Looking for advice on winter storage... I've put my '14 V8V into storage in a semi heated garage (it should remain above freezing all winter). Put in fuel stabilizer and plugged in a battery conditioner. Just wondering about the real need for tire cushions? Have read about over inflating the tires as an alternative and have also seen comments that the cushions are a waste of time/money (other forum). What's the downside of just leaving it sitting on the tires (are flat spots really permanent or just a temporary thing)? Any comments would be welcome.

 

Personally I would take them off and place the car on stands. If thats not an option flat tires are real and can pose a problem. Each tire is different.

 

I'm in the same boat as AMCan. One of the reasons I don't want to put it on stands or pump up the tires is because winters here can be hit or miss. While I did put some fuel stabilizer in it since I'm not entirely sure I'll get through this tank before spring, I do intend to drive it when there are nice days and the road is clean. And I don't want to have to lower my tire pressure / lower a car off stands / etc before just going for an hour long drive once or twice a month (and then doing all that again when I get home).

I have new(er) PSS tires and I'm not in a hurry to mess them up though. I'd love to see if anyone had any real experience with the pads. Should I just suck it up and increase the pressure in my tires?

Edit: and speaking of winter... was on the roads earlier in my DD and there's already that damn beet juice been spread around by MODOT in anticipation of a few inches of snow tonight. No rain in sight, so looks like it will be at least a few weeks before I can drive it again

 

I've stored cars in the winter on tire cushions for years and have never had a problem with flat spotting. But I inflate the tires to around 50 psi or so. Not sure if you will avoid flat spots without increasing pressures, even with tire cushions.

 

I've never used tire cushions, and I've had flat spots in the past. It varies from tire to tire, but they've always gone away fairly quickly. However, for the last few years I've inflated the tires to 50 psi, and I've not had any flat spotting. I take the cars out if we get some rain to clean off the roads, and I just let the extra air out before I go, and add it again after. It's a bit of a pain, but not that much of a pain.

 

Try www.flatstoppers.com

Just got a set. Good insurance. Overkill? Maybe? Still did 10psi more than normal.

Easy on/off. Better than possibly replacing 2K worth of tires.

Putting it in stands and having the shocks/suspension extended for a long time can cause other issues.

 

Depends on the tires and how long they sit in the same position. If you "air-up" and change the contact patch every 2 weeks you will be fine. Higher pressures 50-60psi is not wrong for storage. Once the tires "flat spot" you cannot fix them! Cushions do work, but so do stands. Depends on your storage needs. Air is the most economical method. Don't forget fuel additive and a full fuel tank. It's all in the owners book under storage.

 

Thanks everyone. I really appreciate it!

 

That's my routine also, seems like the easiest and the cradles are much cheaper than the AM ones.

 

the owner's manual has a section on what to do to prep for storage. They recommend overinflating the tires. Also, don't forget when you go to start it the first time you need to press gas pedal all the way to the floor, and press the start button til the oil light goes out.

 

I also use a set of tire cushions after overinflating the tires of my DB7 as it is only used a fews week per year when I am in Europe, no flat spots after 4 years of this treatement.

 

Air pump

Got this great little 12V pump for $60. Just set the desired pressure and it will shut off when done. Pumped up to 50 PSI (sidewall of these 19" indicate maximum of 51 PSI). Noticed some other posts recommending 55+ PSI. Maybe other profiles have higher ratings?
Thanks again for all the advice!

 

AM manual says to pump up to 50psi.

 

Bad thing to due if you set stands on the body and let the suspension hang all winter..you would have to set the stands on the lower arms to compress the suspension to normal ride height

 

Flat spotting can be reduced and most times fixed to the point of not feeling any concern...just takes labour to be paid for ;-)