Wintering your Classic Car
These are some of the lubricants I keep on hand to keep my Studebakers on the road or in the preparation for winter storage
Well its in late October up North and it's that time again to winterize our Studebakers.
Here are the things I do to ensure I have no problems starting it up in the spring
1. Fill Gas tank up to full and add Stabil or Ethanol Shield
Why? If you don't add any fuel stabilizer with today's fuels you take the risk of have the old fuel gumming up your fuel lines and carburator.
Today's fuel breaks down in acouple of months where the water from Ethanol will separate from the gasoline and will cause potential problems with rust
and gummed up parts. Although Ethanol Hi-test is OK to use during the Driving season its will cause problems while in storage for more then 3 months
If you still can get Non-Ethanol Fuel in your area that's great then just add a Fuel stabilizer of your choice and you will be good to go
Up here In Canada we only now have Ethanol fuels available with 10% ethanol in them and we now have to use a stabilizer that counteracts
the effects of ethanol over the winter season. I am trying Ethanol shield to do this. Ensure you add stabilizer and run the car for afew minutes
so the modified fuel goes through you complete fuel system
Update - After adding Ethanol Shield in all of our Studebakers in October I can report that all 3 cars started up
with no problems in April of this year. Ethanol Shield seemed to have done it's job.
2. Check all fluids levels - and top up as necessary
Oil 15W40 - Note 1, Anti-freeze 50/50, Auto trans fluid - Dexron or manual transmission Fluid*. Brake fluid - Dot 3, Power steering - Dexron ATF fluid, Rear Differential Fluid 80W90
Windshield washer fluid - use blue coloured fluid as red is for summer use only and if your vehicle is in an unheated garage over the winter it will freeze up.
Use WD-40 in all locks and mechanisms that need light oil lubricating.
Note 1 - I use 15W40 oil with a ZDDP additive as most off the shelve oils these days don't have any. Although 10W30 is recommended by many
I use the thicker oil which helps with overall oil consumption and engine temperature. You can also use a stop leak product like AT 205
which will help stop minor small oil leaks in the engine, Power steering or Transmission.
Note 2 - Check your Handbook to ensure the correct fluids and are at the right level.
3. Wash & wax your car
Wash car thoroughly & wax, Also clean all glass to include headlights & signal lights.
Clean interior where necessary - Optional: add mothballs to deter any mice
4. Check tire pressure - add air if necessary and clean tires
Check Handbook to get the correct air pressure
Check & torque wheel nuts
5. Grease undercarriage - Optional
Should be done or checked annually
6. Ensure security of all car parts
Check all belts, bolts and parts to ensure all are secure. If missing any replace and install before you take the car out in the spring
7. Disconnect Battery
This will help ensure you don't have any undetected battery drain while parked and end up with a dead battery in spring
Optional - another thing you could do is have a trickle charger on your battery
8. Cover with car waterproof cover and store inside a garage
Not everyone has a garage but that is the way to go if you wish to keep your classic car in tiptop condition over the years
9. Ensure your emergency brake is not engaged
If left on it will most likely seize up and cause problems when you try and take it out of storage. During the driving season
use as required and keep lubricated to help ensure it works properly. If you want to ensure your vehicle stays still use wheel chocks.
10. Update my Vehicle Maintenance Log Book
All of your vehicles should have a Log Book or file on your computer that keep a record of all the maintenance
and parts replacement for your classic car. This will help you remember what has been done and what needs to be performed in the future.
Also when you sell your classic car or truck you can show any potential buyer what's been done to keep it on the road.
P.S. always save your maintenance & parts receipts to back it up
The above procedures are very basic and will help to ensure you have minimal problems when you get your Studebaker out in the spring.
You can do more like put your car on Jack stands and other necessary maintenance but you can make that decision at your own digression.
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