Winter storage in an open carport

[Martin Knud]

Hi,

My car is now parked in a carport, has been for a month, and will be there until the winter is over.
Or until the roads are stopped being salted.
I will charge the battery once a month.
What else should i remember to do while it is parked?

Merry christmas to all
Martin Knud
Denmark.

 

[Chris_D]

Check mice/rodents aren't moving in and redecorating.
:wink:

 

[Pondrew]

I would also take the cover off every so often to let the trapped moisture out. They can 'sweat' under an impermeable cover for long periods.

And merry Christmas to you too!

 

[Chris_D]

I would also take the cover off every so often to let the trapped moisture out. They can 'sweat' under an impermeable cover for long periods.

Its a stormforce tho. And they breathe pretty efficiently. Another advantage over those cabrioshield half covers.

 

[patriot66]

Put higher pressures in tyres, check antifreeze percentage and connect to a permanent battery conditioner/charger such as Noco or CTek etc. Start it and let it warm up every week or so with the a/c switched on to circulate the system

 

[Martin Knud]

Start it up once a week? What happens if i dont?
I will go abroad for a month in beginning of 2023.
Cover is a Stormforce. "Classic" i think. And breathable.
I will place a mousetrap next time the cover is off...

 

[Mr Tidy]

I wouldn't start it up, unless you plan to drive it and get it properly up to temperature. Otherwise you're just creating condensation.

Filling the fuel tank with E5, or E0 if you can find some, before you park it up may be a plan.

 

[Martin Knud]

I wouldn't start it up, unless you plan to drive it and get it properly up to temperature. Otherwise you're just creating condensation.

Filling the fuel tank with E5, or E0 if you can find some, before you park it up may be a plan.

I will not start it up before i intend to drive it.
Tank is filled, but not full, with E5.
Gas tank is made of plastic?

 

[Mr Tidy]

I was thinking a full tank would reduce any build-up of condensation, but if it's plastic that's probably less of an issue!

 

[Chris_D]

Having a full tank during long periods of inactivity protects the fuel pump, float and level sender, which sit in the tank, from corroding/seizing.

 

[Martin Knud]

Having a full tank during long periods of inactivity protects the fuel pump, float and level sender, which sit in the tank, from corroding/seizing.

Thanks Did not know that .

 

[firebobby]

I've had 2 Stormforce covers on mine, both held moisture, and fell apart after a few years.
You are better off as your car is under cover.

 

[Martin Knud]

Put higher pressures in tyres, check antifreeze percentage and connect to a permanent battery conditioner/charger such as Noco or CTek etc. Start it and let it warm up every week or so with the a/c switched on to circulate the system

I can not start it up once a week. And why do you think that i have to?

 

[javis20]

I would suggest wheel flat stoppers.
https://www.amazon.com/flat-spot-stoppers-tires/s?k=flat+spot+stoppers+for+tires

If you charge the battery once a month you should be good.

 

[StanDiego]

I can not start it up once a week. And why do you think that i have to?

There's not a magic number but it is good to run it a bit every once in a while, maybe once or twice a month. I've seen several cases of myriad problems from low mileage vehicle purchases caused by prolonged periods of non-use. Seals can become brittle, corrosion can occur due to accumulation of moisture and lack of lubrication over long periods. These are problems that occur slowly over long periods of time with multiple periods of non-use. You may not see any issues over one winter but are likely to over multiple winters of storage. If possible, I'd even drive it at least once a month for 30 minutes so everything (engine, suspension, brakes) can get a bit of a workout, interior can get some fresh air, and you can burn off any accumulated moisture.

 

[karmatmason]

Hey Martin! I hope the question is relevant, or maybe my answer will help someone else. Charging the battery once a month is a good idea, but consider a smart charger like a Battery Tender or Noco Genius that will keep the battery charged without overcharging it. You could also put a fuel stabilizer like StaBil in the gas tank to prevent the gas from breaking down over time. If you're worried about rodents, you could put some mothballs or peppermint oil in the car to keep them away. Also, check the tire pressure periodically to prevent flat spots. Best of luck with your winter storage, and if you need a more secure storage option, there are some great storage units available in most areas.

 

[Martin Knud]

Hi, I charge the battery once a month with a Noco Genius G3500. I dont have any fuel stabilizer added, and i guess its a little too late now anyway. How fast will gas break down while sitting in the tank/engine doing nothing? I use Shell V Power, maybe its a bit more long lasting than average 95.

 

[deltasierra]

Mine lives in a car port and gets a half hour drive every couple of weeks keeping the rain off the soft top really helps

 

[Martin Knud]

As you can see on the posted picture mine is also parked in a carport from november to april-ish. I have no problem with the soft top, as it never gets wet. I wont drive it until they have stopped winter salting. Right now my daily Clio are covered in salt. Not going to happen with the Z4

 

[Martin Knud]

It survived!