Winter Storage = Oil Change?

[Boother]

I have about 3000 km on 5w30 Mobil 1 in my 05 RSX that I have just stored for winter. Would it be suggested that I change the oil if I don't plan on using the car for 4 months? Would there be any harm in leaving it in?

Also, I have put Stabil in the quarter tank of fuel I have left in it, but I have heard that I should fill the tank full before storage. What is the truth behind this?

Thanks!

 

[Pablo]

Fill the fuel tank, no doubt about it.

I would have fresh oil in the car for anything more than 3 months storage, but you'll probably be fine. How is the car stored? Is it dry and without a ton of temp fluctuation? Or subject to lots of condensation?

 

[dinosauract]

I don't believe it would be necessary to change the oil before storage for 4 months, how long has it been in?

The thinking behind filling the tank is likely to prevent condensation from forming, something the Stabil doesn't really adress. Couldn't hurt to fill it to be safe.

 

[7TFord]

I'm assuming that your place of storage isn't heated so as stated changes in temps could cause condensation issues. I also would suggest filling the tank full to prevent any moisture caused by temperature cycles. The Sta-bil only prevents the fuel from breaking down. I don't think it's necessary either to change your oil. It is important though what surface is under the vehicle.

Moisture will permeate through bare earth or concrete so placing a plastic covering under the car wouldn't hurt. If possible have a flow of air through the building via a vent or slightly open windows that will help to keep the air dryer. If you are going to use a cover use a cotton material that can breath not anything plastic that will trap in moisture.

If you plan on starting the vehicle occasionally which is sometimes a good idea, run it at least 30 minutes to bring everything up to temp and to drive any moisture out of the exhaust system. Otherwise you are better not to run it at all.

My restored 70 Mustang is kept in a heated garage now but that wasn't always the case and having the heat definitely changes everything about storage.

 

[Boother]

Thanks for the help. The car will be stored in my garage which is not heated, but it will stay above freezing temp 99% of the time. The garage will be routinely used with my other vehicle, so there will be temp fluctuations everyday with the opening of the door.

The oil has been in the car for 4 months before now, and will probably be in there for a total of 8 months once I take it out again.

I will try and get the gas tank filled on the next dry day.

Thanks again.

 

[Blake Sobiloff]

The next time you take it out, make sure the oil gets up to full temp. You don't want any moisture or combustion byproducts from a "short trip" to linger in your engine for four months. Similarly, don't periodically start it up and let it idle for a few minutes, then shut it off. This won't heat the oil and you'll again be stuck with junk in the oil that didn't get a chance to burn off.

Other than that, your oil should be OK during storage assuming it's in good condition to begin with.

 

[NCGuy68]

Remove the battery and store it in a semi-warm place on a block of wood. Put a battery tender on it to keep it charged.

I go thru this routine each year with my restored Camaros.

 

[rg144]

The oil should be fine - a synthetic is ideal for storage purposes, and 3km has not depleted the TBN much. To split hairs ... store it immediately after running it at full running temperature, sounds like a good idea.