Good Idea JRV...I don't ha
Good Idea JRV...I don't have a list, but I guess a lot depends on weather the car will be in heated storage or just a garage. And also if the car is going to be periodically started and moved. Here is a few things I'm going to be doing:
1. Clean outside & inside, doesn't have to be spotless but you do want contaminants removed that may "set in" over the winter months.
2. Treat the leather so it won't dry out. I use the Leatherique stuff and it works great.
3. Change the oil and run engine for a minute or so to circulate it. I will put in cheapy regular oil for the winter months. And in the spring put in the good synthetic stuff.
4. If the motor isn't going to be started at all during the winter, pull the spark plugs and squirt some oil in the cylinders. Deactivate the ignition and turn the motor over a few times to circulate the oil. Now put the plugs back in.
5. Verify Antifreeze/coolant is sufficient for cold temps, I just flushed my cooling system so I'm good to go.
6. Put sabilizer in the gas. Fuel isn't what it used to be in the old days, the newer stuff goes stale quicker.
7. To prevent tires from flat spotting you can park on pads made just for that, or fill up the tires to 40 to 45 psi. Also moving the car a few inches every now and then helps.
8. Set some rodent traps around the shop just in case they need a place to stay and have their sights on your car. Optional: place mothballs in and around the car.
9. You can cover the car if it's spotless. I don't bother as my shop doesn't seem to get very dusty, and I like having quick access to the car. If the car is going to see sunlight and UV rays, like through a window, then do cover it up.
10. Some people put the car up on stands, but this can be bad for shocks and suspension bushings over time. An alternative is to remove some weight from the suspension but not all of it by only partially jacking it up.
11. Apply some silicone gel to weather strips and the like to prevent them from drying out. A very thin film is all that's needed.
12. Flushing and filling the brake system is good if your running the normal stuff. The synthetic stuff doesn't absorb moisture so it's okay.
13. Consider putting a large plastic sheet under the car so when spring comes and the concrete floor sweats it will act like a moisture barrier. It won't stop cold metal parts from getting condensation, but every little bit helps.
14. Get a battery tender, you'll much happier in the spring. If no tender, then at least disconnect it from the car, and store it in an appropriate place.
15. When I had my concours '63 Vette, I would do this and many other things too. The last thing was to put some dessicant bags in and under the car. Then roll the car (flannel covered) backwards into a huge baggie, use a shop vac to suck as much air out as possible, and seal it up. The car would emerge in perfect condition with no corrosion even on the bare metal parts.
I will be periodically starting and moving my car every few weeks or so. I'd like to hear what other's do too, so speak up!
