Taking Z4 off the road for winter

M

markprzeslawski

Member
Hi everyone!

I'm looking at taking my z4 off the road for the coming winter, as i have a long commute and i feel like i'm just wasting miles on it when the weather gets bad so switching to a very exciting golf diesel!!!!

Just wondering what hints and tips there were to taking a car off the road, and that is a convertible? If that makes any difference?
Should i disconnect the battery to save it draining? Car cover?

Cheers guys!
 
Trickle charger rather than disconnect the battery. Run it up every now and then and move it out of the garage to rotate the tyres every so often.
 
Great cheers!

Whats a trickle charger? are the different to a normal charger? On problem is that is staying outside on the drive as the garage has shell in it!
 
fill tank to brimming with fuel :thumbsup:
thinking of doing the same for jan/feb but not sure i could resist the urge not to use it for 8 weeks :o
 
I've done this with my roadsters for 25 years and have learnt the hard way that wintering a car badly will do more damage than using it! My tips would be,
Get it serviced or at least do an oil change, static dirty oil can deposit gum in the oil ways and cause corrosion.
Put a real overdose of anti-freeze agent in the washer bottle and run it through to the jets, helps stop mould and damaging components if if freezes.
Put an extra 10-15 psi in the tyres & roll the car occasionally to prevent flat-spotting, or better still get it up on stands and deflate the tyres if you are looking at several months storage.
Get a good soft breathable indoor car cover, prevents grime and knocking the paintwork.
Rather than removing the battery I'de invest in a Ctek or similar smart trickle charger/conditioner (I got the 3600 for £45 ish). They suit the Zed nicely as it comes with a permanent lead & plug to fix to the battery in the boot which is neat and convenient.
P1000720.jpg

The inset pic shows whats going on under the battery cover, once installed all you see is the plug on the right.

& THE BIGGIE - Give it a good wash and polish let it dry fully, and give it a hot run before storing. I'de avoid jet washing it, washing in the engine bay or steam cleaning underneath etc. even if you think you've dried it off moisture gets trapped . I've caused heartbreaking surface corrosion, dodgy electrics and seized parts in the past by doing this. In all honesty its better stored dirty and dry than with trapped moisture.

I only store mine once we get salt & crap on the roads which fortunately means only a couple of months here in the SW, any longer would be a shame :)
 
dan yeates said:
Trickle charger rather than disconnect the battery. Run it up every now and then and move it out of the garage to rotate the tyres every so often.
Click to expand...

Dan there might be some arguments for NOT running the engine up unless you get it to full temp and drive it for a bit? A LOT of moisture and contaminants accumulate in the exhaust and more particularly the Cat' which are not cleared until the system is hot and had some real flow. Running up then leaving the stuff in the system repeatedly will lead to corrosion and can cause serious cat' faults, warning lights, sensor problems. You will also get condensation in the engine which again isn't shifted until it's really hot and working a bit.

The only reason I'de consider doing so might be to help avoid HVA oil drain problems on the facelift N52 engines maybe?
 
markprzeslawski said:
Great cheers!

Whats a trickle charger? are the different to a normal charger? On problem is that is staying outside on the drive as the garage has shell in it!
Click to expand...

Ah' If you're leaving it on the drive then invest in the best outdoor wrap cover you can, but in all honesty it's probably better to use it regularly than lay it up for long periods outdoors.

'Shell' in garage? Howitzer, Conch ? :wink:
 
We have long winters. May not be ideal but all I do is keep it on a battery maintainer and make a point to take it out on a good run (30 minutes min.) at least once a month. During the run, I try to operate everything, even the roof (unless it's really really frigid). Once it's warmed up, I also make a point to go through the whole rev range a few times. I find this easier (and more fun!) than properly preparing it to be stored for months on end.

We are a little loose with the term trickle charger. You do not want a true trickle charger that continuously sends a trickle of charge to the battery. This will deplete the water in even maintenance free batteries. You want a battery maintainer that detects when the battery charge drops below a certain level, and only then gently brings it back up to full charge, then shuts off the charge again.
 
So what is ideal would be:
A good out door cover
A battery 'maintainer'
A start up and drive once a month for a good 30 mins
A bit more anti freeze

The cars just been serviced so all ok on that front too.

Cheers for the advice!

Thanks!!
 
markprzeslawski said:
So what is ideal would be:
A good out door cover
A battery 'maintainer'
A start up and drive once a month for a good 30 mins
A bit more anti freeze

The cars just been serviced so all ok on that front too.

Cheers for the advice!

Thanks!!
Click to expand...
& fuel it to the max . condensation can form in the tank & therefore contaminate the fuel :cry:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom