REVscene Automotive Forum

REVscene Automotive Forum (https://www.revscene.net/forums/)
-   Vancouver Auto Chat (https://www.revscene.net/forums/vancouver-auto-chat_173/)
-   -   Prepare car for winter storage (https://www.revscene.net/forums/717089-prepare-car-winter-storage.html)

twitchyzero 10-15-2020 07:20 PM

it’s outside the vehicle lol

and no fire hazard if I’m not starting it

Simplex123 10-15-2020 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by underscore (Post 9002689)
* apparently some modern BMWs have windows that have to open slightly when you open and close the door, so if the windows are up and the battery is dead or disconnected you'd have to smash a window to get in if you didn't leave the hood popped. either way leave the windows open so some fresh air gets in.

False. Battery is always in the trunk - which is accessible by the key

Also, where did OP go? He didn't realize this thread would get so many responses in 24 hrs :lol

TOPEC 10-15-2020 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simplex123 (Post 9002739)
False. Battery is always in the trunk - which is accessible by the key

Also, where did OP go? He didn't realize this thread would get so many responses in 24 hrs :lol

BMW did away with the key hole in the trunk in certain models. For example, half way through the E9X cycle, they completely removed the trunk key hole where as earlier MY E9X still had a trunk accessible via the key.

If OP is disconnecting the battery, then leave the trunk closed but not latched (re: dont slam the trunk shut) that way the battery will be accessible in the spring. Also if there is fold down rear seats, then leave 1 side folded down in case someone accidently latches the trunk, there will still be a back up way to access the battery.

tegra7 10-15-2020 08:14 PM

https://www.calcarcover.com/product/...age-bubble/684

underscore 10-15-2020 09:00 PM

^ isn't there usually a jump post in the engine bay too? leaving the hood popped might be easier.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simplex123 (Post 9002739)
False. Battery is always in the trunk - which is accessible by the key

Also, where did OP go? He didn't realize this thread would get so many responses in 24 hrs :lol

From what I understand the M235i has no trunk keyhole.

TOPEC 10-15-2020 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by underscore (Post 9002756)
^ isn't there usually a jump post in the engine bay too? leaving the hood popped might be easier.

yes but it wont work if u physically disconnect the battery

Simplex123 10-15-2020 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TOPEC (Post 9002743)
BMW did away with the key hole in the trunk in certain models. For example, half way through the E9X cycle, they completely removed the trunk key hole where as earlier MY E9X still had a trunk accessible via the key.

If OP is disconnecting the battery, then leave the trunk closed but not latched (re: dont slam the trunk shut) that way the battery will be accessible in the spring. Also if there is fold down rear seats, then leave 1 side folded down in case someone accidently latches the trunk, there will still be a back up way to access the battery.

Quote:

Originally Posted by underscore (Post 9002756)
^ isn't there usually a jump post in the engine bay too? leaving the hood popped might be easier.



From what I understand the M235i has no trunk keyhole.

Damn.. didn't realize trunk keyholes were a thing of the past lol
But from what I understand you should still be able to use the driver side keyhole to open the door.. even on a frameless window. You may have to trim tool to get the window past the seal if anything, but there's still a cylinder there that will unlock and give you access to the handle. Shouldn't be difficult to do since it's just a rubber seal.
Definitely agree that if you're pulling the battery, to just leave the the trunk not latched - just going to be the easiest way without a trunk key hole.

Manic! 10-15-2020 11:28 PM

I have stored a numer of cars over the winter and all I do is fill the car with gas, put in some fuel stabilizer and put it on a battery tender. No need to jack the car or take off the wheels.

underscore 10-15-2020 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TOPEC (Post 9002769)
yes but it wont work if u physically disconnect the battery

Ah right, I think I was told something like the jump post can't be used to power all the electrical systems for some weird reason.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Simplex123 (Post 9002772)
Damn.. didn't realize trunk keyholes were a thing of the past lol
But from what I understand you should still be able to use the driver side keyhole to open the door.. even on a frameless window. You may have to trim tool to get the window past the seal if anything, but there's still a cylinder there that will unlock and give you access to the handle. Shouldn't be difficult to do since it's just a rubber seal.
Definitely agree that if you're pulling the battery, to just leave the the trunk not latched - just going to be the easiest way without a trunk key hole.

A family member owns the 235 so I'm not too sure how tight the seal at the top of the door is, he made it sound like it's a pretty solid pocket it goes into. He got into it eventually and then had to reach through the ski passthrough (which apparently is an option not many have) to get to the emergency trunk release to reconnect the battery. I'd put a towel or something over the latch just to prevent accidentally shutting it out of habit.

AzNightmare 10-16-2020 09:09 AM

There is a chance I may keep my car in storage for longer than 6 months.

Do I just top it up with 94 and just put fuel stabilizer like this?
https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/s...0907p.html#srp

Akinari 10-16-2020 10:46 AM

Does anyone know of a battery tender that works without needing to be plugged in? Like a battery for a battery? I'm sure they exist, just not too sure where to look/what to look for.

I'm in a condo and my parking space is not next to a column-mounted outlet, and I generally don't drive my car in the rain so difficult to keep the battery topped up.

bcrdukes 10-16-2020 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AzNightmare (Post 9002791)
There is a chance I may keep my car in storage for longer than 6 months.

Do I just top it up with 94 and just put fuel stabilizer like this?
https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/s...0907p.html#srp

This is my personal opinion, and others will disagree, but depending on the car you have, particularly if it is fuel injected, you will not need fuel stabilizer. I personally do not believe modern fuel injected vehicles require fuel stabilizer, and I've stored most of my cars without using it.

I think you have the right idea of filling up on Chevron 94 or Shell 91 (if it is still ethanol-free in Western Canada - check to be sure.) I've only ever used fuel stabilizer on my Alfa Romeo Spider (mechanical fuel injected/carbureted,) carbureted motorcycles, and Honda lawn mower that isn't used for months at a time (no VTEC, sorry.)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Akinari (Post 9002798)
Does anyone know of a battery tender that works without needing to be plugged in? Like a battery for a battery? I'm sure they exist, just not too sure where to look/what to look for.

I'm in a condo and my parking space is not next to a column-mounted outlet, and I generally don't drive my car in the rain so difficult to keep the battery topped up.

I think your options are limited as I was in the same position for four years living in a condo. There aren't many options, if any, that exist on the market. Someone in my previous building with a Dodge Challenger bought a battery pack/computer-type UPS system and connected a Noco battery tender to it every two weeks, and it seemed to work for him, but I don't know how I feel about leaving a big battery pack in my car with a battery tender's cable running out the window and into the engine bay like that. He was okay (so far) and there are surveillance cameras everywhere in that lot, so do this at your own risk. I think in general, you should be okay. Just fire it up and drive it for 30 mins or so every now and then. A little rain isn't going to melt you car. :D

bcrdukes 10-16-2020 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yray (Post 9002710)
drive it poosie

This is actually the best advice in this thread :lol

fliptuner 10-16-2020 11:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Akinari (Post 9002798)
Does anyone know of a battery tender that works without needing to be plugged in? Like a battery for a battery? I'm sure they exist, just not too sure where to look/what to look for.

I'm in a condo and my parking space is not next to a column-mounted outlet, and I generally don't drive my car in the rain so difficult to keep the battery topped up.

Only thing that could keep your battery charged without plugging it in, would be another battery or solar.

Gumby 10-16-2020 11:20 AM

Thanks for all the feedback guys! Yes, I did not expect so many responses, but hopefully it benefits others as well.

I'm going to fill the tank up with 94 (normally it gets 91), add a dessicant to the interior, plus the battery tender. My guess is that it will sit for 4-5 months.

For those of you telling me to just drive it anyway, this is my third car, and I don't have winter tires for it. Both of my other cars have dedicated winter tires: a 2005 Honda Pilot (for hauling the kids around) and a 2000 Civic (year-round beater). Currently the Civic is not insured, but I will get that back on the road after the BMW's insurance expires in November.

bcrdukes 10-16-2020 11:27 AM

Don't forget to get storage insurance from ICBC! :thumbs:

underscore 10-16-2020 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Akinari (Post 9002798)
Does anyone know of a battery tender that works without needing to be plugged in? Like a battery for a battery? I'm sure they exist, just not too sure where to look/what to look for.

I'm in a condo and my parking space is not next to a column-mounted outlet, and I generally don't drive my car in the rain so difficult to keep the battery topped up.

Get a battery shutoff switch? Then you can just flip the switch instead of needing to disconnect/reconnect the battery.

EvoFire 10-16-2020 02:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AzNightmare (Post 9002791)
There is a chance I may keep my car in storage for longer than 6 months.

Do I just top it up with 94 and just put fuel stabilizer like this?
https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/s...0907p.html#srp

94, or whatever fuel you can find that doesn't have ethanol. Ethanol doesn't store as well.

AzNightmare 10-16-2020 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EvoFire (Post 9002852)
94, or whatever fuel you can find that doesn't have ethanol. Ethanol doesn't store as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcrdukes (Post 9002802)
This is my personal opinion, and others will disagree, but depending on the car you have, particularly if it is fuel injected, you will not need fuel stabilizer. I personally do not believe modern fuel injected vehicles require fuel stabilizer, and I've stored most of my cars without using it.

I think you have the right idea of filling up on Chevron 94 or Shell 91 (if it is still ethanol-free in Western Canada - check to be sure.) I've only ever used fuel stabilizer on my Alfa Romeo Spider (mechanical fuel injected/carbureted,) carbureted motorcycles, and Honda lawn mower that isn't used for months at a time (no VTEC, sorry.)

Quote:

Originally Posted by bcrdukes (Post 9002814)
Don't forget to get storage insurance from ICBC! :thumbs:


I have a Fiesta ST. It normally gets 94 anyway so I'll just top up as usual. I guess to be "better safe than sorry", I'll put some stabilizer in anyway.

It'll be garage parked, do I really need storage insurance? What does that cover?

To combat tire flat spots, I'll probably roll out into the driveway, do some random maneuvering and pull back in to change up the tire position every month.

Gumby 10-16-2020 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AzNightmare (Post 9002870)
It'll be garage parked, do I really need storage insurance? What does that cover?

From icbc: even when it’s being stored, your vehicle can be damaged or cause damage to others. The storage policy can include third party liability, collision, comprehensive, etc.

I’d say it’s optional, but I will get it for my BMW (but I didn’t get it for my beater Civic :lol)

yray 10-16-2020 05:32 PM

you never know when your stored vehicle would wake up and hit someone

bcrdukes 10-16-2020 06:35 PM

To be fair, storage insurance protects your car from theft, too. Again, this depends on your risk tolerance, neighbourhood you live in, and a bunch of other various factors like your garage roof is about to collapse one day?

Say if critters built a nest in your engine bay and the one day you decide to fire it up to drive it up the block (which is not allowed, by the way) and the engine catches fire, well, you are screwed. Or what if hoodlums decided to break into your garage, hate on you because you have a nice car and all they can (barely) afford is off-peak transit fare, and they key your car, or a jealous crazy ex-girlfriend says you love your car more than you loved her and takes a Louisville slugger to it like no tomorrow, well, then I guess that storage insurance isn't so bad. It isn't expensive, but if it means saving a couple hundred bucks or so, then so be it. Take that couple hundred of bucks and buy a few buckets of fried chicken and chow down on it over a few cold ones.

The only time it would ever wake up and hit someone is when yray posts on Revsecne. Jokes aside, say your e-brake fails (not that you should have engaged it while in storage) and it rolls through your garage or condo parking lot and you smash someone else's car, or heaven forbid, a person, and you break their knees. What do you do then without storage insurance?

underscore 10-16-2020 07:04 PM

The policy on the house might cover it while it's in the garage, but storage is so cheap I don't see why you wouldn't have it on anything decent. As said above thieves are usually pretty stupid so who knows what they might do. I also like that it's covered should I need to move it out of the garage for any reason without having to worry about it.

I don't see a reason to move it every month just to roll the tires around though. I've had cars sit for years without moving and they didn't get flat spots. Likewise I don't see the benefit of firing it up for short periods of time and putting the engine through heat cycles and a bunch of condensation into the oil for no reason.

twitchyzero 10-17-2020 06:45 AM

theft? rolling away?

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon...._AC_SY450_.jpg

bcrdukes 10-17-2020 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by underscore (Post 9002890)
The policy on the house might cover it while it's in the garage

I believe that is correct, but each individual policy may have limits, or may not cover specifically a car that is being stored. Would have to check the policy to be sure. And should anything happen, your house insurance goes up and that's when it hurts. :heckno:


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 07:10 PM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
SEO by vBSEO ©2011, Crawlability, Inc.
Revscene.net cannot be held accountable for the actions of its members nor does the opinions of the members represent that of Revscene.net