Getting My Ferrari Ready For Winter - Help

Ferrari makes a mean set of high speed tire chains - good for 160MPH.......

(thats what i tell anyone who asks me in person as to how my ferrari handles in the snow)...

For my 308, i change the oil, and park it on some nice johns manville foil faced rigid foam insulation (one inch thick) to cushion and keep the tires off the cement in the garage.

 

To get my Ferraris ready for winter, I put de-icing windshield washer fluid in the tanks, put new winshield wipers on, and make sure the defrosters work!

SteveJ

 

Add STA-BIL to your fuel then drive around for a bit to work it in (http://www.goldeagle.com/sta-bil/)
Park on some carpet squares to prevent flat spots on your tires

I just winterized my 04 m3 last week based on a few suggestions read from this board so I figured I'd pass them along

 

I've got my Boxer ready for winter which means I now wear a jacket when I drive it at least 100 miles per week.

 

Consider getting yourself an oil-filled radiant heater for the garage such as this one from Lowes or Home Depot. No exposed elements... I've used one for 10 years. It doesn't make the garage "warm", but it definitely takes the edge off and will make both you and your car more comfortable. Not expensive, but works well!

www.lowes.com/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=35277-000000803-2507L
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Don't forget a new set of Continental Extreme Contacts. You haven't lived 'til you've drifted a Ferrari....through the drifts.


Tom

 

The first place I would go is Sears Auto Center and get you some tire chains. De-icer is nice, too, although an old fashioned ice scraper will probably do the trick. Am I leaving anything out?

 

It was -35 wind chill here the other day...that's damn cold.
Wash/Wax
Full tank of gas with stabilizer
Trickle charger or remove battery & store inside (above freezing)
Crack windows for a little air flow
Nice soft car cover

 

Another good thing for the interior is to coat leather surfaces with Aloe. Not too thick or wipe off excess. Aloe helps leather from cracking due to low humidty. You don't state in your profile where you live but in the SW USA you may have to do it twice.

 

Ship the car to me. I'm in sunny, beautiful, South Florida........ I'll take good care of it and make sure it's kept warm!!!!!

 

What a busines that would be. South Florida Ferrari Sitters....LMAO

 

When was the last time you changed the coolant? If it was more than 2 years ago, consider changing it now. I know some of that extended life stuff is supposed to last for years, but I personally wouldn't trust it at extreme cold unless you've tested it and verified that it is still good. Cheaper than replacing a cracked block.

Also agree on the trickle charger or remove and store battery, Sta-bil in the gas tank, treatment for the leather, car cover, etc. I like the idea of putting the insulation under the car/tires to protect them. I also liked the idea of the oil filled heater. While you don't want to go about heating an uninsulated garage, something like that would help to take the edge off, keep it from getting just way too cold in there.

Remember that in the winter, little critters try to find places to hid as well, not to mention things to nibble on. Put some MousePruff or similar mouse killer bait out in the garage to ward of the little rascals.

 

BTW, when you add the Sta-bil and top off the tank, run the engine for a little bit to be sure that the treated gas circulates through the entire fuel system. You don't want the gas in the fuel lines, pump or injectors to turn to varnish.

 

I went to a local carpet place and bought several pieces of thick carpet for 20$. It really did wonders for keeping flat spots off the tires. Goodyear and Pirellis are very suseptable to flat spots. Another reason for Michelin.

 

There are som good sugegstions here, but I would definitely NOT start it up, unless you plan to take it out and drive until it is thoroughly warmed up. Too much wear and tear otherwise.

I wonder if the garage heater wouldn't actually attract mice. Anyone have experience with that?

 

If you do start it, like mentioned before, please run it for a good 40-60 miles. Put some decon near the car if you are worried about mice. I had a rock come through the belly pan of a car before where a mose got up there and did some damage.

 

It's so funny, but even more hilarious is that I'm serious.................

If anyone wants an F-car baby sat for the winter, let me know...........

 

Unless I am missing something here, I think you will find that 'flat spots' are not caused by sitting on concrete per se. Rather it is 1400kgs of Maranellos finest horse iron sitting on four tiny flexible rubber patches and not moving for the winter months. It wouldn't matter if you were parked on carpet or even virgin hair from the inner thigh of a Peruvian llama - the 1400kgs is still distorting the tyre wall.
Two suggestions - either move the car regularly (preferably by driving it!) or take the weight off the tyres by propping the chassis with axle stands.

Personally I think you should drive it!

 

i just got an oil-filled radiant heater, similar to the one picture a few posts above by mike charness. it worked great. my carbed 308 fired on the first crank yesterday; that never happened without the heater.

john

 

Why do you recommend an oil-filled heater?
I was considering a quartz radiant heater for my garage.
Does anyone have recommendations for or against quartz heaters?

TIA,

Matt

 

We had a very similar space heater in our basement begin to melt! It was only about 1 year old.
I bought a "Vornado"... it is an electric heater intended for kids rooms (one is in my daughters room, one in the garage). The unit does not get hot. They claim you can throw a blanket over it while it runs, and it will not catch on fire. Seems to be true, keeps all my "kids" reasonably warm.