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#1
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Storing a car outdoors in winter
Does anyone do this?
I have a decent CA LandCrusier FJ80 without any rust and want to keep it that way as much as I can. I intend to park it when the roads are salted. Problem is I don't have a garage here, but I do have a water proof car cover. Would it be sufficient to store it outdoors under the cover during the worst part of winter? We are in a coastal NE town, so there is naturally some salt in the air also, but I don't imagine the air would be much worse than a coastal CA town. Thanks!
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"Time's never wasted when you're wasted all the time" |
#2
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This is opinion
I believe any tight-fitting car cover used outdoors, regardless of quality, promotes corrosion. It traps moisture, is vulnerable to wearing of the finish from wind motion and is an invitation to rodents.
If you store outdoors, I believe getting it under a roof of some sort is essential even if it is only a canopy. They can be surprisingly reasonable in cost and can be either fabric or hardtop. When I lived in Noank, CT I winter-stored my Harley-Davidson by building a lean-to frame against the house and covering it with a plastic tarp. It allowed air to circulate while keeping the snow at bay. |
#3
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Appreciate your response Rocky. I don't know whether the town ordinances allow a car canopy. If not, it seems you're suggesting its better to just leave it uncovered?
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"Time's never wasted when you're wasted all the time" |
#4
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Not at all. I think faced with the choice of car cover or uncovered (no roof of any kind) I would cover my car. I guess I would do what I could. Perhaps put something on the roof to make the cover stand up and stake out the sides to allow air circulation. May want to salt the inside and under the hood with camphor (moth balls) to keep the rodents out.
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#5
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Appreciate your input!
__________________
"Time's never wasted when you're wasted all the time" |
#6
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Quote:
Then you can cover it from rain and fit a cotton or otherwise breathable cover to keep off the dirt.
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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC] ..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis. |
#7
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If you can afford about $800, you should have some carport companies in your area...steel framed carport with corrugated fiberglass roof. They work well to keep most of the snow off the vehicle. Use the cover as the last resort, if possible, with a tarp over top to keep the moisture at bay.
I'd also spray the underbody with Fluid Film. The stuff creeps into crevices and does a great job at keeping moisture off of the metal bits...since you're in a humid area with salt. I use Fluid Film on the underbody of all by vehicles...to include my new Jeep. The stuff works, and works well.
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1987 560SL 85,000 miles Meet on the level, leave on the square. Great words to live by Were we directed from Washington when to sow and when to reap, we should soon want bread. - Thomas Jefferson: Autobiography, 1821.
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#8
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X2 on FluidFilm, change the oil, add fuel stabilizer, fill the fuel tank, disconnect the battery, couple coats of wax, DampRid in the interior and drive it on nice days.
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"Rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength" - Eric Hoffer |
#9
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Quote:
I think any sort of close fitting cover is asking for trouble. Water gets trapped underneath - everything stays damp. The best protector of your car is air flow. Ideally the air flow should be nice dry air flow but you can't control that if you leave your car outside. If you can not get the vehicle under a car port then I'd consider the following 1) Here in Holland there is a big business in caravan storage (Dutch love 'em!). I currently have my W123 holed up in caravan storage - I think it costs just over a few hundred euros a year and it sits in the corner of a barn. 2) If you can't get it under cover then leave it uncovered and be prepared to wash it. A good quality wax on the vehicle before winter and bi weekly washes will keep it as good as you can in the circumstances. If you're not driving it then you are at least well away from the road salt.
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1992 W201 190E 1.8 171,000 km - Daily driver 1981 W123 300D ~ 100,000 miles / 160,000 km - project car stripped to the bone 1965 Land Rover Series 2a Station Wagon CIS recovery therapy! 1961 Volvo PV544 Bare metal rat rod-ish thing I'm here to chat about cars and to help others - I'm not here "to always be right" like an internet warrior Don't leave that there - I'll take it to bits! |
#10
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Thanks for all the valuable input; this gives me a good reference point since coming from CA I have not really had to bother with winter car care.
I will definitely be looking into a portable car port as an option. JP, do you mind me asking how you apply the Fluid Film; as in do you just spray it from the rattle can? I saw packs of 3 on Amazon. Also how many cans would you suggest?
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"Time's never wasted when you're wasted all the time" |
#11
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Get some quotes on rental of a storage unit for 3-4 months.
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#12
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Most indoor storage units require draining of all flammable fluids. I also agree that if you use a canopy of some sort you have the possibility of an occasional good-weather drive which can only be good for the car.
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#13
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I know a number of places around me that will store vehicles without draining flammables. The rules may vary in other states or municipalities, I suppose.
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#14
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Quote:
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#15
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Quote:
The stuff creeps into everything...and does a great job at protecting it all.
__________________
1987 560SL 85,000 miles Meet on the level, leave on the square. Great words to live by Were we directed from Washington when to sow and when to reap, we should soon want bread. - Thomas Jefferson: Autobiography, 1821.
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