prep for winter lay up

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by CompFi

I dont mean to be a downer here, but despite the recent warm weather, winter isnt too far away.

So, I was wondering what tips and tricks that folks here have to prepare their cars for the long winter months between a late Fall drive and an early Spring drive.

I have an old boat that I store outside for the winter in Vermont. And winterizing that engine includes things like topping off with ethanol free gas to avoid condensation in the tank, draining all water from the cooling system etc.

While I expect no one stores their Cobra outside for the New England winter, wondering what has become Best Practice over the years. Also, how do you avoid flat spots in your tires?

How else do you prep your car for the winter?

Thanks!

Disclaimer: This worked in the northeast (various unheated garages in NJ/PA for 30+ years without an issue). I got the idea from a few people in VT,Maine, CT, Illinois, Utah and a host of other areas of the country, seems to work for them as well, long and short term.

Simple solutions I used to use for my concours trailered show car(s):

For garage space prep
1: 10X20 HD plastic tarp
2: 2-4X8 sheets of 1/2" plywood
3: 4 scrap pieces of carpet
4: Decent (soft) car cover

Place tarp on floor to prevent ground moisture from wicking up from the concrete/dirt floor. Place 2 sheets of plywood on top of the tarp, scrap carpet where the tires will be. Do your maintenance on the car (ask if you are not certain), park it on the prepped storage spot, remove or disconnect the battery (a quality trickle charger will do if you do not want to remove the battery from the car). Throw the cover on (after cleaning the car), and forget about it until spring.

As for drivetrain, fuel stabilizer run through the system, over inflating your tires by 5-10lbs (cold), topping off fuel tank, cover like stated above, and be done with it.

Yes, it is that simple.


Bill S.