Hibernation Time

[highlander]

apologies to OP for bump but stupid Q time - I get the no handbrake but when storing an auto do people leave in neutral or in park?

 

[hodroyd]

We leave ours in Park and no handbrake, at least it won't move anywhere..!!

 

[Contigo]

I would leave in Neutral . Oh And I parked mine only a day or two ago and put handbrake on only a couple of clicks. When I moved it today it was resisting movement in reverse gear! I had to move forward to unbind it!

 

[mjheathcote]

apologies to OP for bump but stupid Q time - I get the no handbrake but when storing an auto do people leave in neutral or in park?

No so important so would have no problem in Park, for its a mechanical gearbox lock.
The problem with handbrakes is that friction material can stick to the drum/disc, not so with an auto gearbox in park.

 

[hodroyd]

You can rip the coating off the shoes if that keeps happening..!! Apply handbrake a couple of times at low speed to keep the surfaces clean, thay rust up without use and when you park with handbrake on the rust fixes itself to the compound on the shoe, in particular when the car is parked wet, or damp..!!

 

[Contigo]

Thanks Robert, I did put it away after washing it so I guess that the discs were still wet. I will make sure to leave it off in future!

 

[hodroyd]

It's the drums that get wet and the shoes in there, as they are pretty enclosed they are slow to dry out and they rust up..!!

 

[stefanocirillo]

Went and started her up this weekend (after almost 2 months stood still) and left idling for about 30 mins with heater on full. It was very cold inside the car and didn't want it to turn damp! Car started fine first time no drama

 

[bigbob]

Good news, have you got the tyres over inflated to prevent flat spots?

 

[stefanocirillo]

I'll be honest i didn't over inflate them no. Ensured they were all pumped up though before storing it.

 

[bigbob]

I always put another 6-8psi in and when I take the car up and down the drive to clean the brakes I then park it up ensuring that the tyres are not in the same place as before. Possibly OTT!

 

[stefanocirillo]

Its that time again for the car to go to sleep for the winter! Had a quick top up detail from the guys at FKStandard and with the car looking supremely clean it is now fast asleep with the blankets on. Cant wait for spring already.....

 

[StuartW]

What a mirrored finish, amazing - as you say, roll on the spring!

 

[zagatoes30]

Thought about putting mine away post its MOT, first week Nov, but decide to just fit the winter tyres just in case I fancy using it

 

[Yorkshire-Trident]

Best way to stop flat spots is to use tyre cushions - not cheap, but if you're leaving your car parked up for 3 months, they're worth every penny. Cheaper than a new set of tyres anyway!

 

[VMSRTI]

that's a great finish Stefano

 

[Aredes]

That looks amazing!

How about axle stands? Is that a good solution to hibernate the car?

 

[AerosGS]

You could put some dehumidifying crystals inside with the doors closed -especially if the garage gets cold and damp. (Also lube the door seals with rubber protectant). Watch out for mice...

Cheers
PS It looks very shiny!

 

[c4sman]

Your car looks amazing. I couldn't face not driving the GT all winter, but I do draw the line once the gritters come out. I would recommend starting the engine and warming up every 2-3 weeks as a F355 owner and mechanic told me the biggest problem with Ferrari V8 engines arise due to lack of regular use and the top of the engine (valve gear?) running without oil on restart. He was a lucky man in that although on a modest mechanics wage he bought and ran a beautiful looking F355 when they could be bought for £35k and did the maintenance himself.

 

[Classico]

Lovely looking GS.

Nice one.

Mine sleeps most of the week under the blankets.

Makes bringing her out on the weekends even more rewarding.