Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Duratec Maintenance Wintern Storage Procedures

Hello everyone,

I am going to store my car for the wintertime. Do you have any tips?

Thanks,
Derek

Change oil before storing it.

Fill the tank with fuel and add fuel stabilizer. If at all possible, store it indoors, even if it isn't heated.

Tires will loose roughly 1 lb of pressure every month or two and the pressure will drop with the temperature so make sure the tire pressure is checked bdfore storage and perhaps leave them as much as 5 lbs high. If possible, place on jack stands to take load off from tires.

If parked outside, if possible, remove battery and store inside even if not in a heated area. Trickle charge battery at 2 amps overnight before reinstalling. Do the same if the battery is left in the car.

Confirm condition of coolant including that it will protect low enough for storage conditions.

Top off all fluids.

Put it away clean, with fresh wax if possible.

Cover if you can.

When mu Mustang goes away, I do pretty much the same as Big Jim suggests. The only other thing I do is to put a tarp underneath the car. Was told this was a good thing to do if you park it on concrete.

The tarp is a good idea as it stops the cement from sucking the moisture out of your tires. I however think I heard that you shouldn't put the car on jackstands while in storage because it puts significant stress on the suspension and steering. If anyone can confirm this that would be great.

Also cover exhaust (duct tape) to prevent small creatures from getting in.

Thanks everyone

I'm worried about flat spotting the tires, but jsut as worried about the stress put on the car if placed on jack stands, how can i lift the car off the ground without putting stress on the suspension and steering short of pacing it on tire-less rims.

I guess you could set the jackstands under the suspension to relieve the stress. You just shouldn't let it hang at full droop for a long time.