Not sure what category to put this in so I hope this is ok...

I'm am storing my car for the winter. I just need to know what i need to do to ensure it will be ok in the spring. Some things I was thinking were to start it once a month? Do I need to drain the gas or coolant...? I really have no idea, that's why I'm coming to you guys

thanks guys!
-Evan

 

I would start it once a week and let it run for a few minutes. Put stabilizer in the gas tank. I would leave the coolant in the car also.

 

Do not start a stored car. That just fouls the oil up.

Use Sta-Bil. Make sure the tank is either nearly empty or nearly full.

Change the oil right before you store it.

Make sure the coolant system is fresh, full and bled.

 

Couple other things:

Throw a cheap cake pan or something on the passenger floorboard under the dash.

If the car will not be in a climate controlled area buy some of the dehumidifier chemical they sell for RV's and leave it inside. You would be shocked how much the glass sweats.

 

1st fill the gas tank(a low tank causes condensation)put some gas store in the tank Do a complete oil change,remove the battery and keep it on a workbench (preferably wooden do not keep it on a concrete floor)and keep the battery on a battery tender(storage mode),make sure your window washer fluid can handle freezing temp(if not drain it)cover with a dust cover and your good till spring.

 

Actually for a car driven regularly through the summer months, just top off the tank and unhook the battery

If your battery goes dead after 2-3 months of sitting with no draw, its a dud anyways. You live up north so you'd better have antifreeze in your coolant and washer fluid that doesnt freeze (what kind does now a days?)

Gas has a shelf life of about 10 months so stabil is not needed. Most gas has a significant % of ethanol blended in so you need to fill the tank up to prevent the ethanol from drawing moisture

A small box of baking soda to draw some of the old car smell out isnt a bad idea

 

All good tips, but I would use Stabil. It's also good to pump your tires up over 40 PSI to help keep them round. They still might thump a wee bit for the first few miles in the spring, but they will smooth back out.

And definitely do not start a stored car in the winter. Leave it alone until spring.

 

It's also a good to cap your exhaust tips so critters won't get in. Shove some steel wool up there or use some plastic bags and rubber bands. Make sure you check air ducts and exhaust for nests or debris come spring Fried chipmunk stinks. Trust me.

 

Critters up the exhaust... are you kidding?

 

I have known of it happening. It can create an exhaust fire if they build a nest up there.

 

Thanks for all the replies guys! I will be coming back home for thanksgiving and I'll make sure to get her all ready for storage.
What needs to be done after storage for the spring when you take it back out?

 

Wash it and drive it

 

Ok, can't wait till spring!