Hey All. I'm new to the forums and I just purchased a 2014 SXT Plus fully loaded.
I'm going to be storing the car in a heated garage over the worst winter months where they salt the roads (about 4-5 months here in Canada). Otherwise I keep it parked outside uncovered during the summer.
I've read several things to do to the vehicle before storing and was just wondering if anyone else stores their vehicle for the winter, what preparation steps you take.
Things I've read that I should do:
- Fill the gas tank up so it's not going to create condensation in the tank and it'll keep the seals from drying out.
- Add a fuel stabilizer to prevent ethanol build up and protect engine from gunk/varnish/rust
- Change oil so any contaminants in the oil won't damage the engine
- Wash/clean the car to prevent any acids or stains setting in the clear coat or plastics.
- Don't use parking brake to prevent discs from fusing to the pads.
- Run A/C for 5 minutes on full to lubricate the system and prevent condenser damage next time it starts up.
- Disconnect negative terminal on battery or use a trickle charger. (Disconnecting would probably erase my configuration settings though?)
- Remove tires and place vehicle on blocks to prevent damage to tires from the weight of the stationary car.
- keep it covered with a car cover even though it's in the garage, to prevent dust or liquids from staining or damaging the finish
Additionally I'd be concerned about mice and critters getting into the vehicle since it's out in the country. I've heard you can use something like irish springs soap shavings around the vehicle to deter mice from coming near it. You can also cover the exhaust and air intake to prevent them getting in as well.
If I didn't want to put the car up on blocks and remove the tires, I assume I'd have to start the vehicle once or twice a month and drive it around for a couple of minutes to keep the tires in shape.
I'm interested in hearing what you guys do to store your vehicle.
I'm going to be storing the car in a heated garage over the worst winter months where they salt the roads (about 4-5 months here in Canada). Otherwise I keep it parked outside uncovered during the summer.
I've read several things to do to the vehicle before storing and was just wondering if anyone else stores their vehicle for the winter, what preparation steps you take.
Things I've read that I should do:
- Fill the gas tank up so it's not going to create condensation in the tank and it'll keep the seals from drying out.
- Add a fuel stabilizer to prevent ethanol build up and protect engine from gunk/varnish/rust
- Change oil so any contaminants in the oil won't damage the engine
- Wash/clean the car to prevent any acids or stains setting in the clear coat or plastics.
- Don't use parking brake to prevent discs from fusing to the pads.
- Run A/C for 5 minutes on full to lubricate the system and prevent condenser damage next time it starts up.
- Disconnect negative terminal on battery or use a trickle charger. (Disconnecting would probably erase my configuration settings though?)
- Remove tires and place vehicle on blocks to prevent damage to tires from the weight of the stationary car.
- keep it covered with a car cover even though it's in the garage, to prevent dust or liquids from staining or damaging the finish
Additionally I'd be concerned about mice and critters getting into the vehicle since it's out in the country. I've heard you can use something like irish springs soap shavings around the vehicle to deter mice from coming near it. You can also cover the exhaust and air intake to prevent them getting in as well.
If I didn't want to put the car up on blocks and remove the tires, I assume I'd have to start the vehicle once or twice a month and drive it around for a couple of minutes to keep the tires in shape.
I'm interested in hearing what you guys do to store your vehicle.
