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

Originally Posted by 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

3) Go to a touchless car wash for good measure (I do this before salt even hits the road so early to mid November)

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

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

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

6) Clean the interior of the car

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

8) 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 ware 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.