Winter Storage First Timer - Any Tips?

[Mach 307]

Following the Oil Life Monitor, you'll lose close to 2% each week while at rest.

I'm not far from your reading now. My car is stored today and will rest until the Spring.

I lose about 30% on average while stored.

If I see the OLM will expire while in storage, I change the oil beforehand.

If the OLM will not expire while in storage, I continue to follow the OLM.

While some change their oil just before or just after, I do not. In my mind, whatever chemical processes are occurring stop while the engine is off. I've let the car sit with "used" oil in the case several times. Oil analysis at each oil change has yet to show a negative impact.

YMMV.

Sounds good my friend thank you. That’s pretty cool it keeps track, even while the cars at rest.

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[Skye]

That’s pretty cool it keeps track, even while the cars at rest.

The OLM uses several variables.

Time is the catch-all. If you change the oil and let the car sit, the OLM will reach 0% at the end of one year. The OLM will never exceed one year between oil changes. 100/52 = 1.97%, weekly.

At the other extreme, over the course of a race weekend, the OLM can approach 0%.

The formula uses time, duration of drive, temperatures, RPM, etc. In-general, the harder the engine is driven, the quicker the OLM will tick down.

 

[Mach 307]

The OLM uses several variables.

Time is the catch-all. If you change the oil and let the car sit, the OLM will reach 0% at the end of one year. The OLM will never exceed one year between oil changes. 100/52 = 1.97%, weekly.

At the other extreme, over the course of a race weekend, the OLM can approach 0%.

The formula uses time, duration of drive, temperatures, RPM, etc. In-general, the harder the engine is driven, the quicker the OLM will tick down.

You are always clutch with the information! Thank you so much!

 

[Mach 307]

@Skye What is your opinion of the plastic under the vehicle for condensation? I will be parking on race ramps flatstoppers.

 

[Skye]

What is your opinion of the plastic under the vehicle for condensation?

If storing a vehicle in a closed garage with a concrete floor, I don't think it's necessary. Or a good idea.

While not driven in the Winter months, my vehicle is like any other: it sees varying rates of moisture year round. Some periods are much wetter or dryer than others.

Whatever moisture is coming up from my foundation through the floor, or is in the air, has its process of accumulating and dispersing.

I'm using an indoor cover that naturally breaths. It's felt on the inside and microfiber on the outside. Any moisture simply passes through over time.

Placing a barrier on the ground can hold moisture in the concrete. In the Winter. Something I don't want.

I'm living in a "regular" environment, where we see four unique seasons. If I was living in a very humid area, like the Pacific Northwest, people there might have unique setups to control excess moisture. But for the rest of us, I don't see it as an issue.

Outdoor vehicle storage will be different. I don't remember anyone placing anything on the ground outside. But people would not park on the grass or soil. Always parked on concrete. And there are outdoor covers which can protect the vehicle and still breath.

Edit,

Where I live, all moisture barriers are on the outside of the foundation and home.

After the slab and basement walls were poured for my home, tar was rolled on the outside of the walls, about four feet up from the ground. Then, a layer of plastic sheeting was attached to that. A perimeter drain was then installed between the sheeting and the soil. While I do not need one, some go further with a sump pump, capturing an pumping out water caught by the drain system. The lot and roof drain pipes naturally shed water away from the house.

Placing barriers on the inside of the house, it's something I'd never do; it holds water/moisture inside the floor and wall materials, preventing it from escaping.

If you have humidity or moisture concerns, discuss it with a structural engineer or someone specialized in these topics. Someone experienced with the conditions, construction techniques and soils where you live.

 

[Mach 307]

If storing a vehicle in a closed garage with a concrete floor, I don't think it's necessary. Or a good idea.

While not driven in the Winter months, my vehicle is like any other: it sees varying rates of moisture year round. Some periods are much wetter or dryer than others.

Whatever moisture is coming up from my foundation through the floor, or is in the air, has its process of accumulating and dispersing.

I'm using an indoor cover, one that breaths. It's felt on the inside and microfiber on the outside. Any moisture simply passes through over time.

Placing a barrier on the ground can hold moisture in the concrete. In the Winter. Something I don't want.

I'm living in a "regular" environment, where we see four unique seasons. If I was living in a very humid area, like the Pacific Northwest, people there might have unique setups to control the humidity. But for the rest of us, I don't see it as an issue.

Outdoor vehicle storage will be different. I don't remember anyone placing anything on the ground outside. But people would not park on the grass or soil. Always parked on concrete. And there are outdoor covers which can protect the vehicle and still breath.

Exactly the answer I was looking for. Im in the Midwest, so I think I’ll take the exact same approach as you. Seriously, thank you for all the information you’ve given me in here.

 

[S550HPP]

Get some heat in there so it's at least 60F ...the cold is very hard on everything synthetic which is 85% of the car.

 

[Mach 307]

Alright guys, so here’s what I’ve done so far, since it’s going to freeze tonight I figured it’s time. I washed the car about two weeks ago, undercarriage and all, and since then I took it for a drive twice, once about a week ago, and once today. Both days completely dry, so I’m going to not wash one more time as to not introduce any moisture on the undercarriage. I figure a light layer of dust and such is fine? What I will do is a wetless wash in my garage. I put 6oz of Stabil in the tank, filled up with Shell 93 octane, and drove it home. Put it on the flatstoppers, and filled each tire to 40PSI. Going to hook up the battery tender here shortly, and switch my other mouse glue traps out for ones rated for 0 degrees Fahrenheit. I guess the only thing that’s making me nervous is I didn’t wash one more time, but I’m assuming it’s fine based on my logic as to why not again? Thanks!

 

[MAGS1]

Alright guys, so here’s what I’ve done so far, since it’s going to freeze tonight I figured it’s time. I washed the car about two weeks ago, undercarriage and all, and since then I took it for a drive twice, once about a week ago, and once today. Both days completely dry, so I’m going to not wash one more time as to not introduce any moisture on the undercarriage. I figure a light layer of dust and such is fine? What I will do is a wetless wash in my garage. I put 6oz of Stabil in the tank, filled up with Shell 93 octane, and drove it home. Put it on the flatstoppers, and filled each tire to 40PSI. Going to hook up the battery tender here shortly, and switch my other mouse glue traps out for ones rated for 0 degrees Fahrenheit. I guess the only thing that’s making me nervous is I didn’t wash one more time, but I’m assuming it’s fine based on my logic as to why not again? Thanks!

You still have plenty of time my friend. Going to be 60 over the weekend and average temps for the next 2 weeks (so temps in the 50’s and 60’s). Don’t put it away too soon

 

[Mach 307]

You still have plenty of time my friend. Going to be 60 over the weekend and average temps for the next 2 weeks (so temps in the 50’s and 60’s). Don’t put it away too soon

I might pull her back out, but nonetheless a good test run if I don’t end up leaving it away!

Anyone storing in cold weather, check out those traps I have. Catchmaster cold traps on doyourown.com. You can get a pack of 48 for $120. They are good for down to 0 degrees.

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