winter

[Twan B.]

Hi!
Just a small question? If you are storing your Corvette for several months in the winter time, is it wise to start you engine and let it run for about 15 min.(no driving with it) once per month? What about the tires (pressure) put the car off the grond?
Let me know?
Twan
#44079

[Tom H.]

Re: winter

Hi !

I've had cars that I've stored for years and haven't started them on a regular basis. I do pump the tires up to the max pressure to help minimize the flat spots.

I don't think it hurts to start them up every now and then, but you need to be sure to get them up to full operating temp to make it worthwhile.

I think the biggest thing for preserving the cars is to keep the temperature warm and the humidity low in your storage area. Moisture is your enemy !

[Jack U.]

Re: winter

I need to start my '63 fuelie once a month and run the temperature up to 180 degrees per instructions from the restorer.

I also over inflate the tires by about 5 pounds. It's not so important on radials versus biased-ply tires.

I agree that moisture is the enemy. Get some Sta-dry packs and roll up the windows. You'd be surprised how many people don't feel that same way.

I don't need to start my 2001 over the winter. It's always started in the spring.

You should get a battery tender to keep the battery charged or disconnect the battery altogether.

[Michael W.]

Re: winter

Starting your engine 'just to let it run' is one of the worst things you can do for it. The majority of engine wear occurs during engine start and warm up.

The exhaust system will probably be exposed to condensation due to partial warm up, as will the transmission and everything else near the engine. The entire car will go through a heat/ cool cycle (ie condensation) if you pull it out of the garage.

No harm will come to it if you just leave it alone, contrary to popular myth.

[Tom H.]

Re: winter

Starting your engine 'just to let it run' is one of the worst things you can do for it. The majority of engine wear occurs during engine start and warm up.

The exhaust system will probably be exposed to condensation due to partial warm up, as will the transmission and everything else near the engine. The entire car will go through a heat/ cool cycle (ie condensation) if you pull it out of the garage.

No harm will come to it if you just leave it alone, contrary to popular myth.

Those are exactly my thoughts. I am also a huge fan of the battery tender / minders.