Advertisement
Please note that it is not permitted to have referral links posted in your signature. Keep these links contained in the appropriate forum. Thank you.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2055940817/signature-rules
Help Keep Boards Alive. Support us by going ad free today. See here: https://subscriptions.boards.ie/.
https://www.boards.ie/group/1878-subscribers-forum

Private Group for paid up members of Boards.ie. Join the club.
Hi all, please see this major site announcement: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058427594/boards-ie-2026

Storing a car over winter

  • 09-12-2025 02:31PM
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 700 ✭✭✭


    Hi,

    Will be storing a "weekend" car over the winter. Its in an insulated garage so not concerned about weather but what else needs to be considered when storing a modern(ish) car for 4/5 months. The one thing I have done is fill the fuel tank to brim full do avoid condensation in the fuel tank. Anything else important?



Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 9,417 ✭✭✭cml387


    Disconnect the battery. There is still a drain from the electronic systems even with the ignition off.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 6,107 ✭✭✭...Ghost...


    For best results:

    Use a fuel stabiliser.

    Disconnect or trickle charge battery.

    Put extra air in tyres, or raise the car on blocks to prevent flat spots.

    Make sure it’s squeaky clean and waxed.

    Put a cover over the car to prevent dust and moisture.

    Stay Free



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 631 ✭✭✭Chippy01


    All of the above, but also put a dehumidifier under the cover.
    Your garage may be insulated, but when the temps drop condensation can still occur.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,752 ✭✭✭✭billyhead


    Would the OP need to drain the tank of petrol or diesel?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 6,107 ✭✭✭...Ghost...


    Stay Free



  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,897 ✭✭✭beachhead


    Any problems with rodents that might pay a visit.Solution?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 1,203 ✭✭✭J_R


    Many years ago I was going away for perhaps up to two years and I wrote to the AA seeking advice regarding my car.

    I received a very good detailed letter back outlining the steps necessary and full explanations.

    However can only remember two

    As above to put on blocks, this for the suspension and tyres.

    and

    because of possible condensation in the cylinders, if fired this could score the cylinder walls so prior to starting, crank the engine a few times with the ignition off. (Back then, quite a few cars still had starting handles)

    Mind didn't so just disconnected the lead to the distributor cap. and turned the engine a few times on the battery.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 6,254 ✭✭✭Widdensushi


    I would be inclined to sell a car if going away long-term, presumably you had your reason for keeping it.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 1,203 ✭✭✭J_R


    Absolute maximum 2 years but unlikely. Varied from a few weeks to a year.

    And cars back then had character. You got to know all its little quirks and foibles. So you got attached, loath to part.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 700 ✭✭✭jjmcclure


    I've always wondered if putting the car on blocks may do more harm than good. The suspension "hanging" like that for a long period, would it not cause stress?



  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 24,808 ✭✭✭✭Esel
    Not Your Ornery Onager




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,897 ✭✭✭beachhead


    Any advice for an automatic? Looking at J_R #8



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 16,584 ✭✭✭✭loyatemu


    starting handles?! you're not kidding about "many years ago", did the letter arrive sealed with wax?

    Put your money where yer mouth is... Subscribe and Save Boards!

    https://subscriptions.boards.ie/



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,897 ✭✭✭beachhead


    Car worth looking after then.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 1,203 ✭✭✭J_R


    About 65 😲

    And nope, but delivered by a postman on his push bike.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2, Paid Member Posts: 1,203 ✭✭✭J_R


    PS, One 0ther point I vaguely remember. They also advised to squirt a few drops of oil into each cylinder. However as not too sure I just did a "Google" to check and :-

    Yes, squirting a lubricant into each cylinder is a recommended practice for long-term car storage (generally more than a few months) to prevent rust and corrosion on the cylinder walls and piston rings

    . However, it is generally better to use a dedicated 

    engine fogging oil

     than regular motor oil. 

    "

    Why use fogging oil?Regular motor oil can drain quickly and may not provide a lasting protective barrier against moisture. Dedicated fogging oils are designed specifically to coat internal metal parts with a waxy, protective layer that resists corrosion and stays in place for extended periods. The Procedure for Cylinder ProtectionFollow these steps to properly lubricate the cylinders for storage: 

    • Change the engine oil. Always store the engine with fresh, clean oil, as used oil contains contaminants and acids that can cause internal corrosion over time.
    • Remove the spark plugs. Access each cylinder by taking out its corresponding spark plug.
    • Apply the lubricant. Spray the fogging oil (following the product's instructions) into each spark plug hole for a few seconds. As an alternative, a small amount of low-viscosity penetrating oil or Marvel Mystery Oil can be used, limiting the quantity to about half an ounce (15cc) per cylinder.
    • Rotate the engine manually. To distribute the oil evenly across the cylinder walls, use a socket wrench on the crankshaft pulley bolt to manually turn the engine over a few revolutions. This ensures the entire surface is coated.
    • Reinstall spark plugs. Put the spark plugs back in and tighten them appropriately. 

    Other Essential Long-Term Storage TipsLubricating the cylinders is only one part of preparing a car for lengthy storage. Other critical steps include: 

    • Fuel system: Fill the gas tank completely and add a quality fuel stabilizer to prevent condensation and fuel degradation. Run the engine for 5–10 minutes afterward to circulate the stabilized fuel.
    • Battery: Disconnect the negative terminal or, ideally, remove the battery and connect it to a smart battery maintainer (trickle charger) in a cool, dry place.
    • Tires: Inflate the tires to the maximum recommended PSI or place the car on jack stands to prevent flat spots.
    • Pest prevention: Block the tailpipe and other openings with steel wool or rags to deter rodents and pests.
    • Environment: Store the vehicle in a dry, well-ventilated area, and use a breathable car cover. 


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,828 ✭✭✭brokenbad


    Leave Handbrake Off to prevent seizing - use wheel chocks.

    Use Brake Disc Protection Spray to prevent surface rust.

    Leave passenger and driver window open slightly to allow fresh air to ventilate throughout cabin - otherwise you may have mould issues.

    Disconnect Negative port on battery.



  • Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators Posts: 18,246 Mod ✭✭✭✭Henry Ford III


    For 4 or 5 months you only need to disconnect the battery, and over inflate the tyres a bit.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 700 ✭✭✭jjmcclure


    what about starting the car weekly and allowing to run for 10 mins?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,736 ✭✭✭traco


    Don't bother - no benefit really. If you were going to take it out for a short run and get all the fluids up to temp then no harm but I wouldn't bother starting and letting it idle. They say most engine wear occurs on startup but I wouldn't sweat that I just thing the gains are minimal and you will have condensation in exhaust system unless it gets fully up to temp.

    Full tank, high tire pressue and disconnect battery or if its more modern then trickle charge as some modern cars get a bit awkward and lose settings if no power for a period of time.

    My S600 and Boxster are regularly parked up for extended periods and nevert had any issues. I think the S spent 2 years or more on a trickle charger and kicked into life with zero issues.



  • Advertisement
  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,270 ✭✭✭✭User1998




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 700 ✭✭✭jjmcclure


    So I put it on the trickle charge and put a dust cover on it. Will see her again in March!



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,897 ✭✭✭beachhead


    jimcclure

    What happened with your car?



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 700 ✭✭✭jjmcclure


    So I connected it to the trickle charge, completely filled the tank with petrol, put a dust cover on it. Started first time! just topped up the tires with air and left it in for a service, was due based on time not on mileage.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,201 ✭✭✭✭Marcusm


    A lot of us still have our post delivered on a pushbike, including small parcels.



  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,897 ✭✭✭beachhead


    Good to hear but mine not on charge but has a new battery.Fingers crossed



Advertisement
Advertisement