Winter storage re: fuel stabilizer (?)

[MADMAX11]

Hoping someone could help... I'm about to store my 2020 Ford Mustang EcoBoost for the winter. During the winter it gets quite cold here, can go down to about -10C to -15C (14F to 5F) consistently and up. It will be stored in my car garage at home for about 4 months maybe a bit longer. I purchased STP Fuel Stabilizer + Water Remover. It says ideal for 2 or 4 cycle gasoline engines. Should I be using this product for my Mustang? Can it harm the engine especially the turbo engine?

Any assistance would be really appreciated thank you.

MM

Sponsored

 

[Johnnybee]

I personally use Sta-Bil but I’m sure what you bought is similar. Best to go to gas station, dump the correct amount in for the tank capacity (15 gallons?) and then fill the tank and take it home to storage. That mixes it up and runs some through the system.

 

[kz]

Hoping someone could help... I'm about to store my 2020 Ford Mustang EcoBoost for the winter. During the winter it gets quite cold here, can go down to about -10C to -15C (14F to 5F) consistently and up. It will be stored in my car garage at home for about 4 months maybe a bit longer. I purchased STP Fuel Stabilizer + Water Remover. It says ideal for 2 or 4 cycle gasoline engines. Should I be using this product for my Mustang? Can it harm the engine especially the turbo engine?

Any assistance would be really appreciated thank you.

MM

It'll be fine, won't hurt anything. Overall the entire stablizer thing is overrated, for 4 months just fill the the tank with fresh gas and you'll be fine. I've been starting cars that had not been ran 6 months and had quarter tank. They were fine.

 

[04mazdaspeed]

I dont add anything to my cars that sit over winter. Granted my garage is climate controlled but alas, I have never had any issues. Sta-bil wont hurt though if it makes you sleep better.

 

[Cory S]

No need for any "Stabilization" for anything under 8-12 months.

 

[Livernois Motorsports]

I agree with Cory. Mine gets stored for 5-6 months a year and all I do is fill the tank and cover it with a tender on it, fires right up in spring, with zero issues with fuel.

 

[SVTchris]

It depends on what type of and storage conditions. Pure, 100% gas starts degrading at about 6 months. E10, 10% ethanol gas starts degrading at 3 months with both types fighting oxidation, water and evaporation.

Storing a car in an unheated space will accelerate water absorption due to condensation. The more evaporation of the gas, the worse oxidation gets causing the formation of solids in the gas.

Bottom line is, does adding Sta-bil to your tank have any down sides? No, it doesn't, it's perfectly safe for your engine as a gasoline preservative. Does not treating your gas have any downside? Maybe, depending on storage conditions, length of storage and type of gas.

Do a quick internet search about the type of gas available in your area and determine what is best for your situation. For me, I have to deal with E10 storing it for about 4 to 5 months so I treat it for peace of mind and if something happens where I don't or can't drive it first thing in the spring, I know I will be covered.

 

[Ronin47]

I use Seafoam. Put in the tank, fill it up and drive it for 15 mins then storage.

 

[momalle1]

SVTChris is right on the money with his timeline. While you may be able to get away with a longer period, the one time you don't and your tank, pump, lines and injectors are gummed up, you'll wish you played it extra safe.

 

[Schnder95]

No need to add anything, just fill with premium gas. Start it once a month, run till up to temp. Been storing cars for winter for over a decade. Not even close to any issues. Gumming up problems only happen if you have a carburetor. Newer cars do not have issues unless your using less than quality gas. Stick with reputable gas stations not the hole in the wall on the corner gas stations. There no such thing as a mechanic in a bottle. Any honest mechanic will tell you that.

 

[luca1290]

Do not add any tipe of concotion for a period so short. If this can assure you somehow, on their maintenance procedure Mercedes-Benz just asks to change the oil if the car is stored for more than 12 months, along with greasing and other similarities.
They will mandate fresh tank of gas only after really long periods, I can't remember how long, but more than a year.

Ford in their owner manual asks to start the car every two weeks at accelerated idle until it's good and warm. Cycle through the gears if you have an automatic.
What I will do is, if there are a few good and sunny days with no salt on the road is to go and make at least 30-40 Km to have all properly lubricated once every month.
If there will be no such days, she will remain peacefully hybernated like Snow White.

What will really help to maintain your car in good shape during hybernation is:

1. Fresh full tank of gas
2. Thorough wash and dry
3. Clean the interior well
4. New engine oil and filter a few weeks before
5. New cabin filter a few weeks before
6. Overinflate the tires a bit before

 

[Schnder95]

Do not add any tipe of concotion for a period so short. If this can assure you somehow, on their maintenance procedure Mercedes-Benz just asks to change the oil if the car is stored for more than 12 months, along with greasing and other similarities.
They will mandate fresh tank of gas only after really long periods, I can't remember how long, but more than a year.

Ford in their owner manual asks to start the car every two weeks at accelerated idle until it's good and warm. Cycle through the gears if you have an automatic.
What I will do is, if there are a few good and sunny days with no salt on the road is to go and make at least 30-40 Km to have all properly lubricated once every month.
If there will be no such days, she will remain peacefully hybernated like Snow White.

What will really help to maintain your car in good shape during hybernation is:

1. Fresh full tank of gas
2. Thorough wash and dry
3. Clean the interior well
4. New engine oil and filter a few weeks before
5. New cabin filter a few weeks before
6. Overinflate the tires a bit before

Well said sir.

 

[cerbomark]

you ll be fine. if it helps anyone else, another idea is to fill up with 91 ethanol FREE blend that is sold (Stewards). Ethanol free retains less moisture > Then add stable or not.

 

[Ogopogo]

I store mine in an unheated attached garage so ambient can get down to about freezing point. However, since snow melts off our other vehicle when it comes into the garage, there can be standing water in the garage from time to time. For that reason, I added some stabilizer to a full tank of 91 octane when at the gas station to get it through Nov 1 - Mar 31 period....along with a battery tender. I may start it once or twice during that period but I doubt it.

 

[K4fxd]

Mustang fuel systems are sealed from the atmosphere, so absorbing moisture or evaporation is slim to none.

Sponsored