Winterizing a Boxster???

[boxsternut]

Just wondering what tips you have for winterizing a Boxster (987) from Dec-Apr. in Toronto area? Is it better to start and run/move it a few times a month or store it and leave it for 5 months. Pfaff Porsche in Woodbridge said to store it and leave it, but I am doubting this logic. Any suggestions greatly appreciated for this 'newbie' Porsche owner. Thanks!!!

Boxsternut
'07 Guards Red

[JFP in PA]

Originally Posted by boxsternut

Just wondering what tips you have for winterizing a Boxster (987) from Dec-Apr. in Toronto area? Is it better to start and run/move it a few times a month or store it and leave it for 5 months. Pfaff Porsche in Woodbridge said to store it and leave it, but I am doubting this logic. Any suggestions greatly appreciated for this 'newbie' Porsche owner. Thanks!!!

Boxsternut
'07 Guards Red

Thoroughly clean the car inside and out.

Change oil and filter.

Add Stabil to the tank and fill with gas.

Park it, check the electrolyte level in the battery, and attach a battery maintainer (NOT a trickle charger)

Leave it alone until spring…………do not start it unless you are going to drive it for at least 20 min.......

[cvhs18472]

I am a firm believer in the store and leave school. I change the oil, fill the tank and add stabilizer, clean the car, add a few more Lbs. of air in the tires, put some mothballs in and around the car( we live in the country and mice are a problem) , cover it and forget it. The biggest strees on an engine is at startup as the oil film has decreased, leaving it for a month at a time and starting it just for a while serves no purpose and by not getting the car up to operating temp and beyond leaves moisture and pollutants in the oil and moisture in the exhaust system , which reduces the life span of both. I have been storing cars like this for the last 35 years and have had no problem. Ed

[boxsternut]

Thanks Ed and JFP...sounds like store and leave is the desired option. The Porsche dealer sold me a trickle charger that plugs into the cigarette lighter and told me to leave the front hatch closed, but ajar, in case the charger's fuse goes for some reason. Apparently you can't get into the battery compartment if the car's battery if dead....interesting! Appreciate the tips and will try. Can't wait for the spring to come as I've only had my car since start of October and loving it!!!!

Boxsternut

[Jaak]

Store it and leave it alone.

I usually remove my battery and place it on a shelf in the basement. I attach a charger to it at least once a month to keep it topped up. I use the advanced one from Canadian Tire ($69 on sale) that checks the condition etc. I have not lost a battery since then.

Also, when picking it up in the spring, there is an external source to connect to the front trunk release in the fusebox if the trunk has been closed ....

Make sure the tires are over inflated and the vehicle is dry. If you need space ... friend has spaces open in the 401 & Birchmount Rd area ... climate controlled and secure.

[jmatta]

Disconnecting the battery resets the cars ECU to default settings. Your car will need to re-learn it's mapping next spring. You're better off leaving the battery in the car connected to a maintainer. My friend had all sorts of trouble getting his car to pass emissions after removing the battery due to the ECU reset.

[vath2001]

Throw on a set of winter tires!! It does snow in Germany.