only must is I always disconnect the battery otherwise this goes flat.
But come the summer (so far) i connect the battery and after checking fluids and letting it heat right through, it just goes again. I admit upon reading this i've obviously been bl00dy lucky...
I never put it away damp and park it up out of gear with the handbrake off.
Fuel is at whatever level i have when i park it up, and i check the tyre pressures are maxed.
The only must is I always disconnect the battery otherwise this goes flat.
But come the summer (so far) i connect the battery and after checking fluids and letting it heat right through, it just goes again. I admit upon reading this i've obviously been bl00dy lucky...
I start mine every week for a min or 2 to keep the engine lubricated. Back it out of the garage, reverse up the drive, on the way back, go up through the gearbox. Also turn indicators, windows and any electric motors, to stop corrosion. Not sure i'd like to let the engine sit for months without turning over, dry bores etc. Thoughts?
I've always wondered what the Classic storage boys do.
I've always wondered what the Classic storage boys do.
Edited by markbigears on Tuesday 11th October 13:26
vpr said:
I generally leave my cars all winter without starting though I do like to roll the tyres if possible but not always.
Some people are intent on running them up to temperature sometimes twice a month. I always thought this could do more harm than good what with all the condensation etc.
Then there's the issue with our crap modern fuel which we all know about.
So what do you guys do if you don't run them through the salt ridden winter months?
What I used to do with my Sunbeam-Lotus (and will do with the '32 Ford) is drive it as much as possible.Some people are intent on running them up to temperature sometimes twice a month. I always thought this could do more harm than good what with all the condensation etc.
Then there's the issue with our crap modern fuel which we all know about.
So what do you guys do if you don't run them through the salt ridden winter months?
I used to aim to give the Sunbeam a 30+ miles drive at least once a month during the winter months as long as there wasn't a shed load of salt on the road. If it was a dry day, and no salt had gone down for a week or so, I'd give it a run.
Over the 16 years I owned the car, I pretty much managed to do this without too long a break. I'd certainly say, I'd get at least 3 drives in it to keep everything ticking over during winter.
markbigears said:
I start mine every week for a min or 2 to keep the engine lubricated. Back it out of the garage, reverse up the drive, on the way back, go up through the gearbox. Also turn indicators, windows and any electric motors, to stop corrosion. Not sure i'd like to let the engine sit for months without turning over, dry bores etc. Thoughts?
I've always wondered what the Classic storage boys do.
Chap I bought a bike from a few years back did exactly that, fired it up every 2 weeks until the fan kicked inI've always wondered what the Classic storage boys do.
Edited by markbigears on Tuesday 11th October 13:26
As the bike/car cools down in your garage, it attracts moisture to it, which condenses, pools and then sits in the engine, working its way into other areas where even a direct spray of water wouldnt.
It just enhances the whole corrosion process..We all know most engine wear occurs on start up, my thinking is why start it unless your going to use it?
The classic car storage specialists will do exactly what you want, you just have to pay for it, most of the good ones will have a menu on their website.
I whip the plugs out (of my classic bikes) and inject some oil down the bores with a syringe.
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