jyu12's thread about storing the car for the winter got me thinking about my own vehicle. While I actually try to drive throughout the year, last winter in Pennsylvania was brutal. There was a long stretch were I couldn't physically get my car out of the garage because of so much snow/ice.

Which leads me to ask a few "best practices" questions for letting the car sit for an extended period:

1) Tires. I have a V12V with Michelin Supersports. How long can they go before flatspotting sets in? Do products like this really work or help?

2) Alternatively . . . what's the boards opinion on winter tires for the V12V? I know Pirelli makes a winter tire that fits the V12V . . . opinions? I live in a very rural area so plowing is decent but not necessarily clear (like in cities).

3) I have a battery tender and typically hook the car up to that in cold weather. Is it advisable, however, to start the car (say once a week) to move fluids around and lubricate everything (letting the vehicle reach normal operating temperature)?

4) Other advice?

As always, an advanced thank you to the board for everyone's combined wisdom.

 

1. I have always had good luck with just pumping the tires up to the max rated pressure to prevent flat spotting. I have 5 "fun" summer cars and have never had a issue with any of them flat spotting yet. When spring comes just reset the air to factory recommended specs (usually on drivers door).

2. Can't help you with winter tires for a Aston, but definitely let us know how driving in the snow plays out. With that being said, I would think these cars would be a better snow plow than winter car in the winter time...

3. I do not recommend "starting" the car during the storage period you will do more harm than good. The car will never get up to operating temperature and long periods of idling will foul out plugs and could damage the cats. Just store the car and leave it until spring time.

4. I have my annual service timed for every September so when the car is almost ready for storage it also has fresh oil and brake fluid.

 

I suggest following the Owners Guide (page 12.40, .41, .42)
Although I don't store mine here in Florida - I do follow the "re-commissioning" procedure anytime I'm away and the car has to sit a little longer than a week/10days or so. PM me if you need the info.

 

I used to run my R8V10 as my everyday car throughout the winter. I ran SotoZero's on them without issue. That said I do live in the city and the R8V10 drives all 4 wheels.

I think your bigger issues will be the soft paint and the very low splitter. That bugger is crazy expensive