New car, new garage.

Mags GN · 06-25-02, 07:22

This will be my first winter with my new GN and the first winter with my new garage. I'm going to store the car for the winters. Will the concrete cause any problems with my tires sitting in one position for 4-5 months. I have a spare set of tires and rims, should i swap them out for storage?
Also any other helpful storage tips welcome?

Thanks guys!

joed1228 · 06-25-02, 08:00

I don't know the answer for just a winter but over a long period of time it will cause trouble. Ask Brad B what he did to his old Jag. Looked like he never used it and the tires were in good shape from what pictures could show.

bretfraz · 06-25-02, 09:20

Every year magazines, newspapers, and websites post info on how to store your car for the winter. Some time searching on the net will turn up all kinds of info.

bizzy928 · 06-25-02, 10:03

I live in Canada

1) Get an oil change/tune up
2) Fill you tank full of gas
3) If you are storing over 4 months, you will need fuel stabalizer.
4) Wash your car thoroughly on the inside and out.
4a) Open your windows a crack
5) Empty everything from your trunk and interior.
6) Loosen all four wheels
7) Jack up the front end of your car then put your front end on car stands. (On the contact points of course)
8) Repeat step 6 for the rear end.
9) Remove all wheels. Store stacked up with the bottom tire resting on wood slabs.

** For steps 6 and 7, you will need to ask someone where your rear and front jacking points are. (So it jacks up the WHOLE front/rear end and not just 1/4 of the car)

If I forgot something please add to this post!

Michael

Brad B. · 06-26-02, 07:20

I never removed my tires. I did overinflate about 10 pounds and moved the car at least monthly. Even rolling the car two feet avoids flat spots. I never had any issues. I even did this with my old bias-plys which are REALLY prone to flatting.

The reason I never removed them was that I wanted the option to drive the car when I wanted without a lot of effort.

I use fuel stabilizer. Install fresh oil before storage. Always run the car for at least 20 minutes and have it get fully hot before shutting down. I have moisture bags in the interior. I close the interior tight, I don't crack the windows. Keep a trickle charger on the battery all the time. A decent one doesn't have to cost more than $20. Work the brakes to keep fluids moving. This keeps brake cylinders from corroding. Never set the parking brake. Top all fluids and petrol.

Shiny Lil Detlr · 06-26-02, 07:32

also, bare concrete during winter can collect moisture quite heavilly. You'll want to consider laying something under the car where it will be parked (I have seen everything from old bath towels to old area rugs, to plastic tarps used for this), and also consider a dust-repellant cover for the paint if you won't be cali. dusting and QDing the car every day. (just prevents any scratching when you pull the car back out of storage)

Also one thing you should do is every time you start the car or whatever to work it like Brad B. said, be sure to run the car's max heater, and max AC settings to keep the heating/cooling systems from corroding (I've especially had this happen on R12 and R134a refrigerant systems)

good luck with your storage!

blackcaraddict · 08-14-02, 02:15

Quote:

Originally posted by bizzy928
I live in Canada

7) Jack up the front end of your car then put your front end on car stands. (On the contact points of course)
8) Repeat step 6 for the rear end.
9) Remove all wheels. Store stacked up with the bottom tire resting on wood slabs.

** For steps 6 and 7, you will need to ask someone where your rear and front jacking points are. (So it jacks up the WHOLE front/rear end and not just 1/4 of the car)

If I forgot something please add to this post!

Michael

I stored my Cobra last winter for the first time on a concrete floor in an underground garage. The only thing I did was start it once a month, and drive it a few times. Had no problems whatsoever when I took her out.

I would recommend against the above steps. You are more likely to have your suspension sag after it sitting like that than to get flat spots from your tires. Like someone else posted, the old poly tires would be a concern, but today's modern radials are much much better in terms of durability and retaining their shape. And yes, even a roll of a few feet will ease your mind.