Im gonna be storing my cobalt for the winter and was wondering what anyone recommends for safe storage, and proper maintanence. The owners manual says not to add anything to the car, but other people are telling me to add fuel stabilizer. Im not going be starting it at all during the winter ( dont want condensation ), so I dont know if there are any precautionary measures I should be taking. Does anyone have any ideas???

 

i dont konw much about fuel stabilizers or what not but i do know you should wax it very well and treat the interior and leather and them things also i have red to overinflate the tire so they wont get flat spots on them

 

Its definitely a good idea to use fuel stabilizer. Pick up a bottle of it and dump it in the tank before storage, it will keep the fuel from going bad and prevent condensation buildup in the tank.

It would also be a good idea to get the car all cleaned up. Give it a good wash and wax, taking care to wash the fenderwells and underbody to eliminate any road deposits and salt. Also clean the interior, apply protectant to all the surfaces (Meguires Tech Protectant is excellent) and apply Leather Protectant Lotion to the seats and vinyl.

The best thing you can do for the tires/suspension is jack the car up at all 4 corners with jackstands. That takes the load off of the suspension, as well as prevents flat spots from forming on the tires. The car doesn't have to actually be off the ground, just high enough so that most of the weight is on the jackstands instead of the tires/suspension.

Some people also like to keep the engine fresh during storage by pouring fuel injection Cleaner into the Throttle Body or Spark Plug holes. Its not a bad idea, as it keeps everything clean and lubricated, but I don't think its really necessary if your only going to be storing it for the winter.

And last but not least, put moth ***** around the car after you put it in storage. Even if its in a newer building, mice can still get in and make a comfy home out of your car. Putting some moth ***** down will save you a large headache later

Hope that helps.

 

I think I just saw the light! lol. good response...

 

Thanks 4 the advice, you guys have been very helpful.

 

yeah sinky mothball mouse repelant.. but it works

 

Good info. Im not storing my cobalt but will look forward to storing my next poject (still in the works)

 

I've been using Battery Tender's for several years now, well worth the money. The best place I've found to buy them from is www.accwhse.com/batteryt.htm , order (01991) $36.95 Battery Tender Plus 12 Volt #0210128 Mfg.#: 0210128 .

 

This is my .02.

FLAT SPOTS: if you're planning to take the car out occassionally this winter, don't worry about it. Just move car from it's resting spot and allow the wheels to fully rotate. Using jack stands will be a pain if you need to use the car even once while it's parked.

FUEL STABILIZER: Again, unless you plan NOT to drive the car at all, use it. However, to prevent condensation ensure you have the gas tank full and if possible, fill it with "winter gas" (there is such a thing in Canada which has additives to prevent moisture build-up).

BATTERY MAINTENCE: This is a good idea or at least start the car weekly. However, if you plan to drive it, you should warm the car fully by driving it for at least 10 miles or more before you re-park it. There's nothing worse for a F/I engine then to run it for short bursts on an infrequent basis.

Anyway, this is what I plan to do. I will take the car out on good days only (no snow, wet roads or salt residue). Good luck and enjoy.

 

I have stored a car a few times over the winter and the flat spot problem seems to be divided into two camps. The first says to put the car on jack stands to save the tires, the other says that by putting the car on jack stands you are now having the suspension hanging unloaded in a way it was not designed to and come spring when you let it down you will now have rattles and squeaks from the suspension that you did not have in the fall when you put it away. So do you want to save the tires at the expense of the suspension, or the suspension at the expense of tires? If i were you i would leave it on the ground and wheel it outside on nice days and start it up and get it to operating temp, maybe tool around the block once and put it away again. You will still have full insurance on it (unless the car is already paid for) thats what i am doing. Or get an el-crapo set of beat tires and rims to sit on all year. Do what you must.......