Ok so i will be storing my 06 c4s for the winter as i like to drive my ML in the harsh Canadian winter my question is i bought the car cover battery tender all the goodies for storage but then been told by mechanic that its best to start the car once every couple of weeks so the seals dont get dry even to put the ac on , any coments would help as this is my first year storing a car .

 

I too will be interested to hear the prevailing wisdom on this. If you do start it up, make sure you run it long enough for the engine to get up to temperature. It needs to be warm so that the condensation that will form inside the exhaust system will evaporate, rather than sit there and rust from the inside out.

 

Mine is in winter storage for about 4 months & I never start it.

 

I would add a few additional thoughts as I also store my toys for the winter.

(1) Make sure you fill up with gas before storing.
(2) Add Sta-Bil gas stabilizer to a full tank of gas. One ounce of Sta-bil for every 3 gallons of gas.
(3) Do not start the car and just let it idle. Most mechanics would suggest that is not good for the car as you need to get the car up to operating temperature or you will end up with more moisture in your oil, etc.
(4) On a clear day (when the roads are clean), take the car out and drive it for about 20 minutes (should get to normal operating temperature). I usually do this every 4-5 weeks during the winter storage. If not possible, just leave it alone.
(5) Increase tire air pressuress to about 40 front and 45 rear to minimize flat spotting.

Mark

 

I would increase the tire pressure to the maximum PSI as printed on the sidewall.

 

I just put my ride in storage and what i did was

-topped gas up with gas that has no ethanol
-put stabil in with the fuel
-plugged battery tender
-drove all 4 wheels on three layers of the rubber tiles you put in your kid's playroom....i did this so i don't have to over inflate the tires so when i do take it out on occasion during the winter, i don't have to fiddle with tire pressure
-car cover
-tissue to wipe my tears knowing i might not see it till spring

 

All good information! Especially the tissues

 

A couple of additional suggestions, depending on where you store your car:

- Roll two wash cloths and place them under the wiper arms, such that the wiper blades are just off the windscreen.

- Place mouse traps baited with peanut butter next to each tire. Some suggest putting steel wool in each exhaust. That seems over-the-top, but...

- If you're using a car cover, pull the bottom tight and make sure it doesn't reach the floor. If it's on the floor, it's a perfect mouse ladder.

- I use a couple of layers of carpet samples under each tire, in addition to the increased tire pressure.

- At least for the 997.2, lock the car with the key. Don't use the button on the key fob. The car will eventually go in to 'sleep' mode and stop 'looking for' the key fob signal. Unlock with the key - and within 10 sec the key needs to be in the ignition to avoid setting off the alarm

- If you keep the frunk open as a precaution, be certain to push the receiver part of the latch into the down position so that the car thinks the frunk is shut. The light will go off.

- Remind yourself that now you've got at least four months to justify living in a cold, cloudy, high cost of living environment. No need to rush.

 

Sames like all good advise so most of you dont start the car over winter , well i have everything ready except the tissues for the tears .