Sun, 11/21/2010 - 5:58pm
Putting your Miata away for the winter months? Doing it the proper way can help to prevent some unpleasant surprises when getting back on the road in spring. Here are a few items needing particular attention:
Engine coolant - If your Miata will be kept in an unheated garage or storage building, be very sure that the engine coolant is capable of withstanding Michigan’s cold winter temperatures without freezing. A 50/50 mixture of regular ethylene glycol antifreeze and water generally provides adequate freeze protection. If in doubt, have it checked!
Fuel stabilization – Be sure to add some fuel stabilizer (“Stabil” or a similar product) to your car’s gas tank to protect against development of gummy deposits in your fuel system. After adding the stabilizer, run the engine for several minutes to circulate the product throughout the entire fuel system. Store your car with a full tank of gas, as this helps to guard against moisture condensation in the fuel tank.
Change oil & filter – Just before storing, perform an engine oil change, and install a new oil filter. This will help protect your engine from formation of sludge deposits and the corrosive effects of contaminants found in old oil.
Remove battery – Remove the battery from the vehicle, and store it in a protected location where it will not be subject to freezing temperatures. Place the battery on wood blocks or a rubber mat, not directly on a concrete floor. Attaching a low-amperage trickle charger with a “float” feature to the battery over the winter will keep it charged and ready for use next spring. Leaving the battery installed in your Miata is an option, but it could freeze if subjected to extreme cold, and it will probably require charging before use next spring. Removal is a simple procedure, and is recommended.
Tire pressures – After sitting in the same position for several months, tires often develop “flat spots” which can be very annoying when first getting back on the road in the spring. This problem can be minimized by inflating your tire pressures slightly higher (4 or 5 lbs.) than those used for normal driving conditions. Remember to readjust your pressures after removing the car from storage next year!
Critters – If mice are present around your car’s storage area, beware! They love to climb into any accessible openings, such as engine air intakes, exhaust pipes, or gaps around windows. If they get into your Miata’s interior, they can wreak havoc with your car’s upholstery! To avoid such problems, raise the top, close all windows, and place a small container of moth crystals in the car’s interior (some folks prefer to use fabric softener sheets). Stuff a wad of aluminum foil into the engine air intake and also the end of the exhaust pipe. Placing a full cover over the car is also useful as a means of keeping rodent and bird doodle off your shiny paint. Be sure to remember to undo all these rodent-prevention measures before starting up again next spring!
Some folks use additional storage measures, but the tips listed above should help your Miata survive the cold winter months without major problems. Remember, if you will not be driving your car at all during the winter months, cancel your auto insurance except for comprehensive coverage. The money you save may be enough to pay for your first several club drives next year!
George Pio
