Winter Storage

[NastyStrontium]

I'm thinking about renting a storage locker for my Grand National for the winter. I tried to store it in my parent's heated garage for the winter, but they are using it. Does the locker need to be heated? I got a price of $160 a month for unheated and $230 a month for heated. Ideally, I would just get the heated one, but I'm still in university and the money thing is kind of tight. So, basically, should I find heated storage? What are the downsides to unheated storage? Also, I live in Canada, so it gets pretty cold here in the winter.

 

[trip]

No need to climate control the car unless its super low mileage and worth 50gs

Add some fuel stabilizer, take out the battery, put the car up on jack stands to avoid flat spots, and put a rug underneath the car to keep the moisture from the concrete from sitting under the car. And place a few fabric softner sheets around the tires to keep the mice out. Cover up with a nice cover and tell the car see you in the spring.

I live in Windsor, did this for a few winters until the wife let me get a heater for the garage.

 

[1quick6]

I have listed my recipe below. It might not cover everything you need to do and some guys certainly do more than this, but this recipe has served me well and my cars have thanked me by being ready to go when spring fever hits. I wouldn't worry about climate control. Yeah, it's nice if available, but...

1. Wash and detail the car making sure to get every bit of dirt off of the paint and undercarriage if possible. Months of storage will cause the dirt to absorb moisture and corrode metal. Basically, prepare the car as if you were going to a car show.
2. Clean up the interior of the car making sure to vacuum and dust everything. Lubricate the door/window seals with silicone.
3. Fill up the gas tank. It will prevent oxidation and displace any water. Add fuel system stabilizer and drive the car around for a few miles to ensure the stabilizer is mixed and dispersed throughout the fuel system.
4. Change the oil and filter, preferably at the storage facility. Oil starts accumulating moisture as soon as your new oil begins to circulate, so you want to eliminate this possibility.
5. Lay down a plastic vapor barrier in your storage facility. Concrete can transfer moisture to your car, so buy a sheet a little bigger than your car and drive right onto it. Don't set your parking brake! This could cause your rear brakes to fuse.
6. Place a desiccant silica pack in the interior and in the trunk. I have used DampRid, available at Home Depot. This will absorb moisture and smells, preventing mold in the process.
7. I do not put my car on jack stands. It is a hassle and I don't think it is worth it for the five months it will sit. I have never had any adverse effects.
8. Put steel wool or tennis/racquet balls in the tailpipes to prevent rodents from making it a home. You can also throw moth balls in panty hose and put it under the hood.
9. Remove the battery and take it home.
10. Cover the car with a quality car cover and say goodbye for the winter. I never start mine during storage time ... I just let it sit. Starting it does more harm than good in my opinion.