Winter storage idea's.....

harry54 · October 2007

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Author of "Notes from the Corrosion Lab"

801 NY Route 43, Stephentown, NY 12168

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Winter Storage Article

Fall Maintenance Suggestions

Run the fuel tank close to empty.

Add some gasoline stabilizer and run the truck long enough to feed the mix through the carburator.

Change the crankcase oil. Use API "SJ" specification oil in most cases.

Grease all chassis points per lubrication chart.

Lube all hinges, latches, and catches that could rust up during winter.

Inspect fuel-system components, especially rubber hoses for cracking or softness.

Sniff for gas leaks. Do this while changing the oil and greasing the chassis.

Check fuel-tank cap.

Check tire pressure.

Make sure the transmission and differential have modern lubricants. Most can take gear lube of GL5 specification. This has an excellent additive package, including anti-oxidents, which will keep gears from corroding.

Park vehicle for winter after a long run.

Disconnect the battery.

[Deleted User] · October 2007

Good tips Harry 54, If the vechile is not in heated storage, I'd remove the battery because it will slowly drain and could freeze if temps drop enough to damage it .I put mine in the cellar farthest away from any flame [ hot water heater etc.] Also , the list forgot to mention to check that the anti freeze is up to par. Other than that its a good check list.

48super6 · October 2007

I've always heard that, if the vehicle is stored in a unheated garage, a full tank of gas is better to minimize condensationin the tank.

Also:

If the vehicle sits on the ground, overinflate the tires a bit to keep them from getting "flat spots".

Close the doors to the first latch only to keep the seals from fully compressing.

Don't leave water jugs in the car, they may freeze and crack- you'll have a mess when it thaws.

Clean the car- vacuum the inside, check under the seats, glove box and trunk for any paper, rags, ketchup package, dropped french fry or other such things that will attract "critters". I'm sure there are a whole lot of suggestions on how to keep the rodents out (tape up exhaust, plastic under the car and wrapped up the sides etc.)

Any other tips anyone?

By the way, I have had good luck with the gas stabalizers- they seem to help. Today's gas formulations seam less stabile than years back.

hudsonguy · October 2007

I've heard that a few 'dryer sheets' will keep the moths and bugs away...
I also put clean cardboard underneath, mainly to see if there are any slow leaks, and catch whatever 'drops'...

I've heard that the mice make little blankets out of those dryer sheets.

Personally, I've dealt with these critters in my cars my whole life, and my latest formula is; several bars of Irish Spring soap (forget the moth balls), and a heavy nylon tarp that you park on, and wrap up the sides of the car and secure with 'soft' bungee cords.

37 CTS · October 2007

My best tip in addition to all this is to have a dehumidifier.

It will remove a lot of moisture from the air.

If you have other than a cement floor put heavy plastic down to keep moisture away from car

29 vic

Ol racer · October 2007

In addition to the Tips mentioned previously, I seal the intake air Intake with duct tape, WD 40 the wheels, and spray a little WD 40 on the exhaust pipes lowest to the ground. I also put moth crystals in small containers on the seats, under hood, and in the trunk then toss 'TomCat' Bait into each corner...Mice are bad but squirrels are far worse with a garage among oak and evergreen trees...

To try preventing them, I sprinkle 'Critter Ridder' around the perimeter walls, place a little anti freeze in a few spots inside (away from pet traffic), hang realistic looking Owls and Bats that spin (obtained from Halloween Stores) from the rafters.

Winter storage idea's.....

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