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mkretsinger
New User
Oct 25, 2015, 10:44 AM
Post #1 of 5
(19406 views)
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Winter Car Storage
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I have a 2007 bmw 335i convertible. I don't plan to drive it during the winter months (late Nov through Mid to Late March). How do I prevent engine issues during this time period? I've heard people say the gas can go bad and cause problems. I've also heard that the battery can have problems? With all this misinformation, I'm hoping for some clarity.
I'm currently leaning toward running the car in the garage periodically ... I found the following hose to put on my exhaust so we don't get exhaust in the house (site for a hose not allowed). Is this hose going to keep my family safe? If I run at an idle will it keep me from going to the shop in the spring? How often should I run it and for how long?
Thank you for any help! As you can see I have a lot of questions :)
(This post was edited by Tom Greenleaf on Oct 25, 2015, 10:57 AM)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Oct 25, 2015, 11:02 AM
Post #2 of 5
(19397 views)
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Re: Winter Car Storage
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Took out you link - not allowed.
For storing car run it OUTDOORS - IMO not safe to run indoors with almost no exceptions.
Decide - run and drive now and then is my choice for some and others sit for ages. Gas will go bad, can treat it but much better to use it up for new treat that anyway, use brakes, moves tires to use it.
Do use a "Battery Maintainter" which automatically keeps the battery at full charge and shuts off when not needed without tending to it at all. These are low power chargers usually with assorted ways to hook up some even thru a power port but only if port is enabled with car totally off and keys out - many are not.
Just seasonally - use it. Longer term say so it would take more than this book!
T
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kev2
Veteran
Oct 25, 2015, 11:17 AM
Post #3 of 5
(19392 views)
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Re: Winter Car Storage
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why not OPEN The garage door, maybe even back it out - conditions permitting*- run it for a while get heat, then put back in garage...
A fuel stabilizer would be all that's needed then.
* there are likely sunny dry days every several weeks at worst.
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mkretsinger
New User
Oct 25, 2015, 5:08 PM
Post #4 of 5
(19369 views)
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Re: Winter Car Storage
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Sounds like I'll be trying to find a few nice days to take it for a drive.
Thanks for your help!
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Oct 25, 2015, 10:07 PM
Post #5 of 5
(19364 views)
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Re: Winter Car Storage
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OP - I've done this my whole life it seems. Now 2 street legal vehicles for over 10 years and 1 gets put away for salted roads for Winter but will use until salt is gone.
Cold and even wild snow/ice really doesn't harm much alone. Lack of use does. This a convertible wouldn't touch to top or leave out to elements as much as possible year round.
Hey - folks store things all the time off seasons. Lawn/yard equipment for Winter equipment, boats and so on. Fuel all suks. The ethanol separates from the fuel when not used and additives in the fuel varies but separate as well. I see this by eye and smell of it.
Running and driving it when a decent even if cold day really helps tires, brakes, shaft seals everywhere and more. This is only for the few months of Winter not really that long but battery is draining as said use or get the device for it.
Trick: Run till fully warmed up just a few times should do. Use A/C after a short time when engine shut off it will be warm under the hood and run for a few seconds or more and lubes it too. Not maybe but it will fail from lack of use if way too long.
Just being in a garage on a concrete floor is 90% of it IMO. You'll be fine with this,
T
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