Finally, I got a winter car!!! RX8 going into garage!! Need quick info..
10-30-2007, 08:37 PM
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Finally, I got a winter car!!! RX8 going into garage!! Need quick info..
hey guys, Ive been randomly posting how Ive been looking for a winter car and I finally found one, I have a family member that works in a different state and has his vehicle at home, thats never used, and hes letting me drive it if I help him out with the payments. Its a 06 impala, not bad for my secondary vehicle I can drive everyday 
So getting to the point, my RX8 is going to be staying in my garage all winter and wont be moved much starting next week. What should I do about the battery? Should I disconnect it, or get a battery warmer? Sorry for another stupid question but my RX8 has never been anything but a daily driver so Im not sure what I should do to it since I wont be driving it for 2-3 months.
So getting to the point, my RX8 is going to be staying in my garage all winter and wont be moved much starting next week. What should I do about the battery? Should I disconnect it, or get a battery warmer? Sorry for another stupid question but my RX8 has never been anything but a daily driver so Im not sure what I should do to it since I wont be driving it for 2-3 months.
10-31-2007, 08:05 PM
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Just traded my 01 tracker for a little nicer winter ride....
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...album/jeep.jpg
I love it!!
http://i141.photobucket.com/albums/r...album/jeep.jpg
I love it!!
10-31-2007, 09:53 PM
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14.1. MYTH: Storing batteries on a concrete floor will discharge them.
False! All lead-acid batteries will naturally self-discharge which can result in loss of capacity from sulfation. The rate of self-discharge is most influenced by the temperature of the battery's electrolyte and the chemistry of the plates. This self-discharge is often mistaken for concrete floor causing the battery to drain. Some experts believe that storing car or deep cycle batteries on a colder concrete floor might actually slow down the self-discharge (leakage) rate because the floor acts as a heat sink and cools the battery. (Please see Section 13 for more information on storing batteries and Section 1 for more information on sulfation.
In the early 1900s, when battery cases were made of porous materials such as tar-lined wood boxes, storing batteries on concrete floor would accelerate their natural self-discharge due to external leakage. Modern battery cases are made of polypropylene or hard rubber. These cases are sealed better, so external leakage-causing discharge is no longer a problem, provided the top of the battery is clean and free from wet or dried electrolyte and the same temperature as the floor.
Large differences in temperature could cause electrolyte stratification within very large batteries (>250 AH) which could accelerate it's internal "leakage" or self-discharge if the battery is sitting on an extremely cold concrete, stone or steel floor in a warm room, boat or submarine. Stirrers or bubblers are often used on these types of large batteries to keep the electrolyte from stratifying. Undercharging will also cause electrolyte stratification, which can also result in loss of capacity from sulfation.
False! All lead-acid batteries will naturally self-discharge which can result in loss of capacity from sulfation. The rate of self-discharge is most influenced by the temperature of the battery's electrolyte and the chemistry of the plates. This self-discharge is often mistaken for concrete floor causing the battery to drain. Some experts believe that storing car or deep cycle batteries on a colder concrete floor might actually slow down the self-discharge (leakage) rate because the floor acts as a heat sink and cools the battery. (Please see Section 13 for more information on storing batteries and Section 1 for more information on sulfation.
In the early 1900s, when battery cases were made of porous materials such as tar-lined wood boxes, storing batteries on concrete floor would accelerate their natural self-discharge due to external leakage. Modern battery cases are made of polypropylene or hard rubber. These cases are sealed better, so external leakage-causing discharge is no longer a problem, provided the top of the battery is clean and free from wet or dried electrolyte and the same temperature as the floor.
Large differences in temperature could cause electrolyte stratification within very large batteries (>250 AH) which could accelerate it's internal "leakage" or self-discharge if the battery is sitting on an extremely cold concrete, stone or steel floor in a warm room, boat or submarine. Stirrers or bubblers are often used on these types of large batteries to keep the electrolyte from stratifying. Undercharging will also cause electrolyte stratification, which can also result in loss of capacity from sulfation.
10-31-2007, 10:31 PM
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I have a 04 MT and she's never seen a winter. The battery is of coarse an item to prepare for the long storage but there ar a number of other factors you want to consider as well. If storeing in a garage with concrete floor you may want to lay out a huge tarpe to serve as a moisture barrier.............beleive it or not concrete does emit quite a bit of moisture. Two.............you'll want to get as much fuel into the tank again to reduce any moisture buildup. Three......to protect your tires from getting flat spots drive the vehichle onto cusioned padding, thick carpeting works well. four....do not engage parking brake and leave it for the duration stands a chance of stretching or becomming seized, just leave it in gear. Five ...........stuff rags up the exhaust again a moisture counter measure for your exaust system. I've done all these steps from day one and my baby still looks and runs like the day I bought it. Hope this helps
10-31-2007, 10:50 PM
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This will be my first winter with my new '07, and I was planning to garage it for the winter- park it for 120 days or so, until I spoke with a veteran Mercedes mechanic. He said it would be better to start it up three or four times a month, and if the road is dry, take it around the block a few times to circulate fluids and keep seals lubricated, cycle the charging system, run it at operating temperature for a while, etc. A strict schedule isn't required. Hirev8's advice is still good in case you don't get a break in the weather for a straight month.
My biggest concern is the road salt they use around here. I have a 100' long driveway and if the roads aren't clean I may just drive up and down the driveway for a while. Give the neighbors something to talk about.
My biggest concern is the road salt they use around here. I have a 100' long driveway and if the roads aren't clean I may just drive up and down the driveway for a while. Give the neighbors something to talk about.
10-31-2007, 11:46 PM
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yea, I live in Iowa also, my house is down a 1/4mile stretch of gravel that doesnt get plowed, so once it snows, theres snow until spring, lol.
10-31-2007, 11:52 PM
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This will be my first winter with my new '07, and I was planning to garage it for the winter- park it for 120 days or so, until I spoke with a veteran Mercedes mechanic. He said it would be better to start it up three or four times a month, and if the road is dry, take it around the block a few times to circulate fluids and keep seals lubricated, cycle the charging system, run it at operating temperature for a while, etc. A strict schedule isn't required. Hirev8's advice is still good in case you don't get a break in the weather for a straight month.
My biggest concern is the road salt they use around here. I have a 100' long driveway and if the roads aren't clean I may just drive up and down the driveway for a while. Give the neighbors something to talk about.
My biggest concern is the road salt they use around here. I have a 100' long driveway and if the roads aren't clean I may just drive up and down the driveway for a while. Give the neighbors something to talk about.
I hear you Jethro and you also make valid suggestions but I'm just ranting through experience. Ever since I've owned sports cars I've been putting them away for our harsh Canadian winters. Not just the snow and ice we have to contend to but it's like you said the SALT is a killer and it's like a cancer to any vehicle. Before I owned my 8 I had a Porsche and it never saw a winter. I also got the advice that I still use today from a re known Porsche mec. in my area and I've followed his suggestions to the T. Not saying your Mec. doesn't have a clue but I'm sure each one has their own agenda. He explained sitting for 3 to 4 months wouldn't be detramental to any seals drying. He also explained placing the car in a complete state of hibernation is better for it rather then starting it up on the odd occasion. Unless your going to drive her daily starting her up to warm up and then letting her sit for a week or more is the worse thing you can do. Reason being is with the infrequent heating and cooling everything stands a chance from engine components to electronics to build moisture and moisture is the enemy............moisture again is not so much a question if your driving her daily. Not saying my way is the right way but I've been following it for many years without any issues. Just my 2 cents.
11-01-2007, 08:29 AM
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No plants, but they got some big *** dealerships! I'm sure they need mechanics or whatever it is that you do for them! Sorry, just couldn't resist because putting my car away for several months just isn't an option I'm willing to deal with. That's gotta suck....and I do feel bad for you folks.
11-01-2007, 08:58 AM
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well i guess so far so good, tuesday it was 70 out, so i hope that the weather keeps up and i wont have to worry about finding a winter car or wasting the money.
11-01-2007, 10:14 AM
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well, its not really going into storage, just into my garage! Ill prob get a battery warmer so I can randomly drive it on warmer snow free days in the winter, I dont think I could go more that a couple days without my 8 anyways!
11-01-2007, 11:50 AM
#19
Mine isn't a daily driver to begin with- I drive my Explorer to work and back 4 days a week (I work 4-tens) and typically only take the 8 out on weekends anyway- if the weather is perfect.
My plan is to just extend the garaged periods over the winter. It won't go out at all if the weather is wet/nasty/wintry. It won't go on the road at all if there is salt or sand. I bought it in March and so-far only been caught in the rain twice. Thoroughly washed it immediately afterwards.
I am going to implement some of hirev8's suggestions, such as thick carpet under the tires, a moisture barrier over the concrete garage floor, rags stuffed up the exhaust. I am also going to place a large bowl of silica gel bags in the passenger compartment and recharge it every week or so (you heat it in the oven to release the absorbed moisture). I may slide a bag into each exhaust tip before plugging it with a rag. A trickle charger is a good idea, and I'm keeping the car covered as well. Future winter care will be determined largely by what I learn this winter, stay tuned.
My plan is to just extend the garaged periods over the winter. It won't go out at all if the weather is wet/nasty/wintry. It won't go on the road at all if there is salt or sand. I bought it in March and so-far only been caught in the rain twice. Thoroughly washed it immediately afterwards.
I am going to implement some of hirev8's suggestions, such as thick carpet under the tires, a moisture barrier over the concrete garage floor, rags stuffed up the exhaust. I am also going to place a large bowl of silica gel bags in the passenger compartment and recharge it every week or so (you heat it in the oven to release the absorbed moisture). I may slide a bag into each exhaust tip before plugging it with a rag. A trickle charger is a good idea, and I'm keeping the car covered as well. Future winter care will be determined largely by what I learn this winter, stay tuned.
11-01-2007, 07:49 PM
#21
my 8 cant even go get into my driveway. its steeply sloped and it has a little "speed bump" at the top to stop water from street flooding down it.
so if i dont drive it in the winter, i just let it sit on the street? yeah.. i dont think so. so i guess i just have to winter drive it.
so if i dont drive it in the winter, i just let it sit on the street? yeah.. i dont think so. so i guess i just have to winter drive it.
11-12-2007, 09:10 PM
#22
Ok, I decided to try some of hirev8's suggestions.
I took the Explorer to work today and grabbed a big piece of used carpet from some offices that are getting remodeled, about 8' x 14'. I also cut 4 strips each about 1' x 4' and brought it all home after work.
I backed the 8 out of the garage and drove it around the block to warm it up.
Then I unrolled a layer of 6-mil thick plastic sheet on the garage floor. The 8' x 14' piece of carpet went on top of that, then I placed the 4 strips where the tires woud be located, for a double-thickness. Then I drove the 8 onto it's space, tires positioned just right.
My wife looked into the garage as I was standing there, locking the 8 with the remote. She looked at me, the car, the carpet- and laughed out loud, returning into the house, still chuckling.
I'm sure by this time tomorrow everyone at her office will know that her husband had to park his car on carpet in the garage.
We'll see how she responds when I put the velvet rope around it...
I took the Explorer to work today and grabbed a big piece of used carpet from some offices that are getting remodeled, about 8' x 14'. I also cut 4 strips each about 1' x 4' and brought it all home after work.
I backed the 8 out of the garage and drove it around the block to warm it up.
Then I unrolled a layer of 6-mil thick plastic sheet on the garage floor. The 8' x 14' piece of carpet went on top of that, then I placed the 4 strips where the tires woud be located, for a double-thickness. Then I drove the 8 onto it's space, tires positioned just right.
My wife looked into the garage as I was standing there, locking the 8 with the remote. She looked at me, the car, the carpet- and laughed out loud, returning into the house, still chuckling.
I'm sure by this time tomorrow everyone at her office will know that her husband had to park his car on carpet in the garage.
We'll see how she responds when I put the velvet rope around it...
11-13-2007, 08:32 AM
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I have been researching this a bit since I have just put my 8 off for the winter. Here is a checkpoint list of what to do and not to do:
1. Dont pull the handbreak, the break pads will stick and it will be a loud bang when you start driving next time. (I learned that last winter)
2. Take out the battery and store it cool. Freezing is a no no but around 10 degrees celcius is just perky for the battery.
3. Buy a little battery charger with "supply" voltage. If you charge the battery all the time this will kill it as surely as leaving it in the car. What it does is that it will charge it in small bursts and then drain it a bit and so forth kind of simulating continous activity of the car.
1. Dont pull the handbreak, the break pads will stick and it will be a loud bang when you start driving next time. (I learned that last winter)
2. Take out the battery and store it cool. Freezing is a no no but around 10 degrees celcius is just perky for the battery.
3. Buy a little battery charger with "supply" voltage. If you charge the battery all the time this will kill it as surely as leaving it in the car. What it does is that it will charge it in small bursts and then drain it a bit and so forth kind of simulating continous activity of the car.
11-13-2007, 10:41 AM
#24
1. Dont pull the handbreak, the break pads will stick and it will be a loud bang when you start driving next time. (I learned that last winter)
2. Take out the battery and store it cool. Freezing is a no no but around 10 degrees celcius is just perky for the battery.
3. Buy a little battery charger with "supply" voltage. If you charge the battery all the time this will kill it as surely as leaving it in the car. What it does is that it will charge it in small bursts and then drain it a bit and so forth kind of simulating continous activity of the car.
2. Take out the battery and store it cool. Freezing is a no no but around 10 degrees celcius is just perky for the battery.
3. Buy a little battery charger with "supply" voltage. If you charge the battery all the time this will kill it as surely as leaving it in the car. What it does is that it will charge it in small bursts and then drain it a bit and so forth kind of simulating continous activity of the car.
I'm leaving the battery in place because I am not completely mothballing the car for the season. I plan on warming it up 3 or 4 times a month and if the roads are clear and dry, I may take it around the neighborhood to warm it up and keep it "limber". I also don't want to have to reprogram everything in the spring. But there are "cycling" battery chargers designed to do exactly what PerSmitt was referring to.
Finally, I like having the option of using the car in an emergency- if my Explorer suddenly dies or has an accident and is out of service temporarily. We also have a Forester but I doubt my wife would let me borrow it more than infrequently.