Laying up for winter

[Tomsdad]

Hi everyone. I am about to lay the Z up for winter. It will be in the garage with the roof up and a dust cover keeping it nice and clean.
I intend to give the car a run out of about 20 miles every month just to keep everything working.
Any thoughts on special things I should do?
I was wondering about keeping a trickle charge battery conditioner attached as I do for my motorcycles.

Kind regards

 

[TR4man]

Trickle charge is a must-do.

 

[Anonymous]

I've got one of these following recommendations here. Very decent bit of kit.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/CTEK-MXS-5-0-Temperature-Compensation/dp/B00FC42HAA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1509901651&sr=8-1&keywords=ctek+mxs

 

[Havard]

Cteks are excellent. Wouldn't be without mine.

 

[oldgitdave]

I've got one of these following recommendations here. Very decent bit of kit.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/CTEK-MXS-5-0-Temperature-Compensation/dp/B00FC42HAA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1509901651&sr=8-1&keywords=ctek+mxs

Yup, that's what's on mine at the moment. Currently SORN & I won't even start her up until March next year. Topped up the fuel & put 45psi in each tyre. She's garaged with a soft cover to keep the dust off so should be just fine .

 

[Bing]

I've got one of these following recommendations here. Very decent bit of kit.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/CTEK-MXS-5-0-Temperature-Compensation/dp/B00FC42HAA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1509901651&sr=8-1&keywords=ctek+mxs

I’ve got one similar to this. Goes on even if the car is going to be stationary for just a few days.

 

[Anonymous]

I've got one of these following recommendations here. Very decent bit of kit.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/CTEK-MXS-5-0-Temperature-Compensation/dp/B00FC42HAA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1509901651&sr=8-1&keywords=ctek+mxs

Yup, that's what's on mine at the moment. Currently SORN & I won't even start her up until March next year. Topped up the fuel & put 45psi in each tyre. She's garaged with a soft cover to keep the dust off so should be just fine .

Do you leave the boot slightly ajar with cables & charger in the boot or do you take the battery out?

 

[oldgitdave]

I've got one of these following recommendations here. Very decent bit of kit.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/CTEK-MXS-5-0-Temperature-Compensation/dp/B00FC42HAA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1509901651&sr=8-1&keywords=ctek+mxs

Yup, that's what's on mine at the moment. Currently SORN & I won't even start her up until March next year. Topped up the fuel & put 45psi in each tyre. She's garaged with a soft cover to keep the dust off so should be just fine .

Do you leave the boot slightly ajar with cables & charger in the boot or do you take the battery out?

Neither, it's simply connected to the big + & - terminals under the bonnet. I managed to route the lead so the bonnet closes fully & then the car can stay locked with the alarm on.

 

[Anonymous]

Yup, that's what's on mine at the moment. Currently SORN & I won't even start her up until March next year. Topped up the fuel & put 45psi in each tyre. She's garaged with a soft cover to keep the dust off so should be just fine .

Do you leave the boot slightly ajar with cables & charger in the boot or do you take the battery out?

Neither, it's simply connected to the big + & - terminals under the bonnet. I managed to route the lead so the bonnet closes fully & then the car can stay locked with the alarm on.

Good call, why didn't I think of that!? Will swap it round next weekend. Thanks

 

[oldgitdave]

. I did have to buy an extension lead to allow the bonnet to close fully: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00ADIHUVG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[Anonymous]

. I did have to buy an extension lead to allow the bonnet to close fully: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00ADIHUVG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Ordered. That will make life easier no matter where I charge the battery from.

 

[Machine monkey]

I really don’t get why so many people put these fun cars away for winter? Just give it a good underbody clean every now and then.

Sunny winter day roof down is amazingly good fun. Your missing out on so much fun. I know as my car has been off the road for ages.

Please some of you guys that park your zeds over winter! Just try driving it one year grow a beard buy a hat turn the heating up and enjoy.

 

[oldgitdave]

I really don’t get why so many people put these fun cars away for winter? Just give it a good underbody clean every now and then.

Sunny winter day roof down is amazingly good fun. Your missing out on so much fun. I know as my car has been off the road for ages.

Please some of you guys that park your zeds over winter! Just try driving it one year grow a beard buy a hat turn the heating up and enjoy.

You know what? You're absolutely right . I'm missing the drive already . Today, here, it's been the most beautiful autumn day for some roof down fun . However for this year only it's my second car. Next summer I plan to retire early then I can't justify keeping 2 cars. I'll be selling my 18 month old V40 & keeping the Zed
Not sure about growing a beard though

 

[Machine monkey]

I really don’t get why so many people put these fun cars away for winter? Just give it a good underbody clean every now and then.

Sunny winter day roof down is amazingly good fun. Your missing out on so much fun. I know as my car has been off the road for ages.

Please some of you guys that park your zeds over winter! Just try driving it one year grow a beard buy a hat turn the heating up and enjoy.

You know what? You're absolutely right . I'm missing the drive already . Today, here, it's been the most beautiful autumn day for some roof down fun . However for this year only it's my second car. Next summer I plan to retire early then I can't justify keeping 2 cars. I'll be selling my 18 month old V40 & keeping the Zed
Not sure about growing a beard though

You have to have a beard if your retiring!! I hope you see the error if your ways and get the zed out of hibernation soon.

 

[Scooba_Steve]

Laying up? My winter tyres went on yesterday

FYI you can close the boot on the CTEK lead without damage, pop it between one of the indents.

 

[Capa]

Get a roof....

 

[Monkeydonkeyratmagic]

Never understood hiding a car away for the winter unless it's a rustbucket 200sx or a merc clk.

I always thought rwd, rain, snow and ice went hand in hand.

On a serious note for 1st timers putting theirs away for a long period. Make sure your hood is bone dry and don't put a cover on it until it is. If you've got the space remove wheels and put it on blocks, don't want these expensive tyres flat spotting. Crack the windows a touch so it doesn't condensate and go mouldy. Lift the wipers so they don't stick or put something under them. If no blocks and wheels are on, chock the wheels and leave the handbrake off. Finally make a list of what you've done.