Winter Storage Advice
 

I will be storing my S4 for the winter....does anyone have any tips or advice for winter storage...any help will be appreciated!!

Re: Winter Storage Advice
 

Although I have never stored a car for the winter I can tell you some of the things I have heard from others.

Make sure your gas tank is full. This prevents condensation build up.
Place a trickle charge device on your battery.
Have some means of preventing mice from making your car a home.
In the spring do a fresh oil change and use a fuel conditioner.
If possible start your car and let it completely warm up once in a while during the winter.

Others might add to this list. Good luck!! Wish I was in a position to do the same.

Re: Winter Storage Advice
 

Thanks for the great info.

Re: Winter Storage Advice
 

Why would you store a S4 as it is perfect for winter driving? You just need a set of good winter tires. Being able to enjoy it year round is the main reason I bought mine.

If you really want to store your car, here's are the typical steps:

1. Change the oil and filter before storing the car as dirty oil is corrosive.
2. Add fuel stabilizer to fuel tank, drive the car a bit to get it well mix with fuel and into the system.
3. Wash and wax car. Condition rubber seals and leather interior.
4. Clean the wheels as brake dust is corrosive as well.
5. Over-inflate the tires by a few lbs to prevent flat spots. Check your manual for max. pressure.
6. Park the car on level ground. Do not engage parking brake or rely on the transmission to hold car in position.
7. Do not use stands to elevate car off ground.
8. If store in unheated space, disconnect and remove battery. Keep battery indoor in a cool and dry place. Use trickle charger to top up battery.
9. If store in heated space, either disconnect battery or attach trickle charger.
10. Cover intake and exhaust pipe with cotton rag to prevent moisture or pest getting inside the engine (REMEMBER to remove them before starting car)
11. Put moisture absorbent inside cabin if garage is wet.
12. Put a good quality car cover on the car to keep dust off.
13. Wait for spring to come...

There is no need to start car periodically. You don't want to crank a cold engine often anyway. However, you may want to roll the car a little (in neutral) from time to time to avoid flat spots on tires.

Are you sure you still want to store your car? :-P

There are more info on storing cars on Rennlist or Renntech forums for Porsche. Go check it out if you want.

Re: Winter Storage Advice
 

Thank you!! Im lucky enough to drive an Suv all year round....so my
S4 is my summer toy....thanks again :)

Re: Winter Storage Advice
 

FYI, you are best off getting a battery tender and then leave the thing plugged in and attached the entire time (which shouldn't be done with a trickle charger). I do this for my Nautique and Miata ...

Re: Winter Storage Advice
 

If you wash your car before storing, dry the brake areas and put a light coating of vaseline on the entire brake disc area to avoid rust build up. At the very least drive the car for a short distance after the wash (before storing) to make sure there is no moisture between the pads and discs.

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Re: Winter Storage Advice
 

Thanks for useful information.....great site!