Topic: Winterizing
in Forum: C3 General Discussion
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In the winter I usually will put my car up on jacks. Do you guys(and gals) think that this is a waste of time. I've heard that just sitting is hard on the tires, bearings, springs, etc. What I wonder about is it hard on the car to have the suspension sag. The tires have been on the car for many years now. Even though they show little signs of wear , I was thinking that they seemed a little bumpy this summer when I drove it. I had them rebalanced, with trim rings and caps on, but, they still seemed not quite as smooth as they used to. Suspension is tight. Do you think that these tires just tend to go lumpy because the car sits so much?
One other thing.................WINTER REALLY SUCKS!!!!! Thank God for Lake Mead.
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These are the steps I take to winterize:
1. open Garage door.
2. Pull Vettes out.
3. Drive the things. ( After all its not 110 Degrees anymore)!
Sorry, I just couldn't resist!


I never jack mine up for the winter. I don't feel it hurts anything to leave it sit normally. I use mine in the winter as long as it's clear and dry and no salt on the roads. There is one thing we all agree on "Winter Sucks".
DaveM 2007-11-09 13:52:18
Dave
Lifetime Member #116
Dave's '82

Summerville, SC - USA
Joined: 8/31/2005
Posts: 660
Vette(s): My 1974 Vette sold last August 2014. I am still willing to show up to events and local gatherings if anything happening No new vette yet.
i leave mine on the ground. i roll it in to the garage. i put an incredibly soft cover on it to protect it and not scratch it. and i just let her sit thru the winter. If anything i start it up once a week or so to keep the oil and other fluids in good condition. but it never leaves its garage till ice is no longer in the weather forecast.
Lots of discussions on winterizing in various forum threads.
I keep the toys on the ground all the time they're in storage but I do pump the tires up to 45/50 psi. I've not had a problem with the tires flat spotting. Just need to remember to reset the tire pressure in the spring...!!!
"The tires have been on the car for many years now"
Time to check the dates and get fresh tires - members here have had failures on olde tires.
I like the other recommendations also - drive it.
Time to check the dates and get fresh tires - members here have had failures on olde tires.
I like the other recommendations also - drive it.
Sig said:
what about engine additives to reduce moisture in the fuel. Also how to protect the carb?
As far as the engine, I change the oil, then put in StaBil gas conditioner and fill the tank. I do drive in the winter as long as the weather allows; no snow, ice or even rain. I feel it keeps everything lubricated and the tires, hoses and brakes exercised. Larry
The difference between men and boys is the cost of their toys!!
We all have our own winter routines, here in Upstate New York we could see snow as early as mid October. Mine gets topped off with fuel, stabil added, Tires pumped up. I bought a car bag a few years ago and I love it, inexpensive and really protects the car from dust and critters. I lay down the bag, put some old carpet under tires, back the car on it, throw some big bags of descant under it, unhook battery, put flannel cover on it, and zip up the bag.A long time Corvette mechanic told me to not start the car during cold weather storage. he said all the moisture from warming up the motor and exhaust and frame around hot component's will only see more moisture and rust once it cools back down. My car is 34 years old and frame looks great. Just my routine, works for me and I'm sticking to it.And Agree for Vette owners....... winter sucks...... but our cars from the northern zone are always more desirable because of the short season and not driven anywhere for 6 months out of the year....... just sayin.....ebo

Ash Fork, AZ - USA
Joined: 4/18/2007
Posts: 1058
Vette(s): 1981 Red Interior White exterior
As long as it's not slushy, I'm driving mine and I live just south of Buffalo, NY.
but that wasn't the question.
I have had quite a few cars that have been "winterized". Use stabil if you're not going to drive it. Check fluids. I would not put the car on jack stands. I have had cars sit for a couple of years in the same place while I do other things to them and have never had a tire get a flat or hard stuff. This is my advice not gospel. I think Joel mentioned pumping them up a little...that's a great idea. This way if you do get a great few days you could always just turn the key and go.
Dave C..........My mantra: I can not be bought!! Long and short term leases available.
In the words of Zora Arkus-Duntov "Is your seat belt fastened? Alright, Let's go"
Yeah, I know, Shut up Dave.
Yeah, I know, Shut up Dave.
Lifetime Member #192


in Forum: C3 General Discussion
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