Hi, First off I want to say that I've searched and searched on here and found some very good information about storing my car for winter but I just want to make sure I get all the facts strait and for when I put my 8 away for the snow. I'm going to try and make a checklist of sorts and see if it makes sense.

PS: Oh yeah, this is in a small detached, windowless, non-heated garage with not a whole lot of room on either side of the car(just enough to get in and out of one side and enough for a child to maybe get out on the other.

1) Wash and wax it well. With this I also plan on washing and waxing each wheel by removing it and cleanign the outside and inside(don't know if the wheel part is needed).

2) Change the oil and filter, mine is about due so I think this would be a good thing to do.

Here is where I get some conflicting responses.

3) Do I leave the battery in of take it out? I was planning on firing it up and letting it run for 15-20 every week/other week and if I take the battery out I'll have to put it back in. What are the opinions on this. If the ground is clear enough or not-salted I plan on taking it around the block/parking lot to spin the tires up.

4) Fill the tank and put in some Stabil. I've used this stuff on 2 cycles with success and thought it might be a good idea for my car now.

5) Place some steel wool in the tail pipes to keep critters out(of course remove this when/if I start it up/drive it around.

6) Get a good clean car cover and put it on it. How necessary is this part? I know everyone talks about it and is all aboud putting one on, but I just wondered if putting one on if I'm still going to fire the car up will be a good idea and if it will do much beyond keep the dust off the car. I thought putting it on and taking it off might cause more issue then it prevents, and I can wash and clay bar the dust off when I take it out in the spring. If this is a dire need then what would someone suggest since I've heard the OEM one is really tight.

Any other suggestions? I know people use jackstands but that makes it hard to move it after and it may not even be possible for me with the layout and size of the garage. Sorry 'reposting' this stuff but I did search and just want to make sure my findings seem right.

Your plan covers two scenarios - run it every week, or leave it over winter.

The Stabil, battery out and car cover options are enough for a winter.

If you intend to drive it, obviously leave the battery in, don't use Stabil, don't cover it unless you wash it after each run, but don't drive it unless you warm it up thoroughly and drive a half-hour, otherwise the condensation in the oil will make mayonaise in your sump by spring.

You need to decide which it will be.......

S

I'm not driving it, and yes there are 2 methods I'm trying to figure out which is better, running it every week and by drving it I mean in the parking lot if it's clear out but not accuallt driving it longer then that just to move the tires and get things turning.

that's what I need the opinions on

In the Winter I only drive my '8 on snow/sand/salt free weekend days. Last Winter in particular that meant one stretch of six-week non-road use, although I did start and run it in place a couple times in that period. It was parked outside with a CA Car Cover Superweave and kept on a Battery Tender. I also always kept the tank full of 93 octane. It did just fine, except for the mouse that made a home on the exterior side of my cabin air filter. A microfiber cover (waterproof but breathable) is a must.

Well, my '8 is now in semi-hibernation. But a good season wherein I did many more mod's than all prior years combined.

Looking forward to new rims/tires in the Spring, as well as my typical Winter internal debate on the whole snail/blower thing. With my b-to-b warranty expiration end of next March that may finally tip the scales. ;)

I'm going to add this electronic pest deterrent under the hood along with my Battery Tender.

I'll put the other one in my shed.

Damn dirty rodents!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0007CXT68/ref=ox_ya_os_product