Winter storage help please....
11-30-2009, 09:14 AM
#1
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Winter storage help please....
Hi guys,
So I finally stored my RX8 last Saturday.
This is what I did for storage:
1) Pumped the air up to 40psi on all four tires.
2) Didn't pull the handbrake, rather put wood and blocks on the car to stop it from rolling.
3) Left a little more than 3/4 tank full of gas in the car.
This is what I didn't do:
1) I didn't put gas line antifreeze in the gas tank to prevent from freezing the gas lines. Is this necessary?
2) I didn't disconnect the battery terminals because I plan to start the car once every three weeks or so for 5 - 10 min. in order to get the engine warmed up and then turn it off without moving it.
3) I didn't wash the car, so it's still dirty unfortunately.
4) I locked the car with my key instead of my FOB, but the anti-theft still comes on which will unfortunately drain the battery. Is there a way to prevent this?
I would appreciate all your help in answering these questions as this is the first winter that I'm garaging my car.
Thanks and God bless you guys.
Ben.
So I finally stored my RX8 last Saturday.
This is what I did for storage:
1) Pumped the air up to 40psi on all four tires.
2) Didn't pull the handbrake, rather put wood and blocks on the car to stop it from rolling.
3) Left a little more than 3/4 tank full of gas in the car.
This is what I didn't do:
1) I didn't put gas line antifreeze in the gas tank to prevent from freezing the gas lines. Is this necessary?
2) I didn't disconnect the battery terminals because I plan to start the car once every three weeks or so for 5 - 10 min. in order to get the engine warmed up and then turn it off without moving it.
3) I didn't wash the car, so it's still dirty unfortunately.
4) I locked the car with my key instead of my FOB, but the anti-theft still comes on which will unfortunately drain the battery. Is there a way to prevent this?
I would appreciate all your help in answering these questions as this is the first winter that I'm garaging my car.
Thanks and God bless you guys.
Ben.
11-30-2009, 09:35 AM
#2
Sta-bil gasoline stablizer is a good idea. I use it in all my seasonal equipment.
I leave a Battery Tender on mine all winter now but prior started periodically as you plan so just leave the battery connected.
Really should have washed and waxed the vehicle prior to storage to remove any foreign deposits that might eat at the paint over time.
No way to disable the "immobilizer" but it doesn't drain too badly and again you plan to start/run periodically which along with circulating fluids will recharge the battery.
I leave a Battery Tender on mine all winter now but prior started periodically as you plan so just leave the battery connected.
Really should have washed and waxed the vehicle prior to storage to remove any foreign deposits that might eat at the paint over time.
No way to disable the "immobilizer" but it doesn't drain too badly and again you plan to start/run periodically which along with circulating fluids will recharge the battery.
11-30-2009, 10:54 AM
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Thanks a lot for your help! Unfortunately, I can't take the car out now to wash it as it's already stored and the insurance is only fire and theft in my garage. The dirt is not that much, so I'm just going to have to wait it out till the summer to wash it. What is a battery tender?
Unfortunately, I can't take the car out now to wash it as it's already stored and the insurance is only fire and theft in my garage. The dirt is not that much, so I'm just going to have to wait it out till the summer to wash it. What is a battery tender?
11-30-2009, 11:26 AM
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DO NOT start the engine during the winter if you arnt taking it out for a drive. The car will not heat up completely by just idling in the garage, and you will end up doing more damage than good.
All you have to do is fill the tank to the top gas (this will eliminate air space in the fuel tank and reduce the chances of condensation forming), clean the car, overinflate the tires (to the max sidewall rating), put a battery tender on it, and cover her up.
All you have to do is fill the tank to the top gas (this will eliminate air space in the fuel tank and reduce the chances of condensation forming), clean the car, overinflate the tires (to the max sidewall rating), put a battery tender on it, and cover her up.
11-30-2009, 12:05 PM
#5
The wash answer: http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...ar+wash+kit.do
^ I do concur that a Battery Tender is preferred, but lacking same he will need to run/warmup the car periodically.
http://batterytender.com/ I use a Jr. and leave it connected to the battery underhood (a distance so no possible fume ignition). When I take my '8 out for a sand/salt/snow free winter drive I just roll up its cord in the engine bay.
^ I do concur that a Battery Tender is preferred, but lacking same he will need to run/warmup the car periodically.
http://batterytender.com/ I use a Jr. and leave it connected to the battery underhood (a distance so no possible fume ignition). When I take my '8 out for a sand/salt/snow free winter drive I just roll up its cord in the engine bay.
Thanks a lot for your help! Unfortunately, I can't take the car out now to wash it as it's already stored and the insurance is only fire and theft in my garage. The dirt is not that much, so I'm just going to have to wait it out till the summer to wash it. What is a battery tender?
Unfortunately, I can't take the car out now to wash it as it's already stored and the insurance is only fire and theft in my garage. The dirt is not that much, so I'm just going to have to wait it out till the summer to wash it. What is a battery tender?Last edited by Huey52; 11-30-2009 at 12:10 PM.
11-30-2009, 01:01 PM
#7
Again, Battery Tender prefered (so really 100/0). 
edit: I meant to also add that you could simply remove the battery from the vehicle to a non-freezing, dry, area. You'd have to reset your radio pre-sets, but that's not such a big chore come Spring. There are collector cars that go a long time between starts without incident, but again the cited precautions are of value.
edit: I meant to also add that you could simply remove the battery from the vehicle to a non-freezing, dry, area. You'd have to reset your radio pre-sets, but that's not such a big chore come Spring. There are collector cars that go a long time between starts without incident, but again the cited precautions are of value.
Last edited by Huey52; 11-30-2009 at 02:06 PM.
11-30-2009, 02:30 PM
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I removed the battery from my car and stored it in the basement. Come April or May, hook her up, do the steering wheel left/right procedure thing and you're ready for another year!
11-30-2009, 03:38 PM
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1) I didn't put gas line antifreeze in the gas tank to prevent from freezing the gas lines. Is this necessary? YES
2) I didn't disconnect the battery terminals because I plan to start the car once every three weeks or so for 5 - 10 min. in order to get the engine warmed up and then turn it off without moving it. Take the battery out, store it inside, not on concrete. Don't start the car for the whole winter. It causes excess condensation since it warms up and then it is turned off = not good.
3) I didn't wash the car, so it's still dirty unfortunately. should have
4) I locked the car with my key instead of my FOB, but the anti-theft still comes on which will unfortunately drain the battery. Is there a way to prevent this? When the battery is out no worries cause it will drain
Tires should be blown up to around 45psi. Most are around 50 max so 5 psi under.
2) I didn't disconnect the battery terminals because I plan to start the car once every three weeks or so for 5 - 10 min. in order to get the engine warmed up and then turn it off without moving it. Take the battery out, store it inside, not on concrete. Don't start the car for the whole winter. It causes excess condensation since it warms up and then it is turned off = not good.
3) I didn't wash the car, so it's still dirty unfortunately. should have
4) I locked the car with my key instead of my FOB, but the anti-theft still comes on which will unfortunately drain the battery. Is there a way to prevent this? When the battery is out no worries cause it will drain
Tires should be blown up to around 45psi. Most are around 50 max so 5 psi under.
11-30-2009, 05:52 PM
#12
im just confused about the gas line antifreeze...
i used to store my bike outside during winter and it used to start right up with a properly charged battery (3 seasons to boot), only put stabil in the tank (full).
i used to store my bike outside during winter and it used to start right up with a properly charged battery (3 seasons to boot), only put stabil in the tank (full).
11-30-2009, 10:34 PM
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Cool, well there's nothing I can do about the dirty car except wash it next summer. I will take the battery out though since starting it every three weeks is bad. What is the wrench size for the battery terminals? Sorry for the noob question but I haven't taken the battery out before.
12-01-2009, 07:57 AM
#15
Again: The wash answer: http://www.griotsgarage.com/product/...ar+wash+kit.do
Pull out a handful of sockets and you'll figure it out.
Pull out a handful of sockets and you'll figure it out.
Cool, well there's nothing I can do about the dirty car except wash it next summer. I will take the battery out though since starting it every three weeks is bad. What is the wrench size for the battery terminals? Sorry for the noob question but I haven't taken the battery out before.
12-01-2009, 08:24 AM
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10mm
12-03-2009, 04:33 AM
#20
Here's my checklist of things I do for winter storage, last post on the page in PDF format.
Hope you find it helpful.
https://www.rx8club.com/canada-forum-35/winter-car-storage-183400/
Mine in storage since Nov. 1 and I miss her so much but I've bought her all kinds of presents for our spring reunion. LOLz
Hope you find it helpful.
https://www.rx8club.com/canada-forum-35/winter-car-storage-183400/
Mine in storage since Nov. 1 and I miss her so much but I've bought her all kinds of presents for our spring reunion. LOLz
Last edited by RXeckless; 12-03-2009 at 04:38 AM. Reason: Nov. 1
