Winter outside storage - how do you do it?

I have a car i want to store under a carport for the winter months? Any suggestions on how to prepare the car? Do you like the storage bags? Thanks

Change oil and filter, charge the battery, put some fabric softener sheets in to detere critters and park it till spring.

Run the tank down to less than 1/4 or totally empty if possible. Make sure the coolant is either fresh and properly mixed, or drain the block completely (means removing the pipe plugs down by the core plugs and if needed using a screwdriver to punch thru the sand at the bottom to allow for the coolant to completely drain). I buy a fresh box of dry sheets and spread them liberally thru the whole car including trunk, under front seats, in cowl, under hood, int he air ceaner... Unhook and remove the battery, and that's it. Ignore it until it's nice out again.

I have left my 73 outside for over 23 years I lay down a good tarp or plastic sheet, install a good car cover that is not plastic or vinyl. I fill the tank to the top and add staybil and if you don't run the car I do during the winter put a battery minder on it Sears had a good one on sale for $20. Leaving the tank empty promotes corrosion same with the block anti freeze it up and disconnect the battery if not using a tender or it will be dead if it goes below 0 and you have a constant draw. Also not driving it promotes flat spotted tires Decent day run it around the block if you can do it

that stuff sounds good. i'd also add enough "Stabil" to the gas tank, as recommended on the bottle, and run it long enough to make it up to the carb. if you have four jackstands, i might also raise the vehicle slightly, to take some weight off the tires and springs, to keep from making flat spots, in the tire belts. some guys like to wash, and dry the car too, and put on a decent coat of wax, but not buff it off, before storing as well. depends on how you feel about waxing your car. those dryer sheets are excellent advice, and a large canister of desiccant, laid on the floor, will keep any mildew from growing. you might find it at a marine store, or possibly a big box home repair store. dont put plastic or tarps on top of the car, they hold moisture, promote rust and wear away the paint.

I put a good cover on the car and then cover the roof with a tarp, because of the sunroof. It's usually kept inside though.

all sounds like good stuff, i will add the following...tarp over the car cover and on the first dry day after a rain or if u see it damp..remove the tarp and car cover and let the car breathe..also i ran the car every month while out there...

I live in California, why would I need to do anything....

I wouldn't start at all until spring unless it is run long enough to get completely warmed up and long enough to evaporated all condensation out of the system. Equivalent to at least a 10 mile drive. Other wise you are doing more harm than good.

..why change the oil and filter?
would it be better to wait until spring or am i missing something...?

Get any built up accumulation of acids out of the engine before letting it sit. That is why I like to change in the fall.

Mine stays outside year round. $50 Soft cover and a $50 waterproof cover over it.

Quote:

---

I live in California, why would I need to do anything....

---