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    Tips for winter storage

    Well we got some snow here today in Michigan. No accumulation though. Any tips out there regarding winter storage appreciated. BTW, this will be my last winter here and I'll be in a California sometime next year. Thanks in advance..

    Re: Tips for winter storage

    The basic winter storage proceedure would include the following.
    1. Wash and wax the car if not already done.
    2. Change oil and filter.
    3. Completley fill gas tank to prevent condensation of moisture.
    4. Inflate tires to winter storage pressure. Consult tire manufacturer for proper pressure.
    5. Hook up Porsche battery maintainer.
    6. Cover vehicle with good weatherproof car cover.
    There are several additional items that can be done depending on whether or not you intend to start the vehicle periodically during storage.

    Re: Tips for winter storage

    Battery maintainer is the most important piece of advice.

    I do start the car once per month - keeps seals and other parts lubricated which prevents their corrosion over long winter months. Since I bother to start it, I also vary the throttle and let it get to operating temp, though this is not needed for lubrication. This is a little controversial, but my head Porsche mechanic recommends it.

    If you garage the car, there's no need for a cover.

    I would NOT apply the handbrake over the winter - park it level and leave it in gear or use stops on the wheels.

    I also roll the car once every 4-6 weeks to prevent flat spots on the tires.

    Re: Tips for winter storage

    Would you leave it in gear at least?

    Re: Tips for winter storage

    after washing make sure you give the car a good run to blow water out of all the drains and crevices.

    Re: Tips for winter storage

    Quote:
    atomic80 said:
    Would you leave it in gear at least?



    Quote:
    silver bullet said:
    park it level and leave it in gear


    Re: Tips for winter storage

    Thanks everyone for the replies. I'll probably square things away later this month. Thanks again. If anyone has anything else to add, then please post..

    Re: Tips for winter storage

    I put gas stabilizer in when filling the tank.

    Re: Tips for winter storage

    NO NO you have it all wrong. Get a different set of rims with Porsche apporved snow tires and drive that car. This is a sports car that can handle the weather. ENJOY IT!

    Re: Tips for winter storage

    I appreciate the post Stork. I would do exactly as you say, but I have another vehicle that has about 8,000 more lease miles to be used up by next spring when the lease expires. Plus I'm moving to sunny California next year. My only vehicle will then be my 997C2.

    Re: Tips for winter storage

    I agree. I would move to California; save the Porsche for there. Most important get out Michigan....GO BUCKS!!!!

    Re: Tips for winter storage

    Quote:
    stork said:
    I agree. I would move to California; save the Porsche for there. Most important get out Michigan....GO BUCKS!!!!


    Wait a minute! You mean...GO BLUE!!!

    Re: Tips for winter storage

    I do not drive my 911 during the winter months. The snow is not the issue, the salt, sand and the other drivers are. Driving in the winter is driving the car in a wet salty slush that corrodes the drive train worse than 10 years of normal driving. Then there is the sand, working its way into moving parts acting like sand paper, causing wear to everything that moves. Even if I could justify the cost of the extra maintenance that winter driving means to this car, what is the point of driving a real sports car in conditions that require that I drive the car judiciously. At least for this driver, driving a sports car is all about driving on twisty roads faster and smoother than the rest of cars on the road. Accelerating, braking and turning with precision and at the limits of the car and tires. In the context of winter conditions the 911 is just not going to be used like I want to use it. Winter driving is about driving slowly, carefully and always looking out for the other guy. So I store the car for the winter and wait for the first spring day.



    My ritual is like others on this board.
    1) Wash and wax car. Clean interior. Clean rims and tires. Remove CD from radio.
    2) Drive car hard making sure brakes become nice and hot to get rid of any moisture.
    3) Wipe down rims to get rid of the rusty crud.
    4) Fill tank with best fuel available.
    5) Change oil and filter.
    6) Fill the tires to ~55psi.
    7) Plug in battery charger.
    8) Put car in gear. Leave handbrake off.
    9) Cover car with breathable cover (keeps dust off).
    10) Once every month, roll car 2 or 3 feet.
    11) Wait for spring!

    Don't forget about mildew!

    I'd say this is also a most important item.

    Get one of those household lamp timers that has "infinite" settings (i.e. about 48 tabs sticking out of it)

    Get a SMALL desk fan (110V)

    Set the timer to make the fan go off once an hour and blow air around the cabin. I'd say facing forward in middle of the back seat "shelf" would be a good place. Use a book or something to get it exactly centered over the crack

    This will prevent the formation (and SMELL) of mildew.

    Mildew will not grow unless moist air is perfectly still.

    Re: Tips for winter storage

    Quote:
    TheOldMan said:
    I do not drive my 911 during the winter months. The snow is not the issue, the salt, sand and the other drivers are. Driving in the winter is driving the car in a wet salty slush that corrodes the drive train worse than 10 years of normal driving. Then there is the sand, working its way into moving parts acting like sand paper, causing wear to everything that moves. Even if I could justify the cost of the extra maintenance that winter driving means to this car, what is the point of driving a real sports car in conditions that require that I drive the car judiciously. At least for this driver, driving a sports car is all about driving on twisty roads faster and smoother than the rest of cars on the road. Accelerating, braking and turning with precision and at the limits of the car and tires. In the context of winter conditions the 911 is just not going to be used like I want to use it. Winter driving is about driving slowly, carefully and always looking out for the other guy. So I store the car for the winter and wait for the first spring day.



    I completely agree. It's not a matter of not being able to drive the car in the winter. It's a matter of taking good care of the car, and recognizing that winter is a time where (most days at least) there is no place for a sportscar.

     
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