Winter Fuel Additive for Car in Storage?

[Martin N.]

What's the general feeling about fuel additives, if any for winter storage in Northern Illinois? My 74 will be in a heated garage, temp. usually keep right around 63-65 degrees. I will be doing some engine compartment and dash work so the car will not be started and ran for a few months.

Marty

[Michael W.]

Re: Winter Fuel Additive for Car in Storage?

Unnecessary for typical N.American winters. Even the oil companies state that gas is good for a year.

[Duke W.]

Re: Winter Fuel Additive for Car in Storage?

I've been storing cars for 6-12 months in mild to hot weather (So. Cal.) for over ten years, have never used a "fuel stabilizer" additive, and have never had any fuel system problems on these cars.

The lower the storage temperature, the slower the fuel "ages", so winter storage represents the most benign gasoline storage conditions.

Make sure to fill the fuel tank and change the oil just prior to storage and air the tires up to the maximum cold pressure placarded on the sidewall or at least 35 psi.

Duke

[Hugh A.]

Re: Winter Fuel Additive for Car in Storage?

A few years ago, in Canada, I had my snow blower rendered useless after being stored for the summer with fuel in the tank.

After that, I don't take the risk with my cars - I figure a few bucks for fuel stabilizer to have piece of mind is worth it.

Like Duke, I fill the tank up to the top to minimize risk of condensation.

[John D.]

Re: Winter Fuel Additive for Car in Storage?

Martin, It depends on the quality of the gas you are buying. As Duke as others said typically it will last a year.
But on the other hand I have seen it go bad a lot faster for sure. I will never forget the problem I had with my vendor trailer generator. I filled it up at Fall Carlisle with a cheap grade of gas. Then by the time I went to Knoxville in March the generator wouldn't start. The fuel reeked of varnish.
Well that never happened again.
I now use 100LL in my generator and my 63 the LWC and no more fuel problems. I don't run either that much so now I don't even worry about it.
Others may disagree but I am too old to change my ways now.