Winter Storage - To Cradle, Or Not Too Cradle??

2chrisp

I got some of those outdoor rubber stair mats from CT and drive on them. Not to thick and you can stack them if you want.

Shotta

I think flat spotting can be tire brand dependent. I use Michelin Pilot Supersports, part my car in an unheated garage all winter and the "flatspots" disappear within a few minutes of driving on the highway.

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6MT - designed for perfectionists
7AT - designed for enthusiasts

JARblue

Flatstoppers are not expensive And I live in Texas...

That being said, I agree with Shotta. Michelin tires are basically made of iron from what I can tell

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mults

I raise mine up and place each wheel onto a dolly. One, to be able to push the car into place and second...well there is no second for me. There is never a flat spot and the car goes into storage from November until April in a non-heated garage.

The picture was taken a few years ago, so the bike is gone and the cabinet in the corner has been moved. The only way to get the car into position is with the wheel dollies.

Attached Images

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mults
40th Anniversary 'Z', 312.06HP/260.58TQ (Dynosty EcuTek Tune)
Build Date/Number: 1/27/2010 #706
Berk HFC + CBE, R2C CAI, Clear Bra, Cleveland Z Club

mishuko

I can confirm the following tires have been stored in an unheated garage with no flat stoppers or mats

Re050a
Re11
Indy 500


I am about to confirm the dunlops for the nismo. Lol oh and this year didnt over inflate (did that once or twice and never had an issue with old tires). Could have confirmed ps4s but wrecked and lost those literally brand new tires

Zyonara91

Personally, I would not cradle, why? My car is a grown adult not baby! All jokes aside I don't see how the benefit exceeds the cost on this one. Below are my standard winter storage procedures.

1) Pour fuel stabilizer into the tank

2) Go fill up with Shell 91 (ethanol free) gas

3) Fill the tires up to 40 or 45 PSI

4) Go to a touch-less car wash for good measure (I do this before salt even hits the road so early to mid November)

5) Park the car in the garage and let it cool down for 20 minutes

6) Take some steel wool and plug up the exhaust tips in case some critters decide to make it their home during storage

7) Hook up the battery tender to the car battery so the risk of it dying while in storage is mitigated

8) Clean the interior of the car

9) Place wheel chalks behind all four wheels and release the parking brake and throw the car into neutral

10) Stare at the car, think about all the good times you two had when the weather was nice and then shed a tear. Of course this step is optional, but I personally wouldn't skip it.

I know some people put plastic on top of the concrete in their garages as to avoid moisture. I'm not that serious about it, my garage is somewhat heated so it keeps temperatures from fluctuating like crazy. Also, I am aware of the fact that some also put padding under the tires so no flat spots develop. I personally do not do this, I simply roll the car back a little bit every other week to avoid such an issue. Call me cheap, but it works and keeps me and the car happy.

All in all, there are tons of tips here. What I would NOT recommend is starting the car up and letting it run without driving it, it does no good. Only un wanted engine wear and build up of moisture. Let your car hibernate in peace. Further more, even if the roads are dry and there is dry salt, do not risk taking your car out. Salt dust is just as deadly as fresh salt and will attach itself to your car and "nom nom nom" away at it.

Be patient grasshopper(s) and you shall be rewarded for it.

Asus_

Pretty much all this, especially step 8. makes you enjoy it that much more when you take it out again.

Currently driving my Z still. Even if its snowing a little and just the few flurries we've been getting.. i dont mind at all. roads have been consistently dry for a few days and no salt has been put around my area so i'll take advantage for now

Airwilf

I personally do not do this, I simply roll the car back a little bit every other week to avoid such an issue.

Excellent information. I do pretty much as per your list except number 3.(touchless car wash & up tire pressures)Once it's parked, it's parked. Battery tender plugged in & car cover on.I'll start it at the end of March when I'm ready to roll it out. I never start it until then .After I wash it, I blow dry the nooks, crannies, door jambs, hatch back hinge area, wheels, lug nuts etc with my leaf blower to remove water & dry it out. I usually do this any time it gets washed.Saves strain on an old back injury.Also, if it's to be parked right after the wash, I drive back & forth in the driveway a few times to clean the brake rotors off. Didn't do this one year on another car & almost had to drag it out of the garage with a truck. Rust between the calipers & disc.(you've got a couple of #3 & #5s)

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2018 Solid Red, 6MT, Touring Sport Coupe

Zyonara91

Can't skip that tears, that's for sure! Lucky you have no salt in my area it's a mess. . . We have to set up a meet when the weather gets better, I hope you are doing well.

Thanks! Also. I fixed the number issue, thanks for pointing that out.