To Start or Not to Start....Winter Storage

[Gr8Stang]

Came across this and thought I'd share (a little late I know...LOL). I've debated this myself and have chosen to not start mine during winter hibernation.

Caveat: Since this is for "Classic" cars, not sure if applies to newer ones.....

https://journal.classiccars.com/2018/10/25/to-start-or-not-to-start-that-is-the-question-for-winter-storage/

[ZR]

Always suggested park em and don't start.
Few years back, had a ride come in that hadn't been started in 15+ years, changed oil n primed it, rebuilt carb n did full tune up + new fuel tank, started up n ran like a kitten.

[Zippy]

"But as Speed said, don’t think you’re doing your vehicle any favors by starting it up and letting it run for a few minutes. That will do more harm than good."

[Zutz2v]

I start mine once a month. I have a charger connected to the battery, I disconnect and get off and put it back away lol


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[Scrape]

Great information.

[Black Sheep]

I start mine every 4 to 6 weeks.
Let them run for 30 min minimum.
I also turn on the a/c for 10 min within the 30 min run time.
Cars are stored in a temp controlled garage.
Love the sound that echoes within the garage when ya give it a little blip.

[bbriann]

I dont start mine because I don't have PCV system so by short starts put moisture into oil as a milky substance can be seen on the oil fill cap. This only happens with cold air spring and fall...

[hsousa88]

Never start mine.. really don’t see a point to it.

[RedSN]

NO start. Why is this even still being debated?
No upside (if you don’t buy into all the automotive myths), only downside.

It’s only 6 months, not 6 years.

[machzilla]

No start here either.

[CDNfyrfytr]

No start. Car covered and battery out and on the work bench on a trickle charger.


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[True Blue]

No start here either, batteries are out sitting in the basement.

[Mustang4]

This is the storage recommendation from the 2018 Mustang GT Owners Manual.

• Start the engine every 15 days for a minimum of 15 minutes. Run at fast idle with the climate controls set to defrost until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.

[Gr8Stang]

This is the storage recommendation from the 2018 Mustang GT Owners Manual.

• Start the engine every 15 days for a minimum of 15 minutes. Run at fast idle with the climate controls set to defrost until the engine reaches normal operating temperature.

You beat me to it! I remember reading this in my owners manual (for my 2012 Boss302) as well. I'm wondering if this is something that's come about for newer cars vs. the classic car era? Would be interesting to find out the thought process behind this recommendation and WHEN Ford introduced it into their product owners manual.

For me, my Shelby stays off still I'm ready to put her back on the road in the spring. I'll have to check the owners manual to see what it says.....