Winter storage advice?

[Chrismawa]

I'm going to be putting my car away for winter with a cover on my drive. Probably won't use it again until the spring. Any advice on the best procedure to follow? I was thinking of, disconnecting the battery and leaving the handbrake off but in gear so it doesn't seize on. Anything else to be aware of? Thanks.

[Chrismawa]

I've bought a premium tailored cover, so should be a decent fit. Its also fully breathable so it shouldn't trap moisture. The car suffers from leaky doors that I haven't got time to fix yet, so a cover is definitely needed.

Thanks for the above as there's some things I hadn't thought of.

[Chrismawa]

Whats the reasoning behind filling the tank full prior to storing?

[Chrismawa]

Thanks for the advice above!

I have received the cover today, but I'm a little put off about it. It states "Important : You should remove this car cover weekly & inspect the paintwork for moisture and condensation. It wet, allow to thoroughly dry before refitting."

This wasn't mentioned on the advert before buying. Is this normal procedure when covering a car? I don't really want the hassle of doing this every week. I was under the impression I could just wrap it up over winter and it'll be ok...?

[Chrismawa]

steveo3002 said:

wash and wax it , wipe off any bird mess when passing , it will be fine

Thanks. Do you mean, not to bother covering it? I am in two minds now whether to or not...? Haven't used it yet so can easily return.

[Chrismawa]

Thanks for the replies. Leaning towards leaving it uncovered now...

... and now looking at Carcoons ha!

Edited by Chrismawa on Thursday 11th November 21:57

[Chrismawa]

RizzoTheRat said:

If you're worried about moisture inside the car due to the leaky door seals, take a look at the absorbent crystals/gels that are sold for putting in caravans over the winter

Its more than a bit moisture, itll end up soaking in there as they are leaking quite a bit. I've got them taped up at the moment.

Main concern is the paintwork form the sun and bird droppings as the car for its age is in fantastic condition, the paintwork is brilliant and I don't want it to deteriorate.

[Chrismawa]

[Chrismawa]

E-bmw said:

Surely, that is just the same as if it were in daily use?

If so, just wash it regularly.

Probably will do this to be honest. Put off using a cover, so may just give it a quick was every other week.

[Chrismawa]

Decided to not bother with a cover. Returned the one I ordered and bought a decent wax/sealer instead. Gave the car a coat yesterday to protect it over winter. Seems like pretty good stuff. Was getting dark when I took the last photo unfortunately.

[Chrismawa]

GreenV8S said:

If those are recent pictures then it's an exceptionally tidy looking car for its age and looks like it's been well cared for.

Thanks! Yeah they are recent pictures. It is in great condition for its age, no rust and no lacquer peel which I know is usually common on these cars. That's the reason I want to protect it as much as possible over winter. Would be much easier if I had a garage!