Winter/Long Term Storage
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Joined: 05-26-08
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From: Twinsburg, OH
Winter/Long Term Storage
Preface: I did search the how-to section and the general section for threads on storing your car for a long period found none. I've done some preliminary research online and just want specifics.
Since I'm purchasing my Cobalt so close to the winter season in Cleveland (Official Start November, Official End July) and due to a crummy living situation (Apartment Garage collapsed and I live in a neighborhood where kids like to break things) I won't have my car on my property. Instead of paying an arm and a leg for winter tires I decided storage was a good long term solution.
I hadn't seen any threads on storage, who stores a Cobalt, really, but the season is upon us so I decided to make this thread.
From what I know from parents, a collector I know, and the internet there are some basic ground rules to long term storage:
Clean Your Car - Grime and dirt trap moisture which makes rust, so making sure very little dirst is on the car is key to making long term storage work. (remove food crumbs and empty bottles from inside the car too)
Remove Moisture - Before storage, change and fluids that might hold moisture, and ensure moisture won't get trapped between your car and the floor. Also consider filling your cylinders with a fogging lubricant to keep moisture away from your engine.
Critter Protection - Stuff rags or aluminum foil into tail pipes, intake, vents to make sure no one sets up shop in your ride while it sits.
Remove Battery - Remove and clean your battery and place it in charge loop or in something that will hold its charge while the car is not in use.
What I'm unclear on is a couple other things: gas--full tank or empty, trasmission--keep it in gear or leave it in neutral?
Post up whatever advice you have, I'll try to compile and create a how-to or at the very least a checklist that everyone can follow if they choose to be a stuck up ***** like me and store an econocar this winter.
Since I'm purchasing my Cobalt so close to the winter season in Cleveland (Official Start November, Official End July) and due to a crummy living situation (Apartment Garage collapsed and I live in a neighborhood where kids like to break things) I won't have my car on my property. Instead of paying an arm and a leg for winter tires I decided storage was a good long term solution.
I hadn't seen any threads on storage, who stores a Cobalt, really, but the season is upon us so I decided to make this thread.
From what I know from parents, a collector I know, and the internet there are some basic ground rules to long term storage:
Clean Your Car - Grime and dirt trap moisture which makes rust, so making sure very little dirst is on the car is key to making long term storage work. (remove food crumbs and empty bottles from inside the car too)
Remove Moisture - Before storage, change and fluids that might hold moisture, and ensure moisture won't get trapped between your car and the floor. Also consider filling your cylinders with a fogging lubricant to keep moisture away from your engine.
Critter Protection - Stuff rags or aluminum foil into tail pipes, intake, vents to make sure no one sets up shop in your ride while it sits.
Remove Battery - Remove and clean your battery and place it in charge loop or in something that will hold its charge while the car is not in use.
What I'm unclear on is a couple other things: gas--full tank or empty, trasmission--keep it in gear or leave it in neutral?
Post up whatever advice you have, I'll try to compile and create a how-to or at the very least a checklist that everyone can follow if they choose to be a stuck up ***** like me and store an econocar this winter.
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Joined: 07-03-07
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From: Upstate NY
GAS:Full tank with stabil-fuel.
A few more tidbits. Putting the car up on jackstands relieves the pressure from the suspension and also helps to prevent the tires from flat spotting. If you put a box of Arm & Hammer inside the car that will help with any odors and moisture (as well as a air freshener).
A few more tidbits. Putting the car up on jackstands relieves the pressure from the suspension and also helps to prevent the tires from flat spotting. If you put a box of Arm & Hammer inside the car that will help with any odors and moisture (as well as a air freshener).
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Joined: 03-27-07
Posts: 216
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From: PA.
agreed with the gas. full with stabil. put an an-hydrant in your car. it takes all the moisture out of the air inside the car. it comes in a small cup, like a margarin cup, white. you'll know it when you see it, it says on the label takes moisture out of the air. put it below the steering wheel, cause the water will overflow and make sure you put a towel or something to catch the excess liquid. i always leave mine in gear, this will be the third winter for my car and i havent had any issues so far (only 4000 miles on it hah) I never thought of putting it up on jackstands, i always hate taking it out in the spring and feeling the flat spots when i drive it, but they even out after you warm her up, but that sounds good.
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