How to store a Car for Winter....
 

So sense the SSEi im getting will NOT be driven in the 5-6 month winer time, im going to have to not drive ti for that time.

Now i dont have a garage to keep it in but i do have a driveway.

So what are things i should do to the car before letting it sit for 5 or 6 months?
and should it be up on blocks or something.

I will be getting a car cover for it also. im looking for one that goes all the way to the ground so snow doesn't get under it.

-Thanks :)

Well usually with cars that are garaged, people (my dad on the sol included) will put dryer sheets between the tires and out a lil bit from the tire. This keeps rodents and what not off the vehicle, and from nesting, chewing, etc.

How effective outside though? I dunno... I'd definetly unhook the battery, and keep it on a battery tender inside out of the elements.

You'll want to start it once a month, run the A/C to get oil throughout the system, let it warm up etc..

put a THICK ass blanket between the car and the car cover. most average car covers can stick to the paint if the snow melts a little in the day and freezes up at night. can you fit a car canopy onto your driveway?

Make sure the car is waxed well to protect it somewhat from the car cover. Buy one of those car bags, then the car won't be open to the elements at all. Put stabilizer in the gas tank and fill it full just before you store it. Disconnect the battery. Put it up on blocks or something if you want. I haven't had any trouble with flat spots on my tires, but it can happen. And I'm of the opinion that you shouldn't start the car in the winter. The main reason for this is because it's so cold that there is moisture in the engine that isn't going to be burned off unless the car is sufficiently warmed up by driving it. I think there are other reasons, but that is the main one that comes to mind.

im going to bring this up again sense im like only 2-4weeks away from having to do it.

So question still is...

1: What should i do to the engine if anything?
2: Should i put something inside the car to keep critters out?
3: Should i start it ever month or so?
4: should i move it ever month or so?


Thanks 8)

things ive heard are good to do is to move the car somewhat often to keep from flat spots being put on the tires, i would start it somewhat often also. i also heard somewhere that it can be good to put a couple drops of oil into the cylinder to keep rust from occuring

I'd say skip the let it sit constantly...

Fire the car up and let it get to temp... Maybe take it for a short spin just to get the fluids moving... Just get it started from time to time...

I guess you'll be driving the SE then?

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Get the A/C going when you turn on the car. That will circulate the oil in the system keeping everything nice and lubed..

put bouce sheets in the car to keep them out. also in the trunk and a couple under the hood. especially in areas where a nest could be made like under the engine cover (had a mouse start one there) and remove the engine ones when you go to start the engine. then replace with new ones

1) If you want to put a few drops of oil in each cylinder to protect them, be sure to turn over the motor several times to distribute the oil (ignition disabled and fuel shut off). For only 6 months, this isn't as necessary, but being outside, you will have several exhaust valves open and that may make a difference with the moisture.

2) I've used cedar blocks of wood inside to keep things out. Never had a problem. Available cheap at the home center. Look for closet accessories.

3) If you do the oil in the cylinders, then starting it will negate that step, unless you do it all over again after the car cools down. I've not done this with my cars in storage. Never had a problem not starting them over the winter.

4) Again unnecessary, and if you want to move it, will you be driving it on salted roads? Forget starting it and moving it every month. Best to leave it up on jack stands to prevent flat spots with the tires. I've actually found that if tires are inflated to proper pressure when the temp is below freezing, I've not had problems with flat spots. I used to put all my cars on jack stands, then it got to be too much trouble and too many jackstands to deal with...now I make sure tire pressure is good and no problems.

As mentioned, keep the battery inside out of the cold, bt you don't have to keep it on a battery tender. The battery will hold up fine if it's inside. If you feel it needs a boost, just put it on the tender 24 hours before reinstalling in the car. I just disconnect my batteries every winter. In spring I hook them back up and they always start. If a battery is over 4-5 years old, this may not work, as the battery is getting a bit old. Then definitely give it 24 hours of battery tender action and it should be fine.

Hope this helps instead of muddying the waters.
(7 in storage this winter)

Interesting tip. I've never heard of this suggested for the reasons you stated.

I do, however, suggest you turn on the Defrosters when the car is running to help remove moisture from the cabin.

Having stored my Camaro from many winters now I agree with the jack stands method, however I've also over inflated my tires by 20 or so pounds to avoid having issues with flat spots if you're not going the jack stand route. Just check them in the spring when it comes time to pull her out of storage.
I've also charged the battery, fuel fresh the tank and lines, and change the oil but don't run it after with the new oil in. Just drop it and run it in the spring. Clean oil sitting in the lower end is better than oil that may be contaminated.

Its going to sound silly but putting a condom over your exhaust tips will keep wind,rain,snow and critters from getting into your exhaust system. also may keep them looking clean :lol:
side note: if you have the stock oval tips, use a plastic sandwich bag and a rubber band to hold it on.

And your lady friend doesn't mind the plastic sandwich bag and rubber band approach? Is that a rippled sandwich bag? ;)

I just couldn't help that one....

I heard a story the other day about a Roman Catholic priest and a Jewish rabbi who were the best of friends but who had developed somewhat of an ongoing rivalry between themselves. It started with small things, but then it grew. If one planted some shrubbery, so would the other. If one got a new suit, the other would get one too. One day, the priest’s congregation bought him a new Cadillac. Soon the rabbi had a new Lincoln. The priest came out one morning, sprinkled the hood of the Cadillac with holy water, and blessed it. So, not to be outdone, the rabbi came out with a pair of tin shears and cut an inch off the tailpipe of his Lincoln. So the tailpipe protection kinda "fits".

Actually, there are things like this you can do to protect a car, and who cares what the neighbors think. It's your car and do what you have to to protect it. Thinking out of the box (no pun intended) like this is a good thing.

Buy a battery tender. It will keep the battery constantly charged. IIRC they cost like $20 online. But that would only really work if its going to be in a garage since they can only be used inside.

FYI I have the Battery Tender Plus. I've never had a problem with it. I even use it to charge batteries sometimes instead of the basic battery charger I have

Whoops I just read you don't have a garage. Maybe you could buy it and keep it under the hood and hope no water gets to it? I dont know

Cool thanks guys for all the great info 8)

Just one last question..

What should i look for in a good car cover... i need to keep it under like $150.. so... what should i be looking for?
its going to be outside in snow.