Things to Inspect This Winter ??

Not much to say. It's really up to you.

What temperature climate do you live in? Generally, cosmetic work (e.g., cleaning, painting, leather work, etc.) is very difficult in the cold, unless you actually have a fully heated garage (not just a propane heater). This might be a great time to remove any and all of your sticky interior parts and send them to 285ferrari. I can not speak more highly of the quality of his work, and I am the anal retentive poster boy. Once done, you will NEVER again have any problem with this issue again. His prices are extremely reasonable given the quality of his work. Remember, these parts are highly visible and are outrageously expensive to replace if damaged. While I really enjoy doing things myself, IMO, it is not worth the risk - he has perfected the refinishing technique.

Are you going to do your annual fluid change in the Spring? If not, make sure you antifreeze is sufficient for your temperature range. If you have windshield washer fluid in your reservoir, don't overfill it and also add a small amount of isopropyl alcohol or ethanol (e.g., 200 proof grain alcohol) to it so as to prevent freezing and possibly rupturing the reservoir.

I generally fill my fuel tank with Sunoco Ultra 94 octane and add dri-gas (isopropyl alcohol) and Techron fuel additive before storage. I have never used Stabil, but perhaps others have experience with it.

Check you battery and purchase a good quality computer-controlled battery tender. I purchased one from Griot's Garage and am quite happy with it and it's reasonably priced.

I spoke to one individual who used Girodisc brake pads (Magic pads??) and found them to be quite clean and quiet. However, I can not provide any first-hand knowledge of their braking ability for either street or track.

 

Good thread. The 348 is going to the shop this week or next for just this purpose.

 

Just off the top of my head:

-I've used Stabil in my weekend cars for years and it does what it's supposed to as long as you mix it according to the specs on the container. I recommend it and would probably wait to add the fuel additive until you run it in the spring.

-Put some moisture absorbant packets in the interior to ensure there isn't any dampness when you open the car back up especially if temperatures can fluctuate greatly during the winter in your area. Griot's sells a good product for this.

-If your wheels are hard to clean, pull them, wash them thoroughly inside and out and wax them before putting them back on. I recommend "Wheel Wax" brand wax as it is specifically formulated for wheels and can honestly say that it helps repel brakedust and definitely makes them easier to clean - you can literally wipe the dust off with a rag. If you use 'regular" wax you run the risk of the wax yellowing over time from heat.

-Pull your electrical connections and apply Stabil. This may be overkill, but it may help you avoid a gremlin in the spring.

-Put a battery maintainer on it.

Hope this is of some value.

 

+!. Griot's sells these mesh bags of "zeolites" which are a porous, rock-like material which absorb ALL odors . They work great. I have them in both of my cars. You can usually find silica gel desiccant bags at industrial supply houses, camera shops, etc... This was a really great tip!