DeViLbOi

iTrader: (1)

You are supposed to start the car every couple weeks or take the battery out and store it in a warm place in the house. You are also supposed to put the car up on jack stands and store the tires inside to avoid flat spots and damage to the tire. (I have no idea what the damage could be btw) Another thing you are supposed to do is store with as little gas as possible. There is an DIY out there for winter storage that is really really nice.

docgatorx8er

iTrader: (10)

Here's a storage thread that contradicts what you just said. Go figure!!!!

https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...winter+storage

I'm storing in a buddy's garage, so much of this doesn't pertain. Apparently you should change oil before and after though.........

RK

iTrader: (1)

-It's better if you get a car charger that you can just hook up to the cars and let them keep a slow trickle of power to your battery. Keeps the battery charged at all times and is more effective though you still should start your car a couple times a month. If you don't go that route then unhook your battery. Our cars do a constant drain on the battery even when off. It does mean your cars will need to relearn in the spring but that shouldn't be a huge deal.

-When you start your car let it sit until it's fully warmed up and then MAKE SURE you rev the engine up to at least 5k before turning it off. This helps clear any excess gas in the spark plugs. I failed to do this the last two years and my car failed to start due to fouled plugs both years. This year, things are going to be different.

-Throw a sheet of bounce fabric softner in your car and replace it every month or two. Helps keep your car smelling normal and keeps it from attracting rodents.

-Use a car cover if you have one.

-It's not a terrible idea to take some steel wool and clog up your exhaust pipes. The exhaust pipes tend to be ideal entry points for critters who end up making a bed in your engine bay with your wires.

-Fill up your tank and add some gas stabilizer.

-You need to make sure your tires don't get any flat spots. Basically this means you need to move your car at least a quarter rotation every month or so. If you don't your car will have sat on one section of your tires for all year potentially warping it and raisiing the possibility of either uneven tire wear or worse a blow out.

-Write down everything you've done as a checklist. Tape that list to your steering wheel. Make sure you UNDUE everything before running your car. Starting a car with steel wool in the tailpipes is not healthy.

I'm sure I'm forgetting a lot so I'll add when I remember.

I haven't decided what I'm doing for the oil change but I'll probably leave mine, due for a change, and make the change in the spring.

RK

iTrader: (1)

You should only do that if you don't use stabilizer. If you do use the stabilizer it's better to keep it full. I forget why but it has to do with water vapor in a less-than-full tank and the long-term effect of that at freezing temps.

RK

iTrader: (1)

Hmmm.... I'm not sure about a few of the options and keep in mind those are all from 2005. There are definitely differences between storing our cars and a miata.

I think if you undid the battery and kept it charged you'd be OK with not starting the car so long as you made sure you redlined it right before parking it. You have to make sure that excess fuel/carbon build up is burned off. There might be a way to take out your spark plugs and clean them (Jon?) but otherwise I don't see a need to start your car for 3 months.

When you do start it make sure your battery is maxed out. Don't do what I did (and then my mom did) and let the car crank while flooding the starter.

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

I laughed reading this "winter storage" list because I do almost none of them... and my car sits outside for the winter too.

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

You can clean the plugs if you want.

1. Remove plugs (obviously)
2. Spray brake cleaner or contact cleaner onto the plugs
3. Use a wire brush to gently remove the dirt
4. Make sure to get around the tip and threads
5. Spray again to remove any loose particles
6. Best to check the gap
7. Reinstall the plugs

docgatorx8er

iTrader: (10)

Based on what I've read and what you guys have written, I have come to the conclusion that it really doesn't matter what you do with the car!

I do believe that you should do the oil change before storage though. The comment about built up acids (or other breakdown products) may be detrimental. Probably don't need to change again in the spring. I don't think that time will break the oil down.

We are only talking 4 months here. Not 2 years. Don't need gas stabilizer. But probably should store tank full.

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

I would agree with storing on a full tank, mainly because its not a bad idea to start the car every other week and let it run the fluids through.
Then make sure you don't leave the battery connected and store it in the house.

Jon316G

iTrader: (1)

I just saw that Harbor Freight's Black Friday ad scan has been posted:
http://bfads.net/Adscans

DeViLbOi

iTrader: (1)

Yea...I think you are right on the oil. If it is sitting it shouldn't break down. My understanding is that it requires pressure and heat to break down. It should be able to sit in the pan for a while...no different than sitting on a shelf really. And that stuff stays there for a long *** time.

I had read last year that you store the tank with as little gas as possible because it will settle and leave crap in the tank. *shrug* It is the reason for the stabilizer...but I would agree with your thoughts on it not being long enough to do *****.

Shinka_MJR

i'd put a bottle of the gas treatment stuff in your tank though before storage... the stuff that gets rid of water. your gas will separate from the water that's in it as well as condensation build up inside the tank. the treatment stuff (damned if i cant remember wth it's called... i know its something simple) should help with that though.

Vyndictive

iTrader: (28)

step 1. buy snow tires
step 2. install snow tires
step 3. buy de-icer for windshield washers
step 4. ensure you have a snow brush and scraper
step 5. ensure proper operation of seat warmers
step 6. make sure anti-freeze coolant mix will work at 20 below
step 7. Think about all weather floor mats, but decide to buy margaritas instead.

drive all winter. Feel stupid come spring when all your cars still look nice and mine has been consumed by road salt.

docgatorx8er

iTrader: (10)

You forgot step 8 - Drive into ditch (or median at your discretion) , get pulled out................

DeViLbOi

iTrader: (1)

The all weather floor mats are a must. God do I love those things.

Shinka_MJR

So i went to the Mazda dealership last night about my passenger headlight fogging up and getting condensation in it. Monday i am getting a brand new light for free due to warranty! Woohoo! You know that thing costs $1000! insane...

on a side note, i was sent this hilarious youtube video about ohioans that I CANT POST HERE because it has political commentary... but dammit it's funny!

docgatorx8er

iTrader: (10)

Religious comments will get you BANNED...........

Vyndictive

iTrader: (28)

You wouldn't be saying that if you saw the margaritas...


I've found that because of my particular driving style, the odds of me going into a ditch are roughly the same regardless of the weather conditions.

docgatorx8er

iTrader: (10)

Now THAT"S funny!

DeViLbOi

iTrader: (1)

Good thing you have friends like us to tell you about these warranty things.

Shinka_MJR

hell, i didnt even know it was getting condensation in it to begin with... It was you guys that pointed it out to me in the first place.

DeViLbOi

iTrader: (1)

Anyone other than Ryan going down to Nelson Ledges tomorrow or Saturday to ride around the track?

Shinka_MJR

hey can you guys do me a favor please and check out this page:

http://www.biotechmedicalllc.com/reservation

Fill out the first two lines of the form and submit it. Just put in the name box Test for Mat and email address can be something like yourscreenname@testformat.com. Use your screenname from here so i know i can see differetn results. I've tested it 'in house' and it works just fine but the group i made it for (not a computer savvy bunch) seem to think it doesnt work right since they aren't receiving any responses. I keep telling them it's because the email blast they they sent out with this link is most likely ending up in spam mail of the recipients but they dont believe me.

I'd appreciate it.

Shinka_MJR

got it RK, thanks!

Shinka_MJR

thanks Mach, Doc, DB

well, it seems that either the recipients' email spam filters are eating the reservations or people simply are bothering to fill it out... LOL, nothing i can do about that. just wanted to prove that my form was working. statistics are showing though that the reervation form has had 1100+ hits as of 6am this morning.