WHAT IS THE PROPER WAY TO STORE YOUR VEHICLE? | FerrariChat
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WHAT IS THE PROPER WAY TO STORE YOUR VEHICLE?

Discussion in 'Technical Q&A' started by NOWANNABE65, Dec 9, 2007.

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  1. NOWANNABE65

    NOWANNABE65 Formula Junior

    Nov 22, 2007
    773
    Midwest, U.S.A.
    Full Name:
    GLC
    #1 NOWANNABE65, Dec 9, 2007
    I have over a dozen exotic cars. I always get different answers when I ask an auto professional what is the proper way to store a vehicle. Some tell me to turn the ignition and let each car run for ten minutes every other week. Others tell me to disconnect the battery and not to bother starting the car. A Ferrari tech told me to just install a battery maintainer and I will be set for the season. I was also advised by some to fill the tank while others told me to drain the tank and take out the spark plugs. Some Ferrari gurus told me to over inflate the tires while others told me to have the car on jacks. After listening to all of these Ferrari Gurus, I am more lost now than when I first started to ask for advise. I have never ever had such contradicting feedback on a simple question from so many different professionals. I am really a mega idiot when it comes to mechanicals. I do not know how to change oil on any vehicle nor did I ever try to learn. If I can get a feedback on the best way to store a vehicle, I would greatly appreciate it. I met some great people on F-Chat and have a great deal of respect to all of you. Thanks again, and looking forward to your response.

    Gustan
    [email protected]
     
  2. KKRace

    KKRace Formula 3

    Aug 6, 2007
    1,052
    Rockville/Olney MD
    Full Name:
    Kevin
    #2 KKRace, Dec 9, 2007
  3. NOWANNABE65

    NOWANNABE65 Formula Junior

    Nov 22, 2007
    773
    Midwest, U.S.A.
    Full Name:
    GLC
    #3 NOWANNABE65, Dec 9, 2007
    I owe you a drink (many drinks). Thanks for the thread. It is pretty self explanatory and seems like common sense. I really appreciate it, Kevin. You are a good man. Lets keep in touch.

    Gustan L Cho
    [email protected]
    847-774-8246
     
  4. pyroguy

    pyroguy Formula Junior
    Owner

    Dec 20, 2006
    669
    Minnesota
    Full Name:
    Steve
    #4 pyroguy, Dec 10, 2007
    I'm in the same boat as you although I do some wrenching, etc. when I have the time. Just got my Ferrari last Monday just in time for the snow in Minnesota. I had a battery tender installed and I will be putting "Stabil" gas stabilizer in the fuel tank. My intention is to take it out when I can for a 20-30 min drives when the roads are clean. I'm storing in a heated garage (50F) with a car cover.
    Also using standard mouse traps. My Corvette friends swear by putting dryer sheets in the vehicle to "ward off" rodents. I wouldn't bet on that being very effective though. I'm a science guy and I've yet to see studies on mice being repelled by "bounce" dryer sheets.
     
  5. parkerfe

    parkerfe F1 World Champ

    Sep 4, 2001
    12,887
    Cumming, Georgia
    Full Name:
    Franklin E. Parker
    #5 parkerfe, Dec 10, 2007
    Drive them...don't store them...
     
  6. Ken

    Ken F1 World Champ

    Oct 19, 2001
    16,078
    Arlington Heights IL
    Full Name:
    Kenneth
    #6 Ken, Dec 10, 2007
    I do that with my Lotus. With recent ice/snow storms it's safe in the garage for the moment but when the streets dry out I'll drive it. I usually get out at least twice a month in the winter which is plenty, as long as I get everything up to temperature.

    If I had several exotics it wouldn't be so easy though!!

    Ken
     
  7. jfor

    jfor Rookie

    Nov 23, 2007
    26
    #7 jfor, Dec 10, 2007
    over a dozen exotics? your my hero.will you adopt me?
     
  8. Darolls

    Darolls F1 Veteran
    BANNED

    Jul 2, 2003
    7,782
    Full Name:
    Sparky
    #8 Darolls, Dec 10, 2007
    Why don't you all just do a search; there are many threads concerning this subject!!!

    Sheesh, most of you consider a few months 'STORAGE'; it isn't! You're all for overkill.........do you worry about your Camry or Lexus when it isn't driven for a few weeks or months?

    C'mon, storage is not considered long-term, because you don't drive the car for a few months out of the year. Me thinks many of you are just paranoid. :D

    Again, look at previous posts concerning the subject. Fill the tank, use a battery maintainer and let the car hibernate for the winter. Starting it, using Stabil and over inflating the tyres is all unnecessary.

    Now, get back to living, and stop worrying. You all sound like a bunch of tottering old ladies. ;)
     
  9. Artvonne

    Artvonne F1 Veteran

    Oct 29, 2004
    5,379
    NWA
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    Paul
    #9 Artvonne, Dec 11, 2007
    The best way to store cars over the winter is to put them up on jacks and take them apart. Works every time. :)
     
  10. Glassman

    Glassman F1 World Champ
    Rossa Subscribed

    Apr 23, 2002
    15,247
    Montana, Oregon, Hawaii
    #10 Glassman, Dec 11, 2007
    Personally I would think that a guy with over 12 exotic cars would have some idea how to care for them by now.
     
  11. notoboy

    notoboy F1 Rookie

    Jul 8, 2003
    2,531
    NYC
    Full Name:
    David
    #11 notoboy, Dec 11, 2007
    I have tried many of the tips that are listed in this and the other threads, but the one thing I always do after not driving the car for over a month is to remove the fuel pump fuse and turn over the engine 10-20 times to lubricate it prior to replacing the fuse and starting the engine.

    I've been told that there is a lot of engine wear due to starting an engine when it is not lubricated enough.
     
  12. Verell

    Verell F1 Veteran
    Consultant Owner

    May 5, 2001
    7,022
    Groton, MA
    Full Name:
    Verell Boaen
    #12 Verell, Dec 11, 2007
    If you thought our pros had opinion differences, As you can see, there's even broader differences of opinion here.

    My $0.02:

    I don't even bother with Stabil for just 2-3 months, just fill the tank to minimize the fuel surface area exposed to the air. Altho, the Av gas suggestion wouldn't hurt.

    I either disconnect the battery, or use a battery float charger (one that senses the voltage & automagicly shuts off). I store it dry, but not heated.

    Do my annual oil,brake fluid, & coolant change before storage to eliminate any moisture accumulated during the driving season.

    If a salt-free road opportunity presents, I'll take it out for a 10+ mile drive, preferably highway so it gets good & hot, but lots of years it's not started for the 3 or so months of salt season.
     

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