Anybody storing a car for the winter?

[churchmouse]

It's a 2002 Z06 Vette. Part of my American dream! I've lived here for 2 years now and so far no evidence of mice in the garage. I'd say it probably stays about 10 degrees warmer in there than the outside temps, or at least it feels that way to me. I hadn't thought about the lack of heat keeping mice out, but that sure does bring me some peace of mind.

Mice are not hampered by a lack of heat. If they feel comfortable/safe in there they will get in there. Seen to many cars that sat in unheated structures with mice damage.

 

[dprimm]

Get some ultrasonic repellers and put them around the car. The small ones don't seem to have much range but right next to the car should be effective.

 

[bacon#1]

https://www.amazon.com/CarCapsule-C...qid=1512679544&sr=1-1&keywords=car+capsule+18


Never used one but seems neat. I thought it would be more expensive. Heck a good car cover is close to that.

 

[jkaetz]

You can go crazy with storage prep but don't need to. My formula is less than 1/4 fuel, stabil, oil change, good battery tender, thick foam under the tires, raise tire pressure by 5 - 10 pounds, decon and moth balls around the car. Every summer I uncover, investigate for mouse evidence, fire it up, reset the tire pressure, fill it with fresh fuel, and drive until the next winter. OEM battery lasted 7 years before dying in the summer.

 

[Leadeye]

People should go after the government on the soy based wires, that's where the pressure came from to use "renewables".

 

[comm2679]

Some repellers may be something I'll look into. As far as baited traps, this looks pretty neat:


https://youtu.be/nsoVcrFyrF8

 

[BehindBlueI's]

I have stored my trucks every winter, never used fuel stabilizer, just a full tank of fuel.

I think modern gas doesn't turn to shellac very easily. A full tank keeps condensation low. I left my truck for 2 years while I was overseas, and it had no problems starting or running with the fuel that was left in it. Maybe not a best practice, I don't know, but with mowers, generators, motorcycles, and automobiles I've never had an issue with not putting stabilizer in.

 

[Mounty09]

Call your insurance and tell them you aren't driving it for the winter. Saves some money while not in use.

 

[amboy49]

A friend of mine specializes in repairing/restoring high dollar collector cars and, therefore, is around these types of vehicles 24/7/365. I posed the question to him re: fuel stabilizers and he swore at Stabil and for Seafoam. He asserted that Stabil was less than effective and thought it might actually be detrimental in its affects on fuel - especially with anything containing ethanol. He strongly recommended using Seafoam. He also recommended filling the tank rather than leaving it partially full - he contends it helps prohibitbit condensation.

I put a battery “maintainer” on the battery on my 2011 Camaro when I stored it this year as I have done with other cars in the past. Other than that, nothing special except using a good car cover that breathes and will not trap moisture.

 

[churchmouse]

I think modern gas doesn't turn to shellac very easily. A full tank keeps condensation low. I left my truck for 2 years while I was overseas, and it had no problems starting or running with the fuel that was left in it. Maybe not a best practice, I don't know, but with mowers, generators, motorcycles, and automobiles I've never had an issue with not putting stabilizer in.

The newer fuels have some ethanol in them. This attracts moisture.
Jkaetz has the right formula. I have seen his car. I would take good care of it as well.

 

[mom45]

We have two vehicles that we don't drive once the salt has hit the road (this morning here). We fill the tanks prior to parking them to avoid the condensation and use the battery charger periodically during the winter to keep the batteries up. I start mine every couple of months. I think hubby does his as well. We haven't had any issues in the spring...turn the key and go.

I do need to get some gas to add to mine as I didn't get a chance to top it off before the salt went down today. Oops. Prices went up after our last outing and I was too cheap to stop and pay the higher price.

 

[doddg]

I think modern gas doesn't turn to shellac very easily. A full tank keeps condensation low. I left my truck for 2 years while I was overseas, and it had no problems starting or running with the fuel that was left in it. Maybe not a best practice, I don't know, but with mowers, generators, motorcycles, and automobiles I've never had an issue with not putting stabilizer in.

1. I learned my lesson the hard way on a Honda snowblower and a Toro lawn mower: both were only 1 or 2 yrs. old, and I didn't treat either one at the end of the season and it cost me a carb rebuild on each: lesson learned.
2. Back when I had 6 antique cars at one time in my younger years, I'm surprised didn't have more issues with cars sitting and gas. Cars that used the old leaded fuel seemed to hold up better.
3. Having stored many motorcycles over the winter I started using a stabalizer later in life.

 

[dung]

Small motors seem to suffer the most from not using a stabilizer. I have had more fuel floats and needles get gummed up whithout using it than I have while using stabil/seafoam. Both work for me.

 

[churchmouse]

Small motors seem to suffer the most from not using a stabilizer. I have had more fuel floats and needles get gummed up whithout using it than I have while using stabil/seafoam. Both work for me.

Stabil works for us but fuel will get rotated into the vehicles when prices at the pump are low. This week we filled both rigs from reserves and refilled the reserves and stabilized, put back in rotation. Not used seafoam but heard good things.

 

[jfw46544]

Chevron Techron in the fuel tank along with it full. It's a highly recommended fuel additive / cleaner on the Z06 forums. The C5 has a problem with a build up on the fuel level sensor over time anspd this is a well know fix. I have an 2003 not quite stored yet as changing out the valve springs and other maintenance projects on it, but the Techron already in it an tires pumped up to reduce flat spotting.

 

[PGRChaplain]

Add some Star Tron to the Gas. It's made for the Ethanol blended Gas. Marine Stabil has this stuff in it. Use a good Battery Tender, Del Tran or C-Tec.

 

[churchmouse]

Add some Star Tron to the Gas. It's made for the Ethanol blended Gas. Marine Stabil has this stuff in it. Use a good Battery Tender, Del Tran or C-Tec.

Thats a new one on me. Need to look some up. Thanks.

 

[OurDee]

Not sure if the Stabil crystalizes or what it does. I found mine to be gritty once and quit using it. Seafoam has worked fine for me and keeps smaller passages clear in old carbs.

 

[churchmouse]

Not sure if the Stabil crystalizes or what it does. I found mine to be gritty once and quit using it. Seafoam has worked fine for me and keeps smaller passages clear in old carbs.

Was it the stabil or the fuel. Just curious.

 

[OurDee]

Stabil in it's container.