Winter storage questions

[lspitzley]

I put my car in the barn a couple weeks ago. Already can't wait until next spring when I can get it out again. I just wouldn't be able to afford the insurance during the school year, and it will be nice to know I won't wreck on some icy roads. I like my LeSabre so it shouldn't be that bad.

Besides a cover for it, is there anything else I should do for the storage?

[tripscarcare95]

If its in a barn watch for mice and *shoot* like that,an old trick for keeping them out is by putting fabric softener sheets around the tires not sure if that works but have heard that trick from others.

full tank of gas with stablizer
make sure the tires a properly filled
keeping the car out of the elements *youve done that
disconnect the battery and either remove or keep in the car
maybe rust spray the car before storage
you can even put the car up on jack stands to avoid flat spots, but what is 4 months on storage any ways

[myfirstbonnie]

You will also want to crank it over every couple of weeks to keep oil on the seals. Just enough to circulate it.

[tripscarcare95]

Id avoid starting the car, If you dont let it warm up to operating temp, your gonna have all sorts of issues, Especially with condensation sitting in the exhuast if the car isnt warmed to temp

[nicklikesmilk]

if you're not planning to start it at all for the winter, i've heard pulling the spark plugs out and putting them in oil will help maintain them.

just curious: why a full tank of gas?

[00Beast]

Just make sure you have fuel stabilizer in the tank and the WHOLE Fuel system. If you don't then you are just asking for clogged pump, injectors, etc. Add the recommended amount and run the car for about 10 minutes, and then it is good. Current fuel only lasts about 3 mos., because they cheapened it up so it doesn't cost so much, greedy bastards. Be sure your tires are properly inflated, and be sure to cover it well. Place some fabric softener sheets inside the car as well as by the tires, they will keep the mice out. Also, as stated before, either disconnect the battery, or run a trickle charger to it. You may want to do this anyways, because it improves the life of the battery, due to the fact you don't run it down and charge it back up again.

[2000Silverbullet]

Pull the plugs and squirt about a tablespoon of oil into each cylinder, then turn the engine over to distribute the oil on the cylinder walls and rings.

Best to keep the fuel tank full to prevent condensation in the vapour space.

[Ol' Timer]

You REALLY want to add this stuff to your fuel tank. You should add it before you fill the tank up (dang, it's in the Barn already). Well, add this stuff, then add another gallon of gas and start the car up so it gets into the fuel line. You don't want the gas gumming up the works.
Also it would be a good idea to put a coat of wax on the car to protect the finish. And cover it with a BREATHABLE car cover. It will keep dust and moisture off the paint.
And make sure you check the coolants condition and also that it's topped up.
Change the oil/filter in the spring.
See you then.

[BlackHawk99]

Call me old school. But, we have our Firehawk, and I literally do nothing to our Firehawk at the end of each season except park it on a piece of carpeting in the garage. And, I put the fitted car cover on it.

It's been sitting since June and I couldn't even tell you how much gas is in it. But, I know that in May she'll fire right up and run like a top.

IMO, all the measures suggested are good, but not essential.

[lspitzley]

Yeah I put it in the barn because my registration expired on it. I could definitely drive it for another month and a half, but I can't really afford to pay for the registration on that and my LeSabre.
Because of that I won't be able to put a full tank in it. Can't remember how much there is, maybe about a half...
As far as the spark plugs go, I'm not too concerned because it needs new ones anyways. I will likely be getting it out on winter break to change the LIM gaskets and give it a tune up.

I haven't put a cover on it yet, it needs a good wash. Thanks for all the advice.