profi

Hello, I am planning not to drive my car during the harsh winter here and store it in my garage. Anyone with any experience, tips and advice to share will be very much appreciated!

Will617

Don't let it sit too long.Take it for a 15 min drive every 3 weeks or so weather permitting.

TEAShea

You might put in a fuel stabilizer treatment. Keep the tires fully pumped up.

RDOCA

Move South

cays

Use this:

http://www.goldeagle.com/product/sta...uel-stabilizer

And this:

http://www.goldeagle.com/product/sta...ent-stabilizer

Follow the instructions for each as if you were using them separately (which you are). Total cost about $12.

profi

Thanks guys!

wumpyr99

Perhaps you can try re-enabling transport mode to reduce battery drain. I see the procedure on youtube to disable it. I assume it's the same sequence to re-enable it?

cays

Or if OP doesn't have a float charger this is an unbeatable deal. I have two that are in constant use, one going on its eighth year of service.

profi

So much to learn! Thanks guys!

JPMBenz

I'm putting snows on my man.

profi

Is it advisable to cover the car for winter storage? If so what kind of cover??
Thanks!

profi

If I start the car once every now and then, say, once every fortnight and let idle for about 5 minutes do I stiil need to put in this addictive?
Thanks.

matt11212

You should use fuel stablizer if your going to let the car sit. Fuel can go bad, and since you won't be filling up with fresh fuel for the winter the stablizer will help.

looney100

Fill the tank with fuel to prevent condensation. A fuel stabilizer (first link) is a must if storing the car. The item in the second link seems like snake oil to me.

DO NOT start the car and let it idle. If you're not going to drive it, don't start it. Idling is always bad for engines. You'll warm the coolant up, but that provides no benefits.

profi

Thanks, guys for your recommendations. How much stabilizer should I be putting in? My fuel tank is at 3/4.

looney100

Read the instructions on the bottle. Most are sold to treat up to an 80L tank or so. But, please top off the tank before storing to minimize condensation.

TEAShea

Be sure that you drive the car for a few miles after you put in the fuel stabilize so it can get into all of the fuel system

The car cover should be breathable

profi

This ok?

looney100

It doesn't appear as if that has a maintenance mode. It only mentions a 4A slow charge. Even if it does, it's overkill.

I use a MotoMaster Eliminator Intelligent Battery Charger, 2A from Canadian Tire. Currently on sale for $30.

profi

Thanks man.

looney100

Good luck. Whatever you get, make sure it has a maintenance mode. You want the maintainer to cycle on & off - charging only when the battery needs it. The one you posted doesn't seem to indicate that.

profi

After checking the box and manual it does briefly mention it has maintenance mode though.

So is it advisable to use though it is 4A as stated? I had used it successfully for my John Deere mower but only when I was going to operate it again after the long winter.ie a few days before using again in the spring.

looney100

If it has a maintenance mode, you should be fine. No need buying something new if you already have a suitable option. It looks like you have the prior generation of this

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/mo...l#.Vlh2czZdHL8

I almost bought the current model, but decided I'd just go with the low-amp maintainer as I already have a separate charger.

I assume it has some sort of display/LED where you can confirm that it's entered maintenance mode?

profi

Yes I started using it and it seems OK. Started with 4A and now in trickle 0.6A mode. Thanks anyway.

profi

He has been(yes mine is a male)sleeping for a month now.