View Full Version : MM Winter storage
freakstatus
09-01-2010, 08:16 PM
This winter I'll be parking the MM for the first time. It'll be garaged but I'll be transferring the insurance to another vehicle from December to March so it won't be driven at all.
What are the do's and dont's of long term storage? I've heard different things so just want to separate myth from fact (eg. Do I really need to put it up on jacks?). Thanks.
Sully008
09-01-2010, 08:43 PM
Here's what I do when I store my car for the winter:
1. Change oil.
2. Fill tank with fuel, add fuel stabilizer (I use Sta-bil). Run the car for 10 mins.
3. Clean interior. Add a couple sheet of "Bounce". It keeps mice away if you have that problem.
4. Change to the winter wheels/tires (You never know if you might need to drive it in an emergency).
5. Remove the battery and store it in the basement.
My car is left outdoors so I don't cover it. And I don't raise the car off the wheels, I think flat spotting was a problem before the advent of steel belted tires.
babbage
09-01-2010, 08:46 PM
Define "long term". Couple of years, yes I'd put it up on blocks. Drain fuel system, or add a lot of storage additive. Best is to have someone come and run the car every 3 months or so for 10-15 mins. WD-40 or similar all over the frame and undercarriage to help stop rusting.
fastblackmerc
09-02-2010, 02:38 AM
Buy and use a battery maintainer.
thathotrodlincn
09-02-2010, 03:19 AM
In some states, if the insurance is stopped, the tags have to be turned in to the DMV, or transferred to an insured vehicle.
fastblackmerc
09-02-2010, 03:27 AM
In some states, if the insurance is stopped, the tags have to be turned in to the DMV, or transferred to an insured vehicle.
And what if something happened while the car was in storage?
thathotrodlincn
09-02-2010, 04:58 AM
And what if something happened while the car was in storage?
If you can buy comprehensive coverage (fire and theft) that is fine. However in order to maintain valid license plates on the car, liability coverage may be required. If you elect to use the plate on a different car. that car may be required to have liability coverage. If you transfer the liabiliy coverage to a different car, the license plate may need to be transferred also. Check with the local DMV and insurance regulations.
WPG_Merc
09-02-2010, 05:42 AM
During the winter I have my insurance changed to Fire & Theft with the plates on the car & transfer the insurance to the winter vic. :)
This year the MM will be stored at http://www.storeyourstuff.ca/vehicle
In Canada the 6 months storage feel's like an eternity.:eek:
freakstatus
09-02-2010, 06:39 AM
Define "long term". Couple of years, yes I'd put it up on blocks. Drain fuel system, or add a lot of storage additive. Best is to have someone come and run the car every 3 months or so for 10-15 mins. WD-40 or similar all over the frame and undercarriage to help stop rusting.
It'll just be for around 3-4 months. Here on the west coast, we don't get the extreme winter weather like the rest of Canada does.
yjmud
09-02-2010, 06:48 AM
I run my fuel low but a filling station is right down the road
put a couple sheets of bounce in it so it is drier fresh leave it
when it comes out I change my oil
mine gets stored for about the same time slight flat spotting but goes away with in 50 miles
I change my oil, fill the gas, and connect a battery maintainer.
You want to change the oil prior to putting it up, not when you get it out. That way acids in the old oil are not sitting on your bearings all winter long.
Filling the gas helps prevent condesation in the tank and water in the gas.
BurpyTurtle
09-02-2010, 11:01 PM
PRI-G in the fuel. The manual says to add 10 lbs extra tire pressure (be sure to let some out before driving)
It helps if you can start the car, even if you don't move it, every week or 2.
We don't have the bad winters here you do up north. But then again you don't have to mow your yard 2 days before Christmas to keep it looking neat.
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