Winterization

[nubuilder]

For those of us that live in a climate where snow falls, salt is the enemy. Some, such as myself, choose to park their "good" vehicle and drive a "winter beater" or "a beater with a heater".

I'd like this to be a thread for tips/tricks/ideas/pointers in regards to winterizing a vehicle for storage, both indoors and out.

Here's a thread Dave wrote up for Heavy Duty Diesels.


I'll start it off with a boat-load of questions.

1) Full tank of gas or not?
2) Use Sta-Bil? If so, should it be thoroughly burned through the system?
3) Covers - are they a good or bad idea to use?
4) I was told by a friend that I should park my truck on a tarp to keep moisture from being trapped under the truck (and therefor causing the underside to rust just from sitting). Is this a good idea or not?
5) Should the engine be fogged? We fog our boat every year, but that has a carb and no emissions equipment (cats nor O2 sensors).
6) Put the vehicle on jack stands / blocks?
7) Leave battery in vehicle or not?
8) Is a battery tender device worth it?

If I missed anything or you guys know of anything that should be done or not be done, PLEASE post your thoughts!!

 

[Zembonez]

Winterization here means closing the garage door. It might hit 45 degrees one night! BRRRRR!

 

[nubuilder]

Winterization here means closing the garage door. It might hit 45 degrees one night! BRRRRR!

That's no-jacket weather here! You can always tell who isn't from the north....they're wearing a parka when it hits 40.

 

[OPGMC]

I'd say full tank of gas with a Sta-bil type product. Remove battery or just leave it in and disconnect it. The tarp thing sounds unnessacary because a cement driveway is built with watershed and drainage in mind, and water catching in pools because of tarp folds would be counter productive.

 

[64shortbed]

my winter check list is

1. check antifreeze
2. make sure tires are good
3. make sure heater works
4. and drive (change oil as needed!)



oh and jim!! 45 degrees i wish it was only that cold here in the winter!!

 

[nubuilder]

I'd say full tank of gas with a Sta-bil type product. Remove battery or just leave it in and disconnect it. The tarp thing sounds unnessacary because a cement driveway is built with watershed and drainage in mind, and water catching in pools because of tarp folds would be counter productive.

I'm actually going to be storing inside (at least for this year). So being inside, there will be no air-flow. I think the idea was to keep moisture from coming up through concrete/asphalt from being trapped underneath, not snow/rain water.

my winter check list is

1. check antifreeze
2. make sure tires are good
3. make sure heater works
4. and drive (change oil as needed!)



SMART ASS!

oh and jim!! 45 degrees i wish it was only that cold here in the winter!!

 

[64shortbed]

I'd say full tank of gas with a Sta-bil type product. Remove battery or just leave it in and disconnect it. The tarp thing sounds unnessacary because a cement driveway is built with watershed and drainage in mind, and water catching in pools because of tarp folds would be counter productive.

I'm actually going to be storing inside (at least for this year). So being inside, there will be no air-flow. I think the idea was to keep moisture from coming up through concrete/asphalt from being trapped underneath, not snow/rain water.

my winter check list is

1. check antifreeze
2. make sure tires are good
3. make sure heater works
4. and drive (change oil as needed!)



SMART ASS!

oh and jim!! 45 degrees i wish it was only that cold here in the winter!!

i dont park nothin!!!! i bought it to drive??

 

[OPGMC]

I'd say full tank of gas with a Sta-bil type product. Remove battery or just leave it in and disconnect it. The tarp thing sounds unnessacary because a cement driveway is built with watershed and drainage in mind, and water catching in pools because of tarp folds would be counter productive.

I'm actually going to be storing inside (at least for this year). So being inside, there will be no air-flow. I think the idea was to keep moisture from coming up through concrete/asphalt from being trapped underneath, not snow/rain water.

Ah, I misinterpreted the tarp idea. I still wouldn't do it, would the water come up through the concrete if not drawn out by evaporation?

 

[Cashezo]

my winter check list is

1. check antifreeze
2. make sure tires are good
3. make sure heater works
4. and drive (change oil as needed!)



oh and jim!! 45 degrees i wish it was only that cold here in the winter!!

Here's mine:

- Take the 24s off (Escalade)
- Take the 22s off (SRT8)

 

[Cashezo]

For those of us that live in a climate where snow falls, salt is the enemy. Some, such as myself, choose to park their "good" vehicle and drive a "winter beater" or "a beater with a heater".

I'd like this to be a thread for tips/tricks/ideas/pointers in regards to winterizing a vehicle for storage, both indoors and out.

Here's a thread Dave wrote up for Heavy Duty Diesels.


I'll start it off with a boat-load of questions.

1) Full tank of gas or not?
2) Use Sta-Bil? If so, should it be thoroughly burned through the system?
3) Covers - are they a good or bad idea to use?
4) I was told by a friend that I should park my truck on a tarp to keep moisture from being trapped under the truck (and therefor causing the underside to rust just from sitting). Is this a good idea or not?
5) Should the engine be fogged? We fog our boat every year, but that has a carb and no emissions equipment (cats nor O2 sensors).
6) Put the vehicle on jack stands / blocks?
7) Leave battery in vehicle or not?
8) Is a battery tender device worth it?

If I missed anything or you guys know of anything that should be done or not be done, PLEASE post your thoughts!!

What about cleaning the exterior/interior?