18 replies to this topic

[PaulSmithRich]

I have to admit that my Paul Smith only comes out when its dry, so it was nice to get it out finally this weekend after all the recent rain for a quick spin and some photos. However, this is becoming less frequent now as we enter these colder, wetter months.

 

I'm lucky to be able to garage my MINI, but as this is my first year of ownership I would be interested for some suggestions for storing the car in the garage over winter.

 

Let me know your thoughts. Thanks.

[mab01uk]

Don't leave too much petrol in the tank over winter hibernation as modern fuels go stale after a few months, or you can get fuel additives which slow this process and also help prevent the tank rusting internally from condensation.

Note: fuel goes off quicker in an older vented carb fuel system compared with the sealed fuel injection system on later Minis.

 

Pump up the tyres to help prevent flat spots or rotate the wheels occasionally.

 

Charge/maintain the battery or it will fail quite quickly if left to go flat.

Edited by mab01uk, 07 October 2019 - 06:43 AM.

[the.stroker]

Do a search,there are a fair few threads on this subject.

[Pete - W.Sussex]

As above but I would change the oil and filter too.

[Steve220]

Give the car a good clean. Brim the tank, change the oil and filter, silica gel bags in a Chinese take away tub (plastic or metal.. doesn't matter) and crack the window a little. I use a set of rusty 12" wheels for the car to sit on and take my 13s off to prevent flat spots.

 

Disconnect the battery and bring it indoors or put it on a trickle charger.

[TheFabMini]

Lots of threads covering this including one I did a couple of years ago.. seems to get a lot of conflicting ideas...
Some say full tank of fuel other say empty
Some say start once a month others say don’t
Some say waxoyl some say don’t


Personally I ended up on a tank of v power, gave the car a good clean and scrub under the arches
In the garage on axl stands wheels off (mostly so I could clean and dry under there more)
And started every so often and left to reach operating temperature

I spent more time in March/April going over everything to get it back on the road for summer and it seemed to survive

[Dusky]

If you have a welder, fill the tank with melding gass and plug the holes.

[beardylondon]

I was advised to brim the tank, as since we have more ethanol in the petrol now, the vapour can damage the tank if left for a while. Personally even in winter I try and get it out for a quick spin and get it up to temperature, and to prevent flat spots on the tyres etc.

 

Brimming the tank with 99 RON is a good shout for sure!

[PaulSmithRich]

Thanks for all the suggestions. Seems there is no right or wrong way to do it. Personal preference and see what works.

 

Think i will start with a tank of 99RON and I plan to start it up at least once a month ideally taking it for a quick spin (weather permitting). See how that goes.

Silica bags also on my list as garage is detached from house and will get cold.

 

A good clean is also due this weekend i feel with some new brushes to get under arches.

[jaysmini1983]

i use a small dehumidifier in mine, leave it in the car, swith it on once a month ish for 12 hours. helps to remove any moisture from carpets etc. 

[panky]

Just ordered some of this stuff after it was recommended on another forum. With the Mini and the big Commer getting little use through the winter it's worth the few pounds to keep the fuel fresh

 

https://www.ebay.co....872.m2749.l2649

[cp2708]

I can't recommend ACF50 enough, best stuff I've used in 25 years. No new rust bubbles in 5 winters sat outside and used frequently. Roads not gritted too much round here though.  

 

https://www.ebay.co....=acf50&_sacat=0

 

 

 

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[minicooperr]

Thanks for starting this topic, lots of useful tips as I was wondering what I should be doing as well 

[MikeRotherham]

I can't recommend ACF50 enough, best stuff I've used in 25 years. No new rust bubbles in 5 winters sat outside and used frequently. Roads not gritted too much round here though.  

 

https://www.ebay.co....=acf50&_sacat=0

I just love this picture.

 

I hope the mini is safe from the b***ards who think they deserve it more than you!

[Chris1275gt]

Sorry if I'm bucking the trend but my 75 1275gt duchess is never out in the rain but I take her out every week in the winter (a damp road does no harm) for a quick 30/40 mile spin to keep it all ticking over. I've not seen a grittier lorry round my neck of the woods for years and my garage has a damp proof membrane so is really dry and only heated when I'm out their tinkering. It also seems like a lot of faffing around not to drive it, especially with the smile factor missing for 6 months!