I have a car that will not see any (or much) action over the winter 2011 911 TTS Vert. I saw a plastic (dry cleaner like bag) cover on a car at a dealer where it was awaiting pick up. It had been detailed by an outside detailer and was waiting for the owner.

1. If I could locate one of these is it a good idea to cover the car in a loose fitting plastic for 31/2 months? Pro's are it keeps the dust off, possible negatives are that it could trap ambient moisture in the air under the plastic.

The car is brand new (Sub 600 miles) and will be spanking clean when I put it away. I may even run it a few times over the winter on dry days with no salt on the street. That brings another few questions.

2. Do I stabalize the fuel?
3. Do I over inflate the tires to 50 PSI so thaey don't flat spot?
4. If I get rim cradles do I still need to over inflate tires to avoid flat spotting?

Thanks for the answers and Happy Thanksgiving!

 

I store in the winter also. I like fabric covers because of the moisture issue, the important thing is to have it on a trickle charger, because the computer is always on. I dont overinflate I just move the car a few feet each month. I have been told not toever add anything to the fuel,because of the CATs, sensors, ect... Bottom line winter is just to darn long.

 

I don't DD drive mine and have it hooked up to a Techart Trickle Charger all the time. The threads on dead battereis scare the S&%$ out of me and I don't have time for the aviodable hassle so i keep it plugged in every time I park it. Can't hurt and it is really easy as I use the cig lighter to plug into.

 

Good Questions. In my opinion, I would stay away from the plastic cover due to the reason you listed. Your car needs to breath to keep moisture out. Some even keep a slight crack in their window to keep the air flowing and moisture in/out. You could also go with one tighter fitting porsche cover and another looser multi layer cover for more protection. I don't know about the tire pressure, but will follow this blog to see what others say. The rim cradle sounds interesting. If it were my car, I would definitely get it out every couple of weeks. It will keep all of your seals and gaskets moist and lubed so they won't dry out and crack prematurely (even if down the road). This is a bigger problem with cars that are not driven regularly and sit for long periods. Oh, I also agree that if you don't drive it a lot that you should stabilize the fuel. I hope you have found an NON ethanol fuel / or race fuel source for storage. Ethanol is a killer if left to sit as it attracts water and separates quickly causing major gumming and corrosion issues. Good luck and I'm interested to hear what others have to say!

 

I would not use the plastic cover. It will trap moisture, and could scratch your paint. I store my Porsche a couple months at a time while I am on long work trips. I use two covers. The base cover is the super soft, satin-type cover you buy from Porsche. It is expensive, but if you want to be sure not to scratch your paint, especially if it's a black car, that is the one to use. Over top of that I use another, thicker, multi-layer dust-guard cover, to provide additional dust protection, and is thick enough to provide some padding for wife protection.

You do not need to over-inflate your tires. Just check them before you drive it when you take it out of storage.

I use the Porsche battery maintainer, which plugs right into the lighter receptacle, works perfectly, and is reasonably priced.

 

I also try to have the fuel tank full, so there is minimal space for condensation to occur.

If you have someone you trust, every 30 days or so it is beneficial to have someone start the car and let it run to full operating temperature, for about 30 minutes total. This evaporates moisture from inside the engine, and helps prevent seals from drying out. This is what my mechanic friends tell me at least. They are VERY good mechanics. Not just cars, but helicopters and jet engines. Most aircraft require engine runs at least every two weeks.

 

I use cotton bedsheets, stabilize my fuel, put them on stands, or inflate to 50PSI then roll them on to a stack of carpet remnants, and a trickle charger.

b

 

i disconnect the battery - 50 pounds on the tires - fuel stabalizer - in underground heated that has limited dust - start it in early April as they want everything out for a day to wash down winter from the ashphalt.

 

Climate control is a major plus for storage.

 

1. Fabric cover. Plastic is just to very short term use to keep dust off for customers.
2. Do I stabilize the fuel? Yes
3. Do I over inflate the tires to 50 PSI so thaey don't flat spot? Yes
4. If I get rim cradles do I still need to over inflate tires to avoid flat spotting? No.

 

Thanks. Btw. How is your front plate invention working out. Saw the video. Looks interesting.

 

You are welcome. The plate is working out nice. I hated the tow hook system.

This actually looks much better and it is quick and easy to remove.

Oh and Matt and Eddie did a great job on my car with the radar install. Thanks for all the info.

 

Use Stabil Marine formula for the fuel. It has more of the good stuff and is safe to use with autos.

 

I've been storing 911s for winter since 1978. Probably 15 different ones. Fill tank, use trickle charger and move it a few feet every few weeks. Never had a car ruined by dust - they are washable. More of a chance scratching with a cover than by having it get dusty and washing it in the spring. No extra air pressure, no fuel additives, no cradles. Never had a problem. My garage is heated.

 

Always happy to lend my experience - good or bad. DD is rock solid quality no mater what they have done for me.