Winter storage

[EuroJunk]

Hey guys,

Due to multiple reasons, I have to store my s4 for about 4 months and I need your help to get my car ready.

Ive read multiple topics on the internet and everyone seems to say different things.

I know the classics:

- unplug battery
- put on Jack stands
- put a car cover

What about the fuel and other fluids?

Anything else I should consider?

Thanks for your help!

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[jygesq]

Marine stabil should be added to fuel tank to keep gas fresh.

[richardm0025]

I just plug my battery to my charger and forget about it. To me, four months isn't long for a modern day car to sit.


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[rpalmer]

Stabil and top off the tank.

Air the tires up an extra 5-6 pounds.

-RP

[MUM3]

I parked my M3 every winter for the past 8 years. I bought some tire saver ramps, made sure the tank was full with Stabil added, and walked away. I probably should have disconnected the battery, but didn't mess with it. The storage shed didn't have power so there was nothing to plug a trickle into. She always fired up at the end of the winter, and if there was a nice day before spring, I could pull her out and go for a ride.

[EuroJunk]

Awesome thanks for the advices guys!

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[Johnnycash]

i do not do full tanks of gas in my stored vehicles, and or toys.

reason being: I still put stabil/seafoam in but when you do finally need to drive or use whatever you are storing you are better off at that point putting fresh gas from a pump into the tank instead of having a full tank of old gas. just my 2 pennies

but ive never had any issues at all, with 1/4-1/2 tank of gas with additives and then topping off with freshies...

[Johnnycash]

oh and one more thing: i put stabil/seafoam in and then drive and idle for a bit to get it moving through the lines/pump etc.

all anecdotal stuff, but i find something works i stick to it!

[timzcat]

I seen no point in stabilizing fuel. I have stored fuel in a non-temperature controlled shed for over 6 month through a northeast winter and have never had it go bad. I believe modern fuel is less likely to go bad, especially when stored to not be overly exposed to air like old open container style gas cans. Modern fuel systems may not gas out and therefore the unused space in the tank will be gas which effectively prevents spoilage from air exposure.

[USAF_Danny]

Here's what I'll tell you since I was in the same boat as you. Except, my car is put away during the winter (South Dakota) because that's where I'm stationed and I'm currently deployed. The car is going to be sitting for about 7-ish months.
All of this was done because I don't trust anyone to take the car out and drive it once a week. Especially since I'm not stationed back in California where I can have a family member drive it every once in a while. I put the car away for storage and did all of this because I knew that once the car was parked, the next time it would drive is when I get back.

1. Top off your tank. You don't want your tank to be half filled and have condensation build up because of the moisture and humidity. I had a lot of trouble finding out the right answer, but this is what I came down to.

2. Change your oil. Granted, four months isn't a very long time, but you don't want to have old oil sitting around in the car. Especially if you're not running it. Just change it a week in advance or so and you'll be fine.

3. Battery Tender. This will help keep your battery fresh and charged. You can hook it up to the car, or disconnect the battery and place it somewhere safe too. Definitely would recommend.

4. Tire Ramps. I think the set I got are called FlatStoppers on amazon. They help prevent flat spots if the car isn't moving around. Just overfill the tires by a few PSI and you'll be okay. Also would recommend.

5. Fuel Stabilizer. Entirely up to you, but I'm stationed in a cold area, the stabilizer will help.

6. Detail. You definitely want to do this. Especially if you're planning on putting a car cover on. Car covers do more damage than good if your car isn't clean. After you completely clean the car, throw some dryer sheets on the inside of the vehicle, it'll help keep rats and other insects out. Maybe get a mint scent air freshener too. Put socks or rags in the mufflers, you don't want something living in there for warmth. Same goes for an intake if you have an after market intake.

I'm thinking you're putting the car away in a garage? I did leave some mouse traps laying around under the car, and moth balls in the corners of the garage. It'll smell, but it'll help.

I don't think I'm missing anything, but if I am, someone please chime in. Hopefully this helps you out!

On a side note, I did change out my coolant, you don't have to, but I said why not since everything else was changed lol.

EDIT: DO NOT leave your car on jack stands. Yeah back in the day people used to do it all the time because they didn't want flat spots on their tires, but we have the technology and equipment today to prevent that. You don't want to leave your suspension unloaded and not in the neutral position for 4 months. You'll come back to other issues you wish you didn't have.

[EuroJunk]

I changed the oil 2000 miles ago and the car will be stored in a tempered area (old factory reorganized to a car storage) I think I have all I need at this point.

Thanks everyone and @USAF_Danny be safe and thank you for your service!

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