Spring start-up after winter storage???

[cas951]

I guess I should consider myself lucky since the weather where I live allows me to drive all year long.

When you store your cars during cold weather do everyone just let it sit that long without starting it up periodically?

I have a garage queen which I rarely drive. Maybe 1k a year if I even reach that. I do make it a point to start it up at least once a week just to keep it lubricted and have a battery tender hooked up.

[boxsternut]

Just got back from my first drive since last November. What a great day here in Toronto...12Celsius (about 50F) and sunny! Unplugged the trickle charger, readjusted the tire pressure, rolled the car forward in fifth gear for 10 feet, fired her up with no problems and had a great drive for about 45 minutes. Took it easy for awhile, then had a little fun!!! What a great feeling again. Drove past 5 OPP (Provincial Police) in the first half hour...lucky on all of them! Thanks for all the tips on storage and restarting...this is a great forum. Happy driving boys!!!!!!!

[SStiebers]

Oh yea, it's time. I have it stored in a 50 degree garage since Nov 30th. Start it up once a week and drive it around the block every two. Always put it back in a little different place. So, insurance starts on Thursday, have done everything i want to it (well at least for this week) and out it comes then. Hope it is ok, but once i'm out i won't care. Probably like the rest of you cold weather people, i can't wait!

[Jaak]

A week ago took off the car cover, opened the trunk (did not lock it), connected the battery, turned the key and waited 2 minutes before firing it up. Reset the tire pressure and drove to the closest Shell station (easy drive) and gassed up. I drove it easy for at least 200 KM before I drove it a bit harder. I still have to keep her revs below 5,500 RPM for the next 500 KMs as the motor has been rebuilt. The driving is sure fun!!!

[Mark_T]

Plated mine up this last weekend. I stored it tank full, and now I've topped off from a half tank twice so my gas is fresh enough. Next is another tank with Lubro-Moly, and then a fresh belly-full of Mobil1, new fuel filter, and a fresh set of plugs and tubes (they're seeping). Did the air filters and belt before I rolled it out for the first time. (So that's what the engine looks like!)

Hey Randall - I put your seat covers on, too. Got small hands and skinny arms so I didn't have to take the seats out. Exactly what I was looking for - thanks again!

Sure gotta love an early spring. I wasn't expecting to drive for another month or two yet.

Mark

[boxsternut]

Glad to hear others are enjoying that first spring (early!) drive!!! Tomorrow in the GTA it's going upto 20C+, then 25C the next...can you say "top down???" Enjoy.

[jcb986]

FYI: Had a very long conversation with Porsche mechanic and he seemed to know his stuff. He said, the worst thing you can do to a Porsche is let it sit. It loves to be driven, not occasionally.

[McDuff]

I have been reading the forum, good information regarding taking my Boxter out of storage for the first time, (just bought it last fall). My problem is that mine is a tip tronic, not a standard 6 speed.... so i cannot put it in fifth gear as you can, and roll it to make sure it is not froze up. Any suggestions guys? I don't want to screw this up being my first spring start up.

would appreciate your input.

Mc Duff

Originally Posted by cas951

I guess I should consider myself lucky since the weather where I live allows me to drive all year long.

When you store your cars during cold weather do everyone just let it sit that long without starting it up periodically?

I have a garage queen which I rarely drive. Maybe 1k a year if I even reach that. I do make it a point to start it up at least once a week just to keep it lubricted and have a battery tender hooked up.