winter storage and break in - 986 Forum - The Community for Porsche Boxster & Cayman Owners

wild1poet2 · 12-11-2005, 09:10 AM

Need some advice. I just picked up a leftover '04 with no miles.

1). When storing it for the winter can I put a smart charger on it without pulling the battery out?? Will it disrupt or fry any electricals/sensors/anti theft systems?

2). The car came with synthetic oil. I've always used fossil oil when breaking in new engines then switched to synthetic. This allows(at least in theory) for a better mating of valve seats, rings, bearings, etc. I may be dating myself with this question. Should I use fossil oil during the break in period?

Thanks

12-11-2005, 09:39 AM

wild1poet2:

1) A battery maintainer is highly recommended. No need to pull the battery. You can order one from Sun Coast for about $55 (plus shipping). You should run a search here on the forum for "winter storage". You'll find some excellent advice. Review your owners manual too. Don't forget to over inflate your tires (58-60 PSI).

2) Mobil 1 0W40 is the recommended oil by Porsche. Don't use a non synthetic oil. You can find some excellent info on the forum regarding this subject too. I would highly recommend your first oil change at 1,000 miles, then every 7-10K thereafter.

Enjoy your new car and welcome!

12-11-2005, 09:45 AM

The Porsche Battery Maintainer is part # 98061198100 ($55.55). You can order from www.suncoastporsche.com Your local dealer will charge about $70. Suncoast also has good pricing on car covers. This would be recommended for winter storage too!

wild1poet2 · 12-11-2005, 02:22 PM

bmussatti: thanks for the info

this is a great forum

Adam · 12-11-2005, 09:18 PM

Here are some more popular winter storage items.
http://www.tweeks.com/shop?frame=8.1840

Brucelee · 12-12-2005, 05:42 AM

Stick with M1 on the oil. Good stuff.

wild1poet2 · 12-12-2005, 10:41 AM

Thanks again for the info.

A guy in the office building next door has an '03 Boxster S and he puts snows on it and uses the car all winter. He's there today. We got 13 inches of snow last Friday. I never see him out during a storm but as soon as its over and the plows scrape the roads down he's back out there. He said he is actually surprised at how well the car handles the snow.