Need help putting a car in hibernation mode for the winter

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Dec 12, 2005 | 08:11 PM

Cadd

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From: New York

Need help putting a car in hibernation mode for the winter

I’m sure I’ll get some good responses from you guys living up north….specially those with summer toys.

Ok, I plan to put my GS in hibernation mode for the next 90 days. I just washed it and put a car cover on it. Obviously, I don't have a garage, so it's sitting out in the elements with a car cover on (in my driveway).

Should I be adding fuel stabilizers? How about the battery? It seems that if I don’t drive the car for over 2 weeks, the battery gets fully drained [maybe it’s the 2 way pager alarm (Viper)].

Anything else I need to know? Tires? Should it put it up on jack stands so no one can come and tow it away?

Any and all advice welcomed.

Thanks.
Cadd

Dec 13, 2005 | 06:28 AM

ted920

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From: Connecticut

I have also done the same thing, except my car is in my garage.

I have disconnectred the battery.

Waiting until Mid - Late March.

Ted

Dec 13, 2005 | 06:41 AM

DASHOCKER

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From: NYC

I would add fuel stabilizer, disconnect the battery since your storing her. I personally warm mine up twice a week while in the garage for the winter.

Dec 13, 2005 | 07:54 AM

picus

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From: ON

This is my winter storage rundown (I have a garage, but most applies anyway)

1) Fill with gas
2) Add fuel stabalizer and run the car for 10 minutes
3) Fill tires with Nitrogen (this will prevent flat spots if you don't put it on jacks). FWIW Costco does this free here.
4) Change the oil
5) Wash/wax
6) Put a box of baking powder int he car (keeps moisture from building up)
7) Disconect the battery
8) Steel wool in the exhaust (keeps rodents out)
9) Cover
10) Beers.

Oh, remember if you have an a/t not to engage the emergency brake. I did that once many years ago and my pads fuesed. It sucked.

If you're really **** you can change all the fluids.

Cheers.

Dec 13, 2005 | 08:04 AM

sha4000

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From: N.Y.

you dont need to add any fuel stabilizer b/c 90 days isnt going to make the gas go bad

Dec 13, 2005 | 08:47 AM

DASHOCKER

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From: NYC

Quote:

Originally Posted by sha4000

you dont need to add any fuel stabilizer b/c 90 days isnt going to make the gas go bad

I would though to be safe. read http://www.i4at.org/surv/sta-bil.htm

Dec 13, 2005 | 08:22 PM

Cadd

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From: New York

Thanks for the tips guys. A few more question:

- I am NOT going to disconnect the battery, since it's outside, I want my alarms to be activated. I guess I can start the car and let it idle for 10 - 15 minutes once a week. Is this a good idea? Can this do harm? Or maybe I should get a trickle charger or something like that.....but the problem is, the car is outdoors, and I'm not too crazy about running power extension cords outside. Watch me get electrocuted when it rains or snows!

- I've never used fuel stabilizers before, anyone have any recommendations on brands?

- Should I fill it up with gas? It's sitting at 50% right now.

- Baking powder....should I open the box and just leave the box in the car? I would hate it if it spills!

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Dec 14, 2005 | 01:42 PM

picus

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From: ON

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cadd

The battery is a tough one. You could get one of those solar chargers (plugs into the lighter socket), but the little solar panel needs to see light, and since you have a cover... I'd just start it up every week for a few minutes I guess.

The baking powder - most baking poweder that is specfically for keeping fridges fresh have an opening that has a pourous film over it, so if it tips nothing spills out.

Dec 14, 2005 | 03:10 PM

#10

lexusls430

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From: Rhode Island

Yea its a good idea to run it at least once every week to keep the oil good.

Dec 14, 2005 | 04:19 PM

#11

ebruce2

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I personally would leave the battery connected and start it once a week like you said, fill the tank and add stabilizer. They are pretty much all the same stuff, just use a recognizable name. And running it long enough after will get the stabilizer into the lines as well. all good ideas.

BTW, did you ever catch the idiot that was vandalizing your vehicles???

Dec 14, 2005 | 04:39 PM

#12

bizzy928

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From: Ontario

I would NOT start up the car every few weeks. Idling that long is bad for the engine. Also if you are only idling for 10-15 mins, the engine will get warm but the exhaust system will retain moisture.

My suggestion is that if you are storing it... store it. Don't touch it.

Nitrogen in the tires? I don't think that helps either. I would however make sure they are sitting at their recommended PSI. Flat spots are really a thing of the past.

Dec 14, 2005 | 05:31 PM

#13

Cadd

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From: New York

Quote:

Originally Posted by ebruce2

BTW, did you ever catch the idiot that was vandalizing your vehicles???

Holy crap, you remembered! After I dropped a few hundred dollars on a Time Lapse VCR, color camera with audio & a night vision camera..........guess what happened? NOTHING!

I'm not complaining, but in some ways, I wished I caught those a-holes on film.

Right now, both my cars are on camera 24/7/365. I'm just waiting to see how long it takes for the VCR to overheat & explode

Dec 14, 2005 | 05:32 PM

#14

Cadd

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From: New York

Dave, thanks for putting that list of threads together!

Dec 14, 2005 | 07:24 PM

#15

picus

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From: ON

Quote:

Originally Posted by bizzy928

Ya - flat spots are less common but I've gotten them before (a real bummer too), but either way filling with nitrogen has other benefits ( maintain pressure longer, doesn't oxidize the inside of the tire, etc...) and around here it's free, so why not. If it costs a lot of money where you are I wouldn't bother.