This is the first winter that I have my S2k and am just keeping it in my garage, covered of course. I did not drain any fluids or do anything other than wax and clean very thoroughly, I also changed the oil just prior to covering it up. I'm starting it up and letting it run for a while once every other week. Is this going to be a problem in the future? Can someone help me out. I'm trying to keep it in running condition throughout the winter so when the nice weather roles around I'm all ready to go. What do you other cold climate guys do????


2001 Siverstone/red
Going to get red calipers when the spring roles around

 

I am doing the exact same thing you are doing....I dont think its a problem starting up the S2k once in a while.....I believe the exhaust system is stainless steel so any moisture that collects in the system wont cause corrosion. Most importanty keep the car on the ground and roll it forward and back if possible.

Peace

 

I'm with you guys!!!! I start mine and even take it out around my development on nice days. It is the second winter for the White S2k but the first for the Silver one. I try to start at least once per week.

Barry

 

Just parked mine for the winter with 60 miles on it. Dealer just got the spoiler in so they know they won't see the car till the spring. I put leather conditioner on the seats and a good wax. Inflate the tires to 42 psi so the do not flat spot as easy and since they will loose air from sitting. I will start and move it once a month. Plus get a basic car cover if stored indoors. I got one that breathes and is very soft for $40 bucks. You do not need to spend a lot of cash on an indoor cover.

 

I've been storing my toys during the winter months for all too many years. There is much written on this subject if you want to spend some time searching.

- Oil change before it goes to storage only if the mileage indicates it is ready for a change or you plan to do a change first thing in the spring.
- Be sure to keep the windows down to prevent condensation and moisture from collecting inside the car.
- Make sure the gas tank is filled so the air space is reduced so less condensation can build up in there.
- Top off all fluids under the hood.
- Check quality of anti-freeze to make sure it is strong enough to endure your cold.
- If you are going to start it once a month that is fine. Do it on the warmest day possible and really let it run a while to get good and warm. For years I have just taken the battery out and left the car untouched for 4 months straight without any gas stabilizer - no problem!
- Do what ever you need to do to make sure there are no mice in the storage area, even if it is the garage in your home, take the precaution to put down some traps with peanut butter or set out some poison traps.
- Completely clean out the interior making sure there are no candy or food wrappers or anything that might attract little creatures.
- Removal of the battery is optional, depends on how long you plan to leave it alone. If you are going to start it once a month that will be too much of a hassle. I take my battery out, fill it with distilled water and put it on a trickle charger each weekend in the warmth of my house, but I don't start my car for 4 or 5 months straight.
- As long as the tires are pumped up to 45psi or something close to that there is no need to put the car up on jack stands. All of this is to prevent the tires from flat spotting.

Good luck! The withdrawal symptoms can be hell.

 

All of the responses to your request I've read so far offer great advice. I would also recommend talking to anyone who is a marine mechanic or reading any of the manuals about storing boats for the winter. Marine folks have been storing their engines and craft for far longer than the car folks have and their manuals contain some great suggestions.

I wouldn't recommend starting the car any more often than you need for actual driving. My concern is that unless you run the car long enough, condensation gets into the crankcase and elsewhere. Also, you'll have combustion by-products in the oil which are relatively harmful to internal engine surfaces. That's one of the reasons that it is advised that oil be changed before storage. A fuel stabilizer would be helpful but probably only if you're storing for more than a few months. E-mail the gasoline company and they'll tell you (I hope).

As for moving the car, some folks think that this avoids flat spotting the tires, but it's my understanding that this isn't necessary with modern tires (i.e., radials as opposed to bias ply). The tires may, indeed, have a flat spot on them after sitting, but after driving a short distance it'll be gone.

 

Here is another question touched on in this thread:

Do you start your car every month or leave it alone until you are ready to take it out of storage?

I am kind of with Triple H and Testut on this, leave it alone until out of storage. I think that everytime you start your engine you do a little damage because all the oil is in the pan, especially when its been sitting for a month. So why start it 3 or 4 times and do 3 or 4 times the damage?

Anyone here that can clear this question up?

 

I think part of the reason I take out my battery is so I don't get tempted to start the car. I just don't think starting it and letting it run a while and then putting it away does any good. IMHO

One thing is for sure, I never start the motorcycle up during the winter and that goes about 5 or 6 months in storage and I do put fuel stabilizer in the Nighthawk's tank. And so you know, this is an '85 650 Nighthawk that spends most of its time between 7,000 and 11,000 RPMs. It has 48,950 miles on it and it runs/screams just like new.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by matrix
[B]Here is another question touched on in this thread:

Do you start your car every month or leave it alone until you are ready to take it out of storage?

I am kind of with Triple H and Testut on this, leave it alone until out of storage.

 

I been putting together a check list as I think of things or read something new. Here's my current list:

S2000 WINTER STORAGE CHECK LIST

Ask a dozen different owners how to store a car and you