Winter storage!

[Singhaa88]

So the time is coming nearer for storing the car for winter, I’ve done some research into best tips during my 911 days, but always good to get people’s opinions and advice... anyone have any tips for those that store their GTS’s? Thanks

 

[Sam McGoo]

Yeah......Drive it!

 

[JonW]

Buy the winter tyres I’m selling (which used to be on the car!) and continue to use it throughout the winter...?

https://www.sportsmaserati.com/index.php?threads/granturismo-winter-tyres-for-sale.28896/#post-718193

 

[Singhaa88]

Yeah......Drive it!

Buy the winter tyres I’m selling (which used to be on the car!) and continue to use it throughout the winter...?

https://www.sportsmaserati.com/index.php?threads/granturismo-winter-tyres-for-sale.28896/#post-718193

Hahaha thanks chaps... but it isn’t the daily and the bloody thing doesn’t fit in the garage, so I’ve decided to store it for the most part of the winter... plus allows me to have some bits done to it over that time... front end respray, paint correction, ceramic coating, ppf etc etc...

 

[hashluck]

We are offering a storage service with the option of having the leather interior restored or cleaned and protected but can also add detailing and PPF as well if required. Seems a popular winter option.

 

[tasnam]

I use tyre storage pads...not sure of the technical name....but you put them under all 4 tyres and drive up on them...this help eliminate flat spots on the bottom of the tyres over the winter. They were surprisingly effective.

 

[cheshiremaserati]

Storage is dead money. Use the car on dry days and if there is dry salt, hose the car down. If you own a F40 or other exotic or a classic Maser, then storage, otherwise you don't really need storage.

 

[safrane]

There is a section in the hand book on storage.

Mine goes away Oct to April.

Get a couple of damp soakers from your local caravan shop, one in the car and one in the boot.

 

[outrun]

I’ll drive it through the winter for you and put in in my garage at night. No charge.

 

[TimR]

Bought some tyre pads for peanuts a while back- will over inflate and stand up on these..
Good plan vis a vis the silica bags inside...
Hosing a car down after inadvertent salt runs ? Ill bet that's only slightly effective. Was gobsmacked after I saw the effect of a couple runs out at the end of last winter (March) Brand news parts that looked like they'd been on the car for 3 years after 3 months.
Conclusion....Its not German !

 

[FF1078]

I've always been told to start it and move it once a month so that things dont dry up. Rocker cover seals tend to dry out and leak if left.

 

[TimR]

I've always been told to start it and move it once a month so that things dont dry up. Rocker cover seals tend to dry out and leak if left.

If you only start it and disturb the slumber- the condensation you create from the brief temp differential inside the engine will be absorbed by the oil , and where it isnt, cause corrosion on components as it sits as water. This that then gets pumped through oil galleries when you use it in earnest...! Its a compromise. Knowing these Maserati motors, the cam cover gaskets will dry out in use- isnt that why they fail ? Tricky.....
I think if you run it out proper- all at working temps and then for a few miles beyond, you might get away with it....But that isnt storage is it, really ?
Drive it or hibernate it.
If you use a cover watch for condensation on humid days...!

 

[hashluck]

If you only start it and disturb the slumber- the condensation you create from the brief temp differential inside the engine will be absorbed by the oil , and where it isnt, cause corrosion on components as it sits as water. This that then gets pumped through oil galleries when you use it in earnest...! Its a compromise. Knowing these Maserati motors, the cam cover gaskets will dry out in use- isnt that why they fail ? Tricky.....
I think if you run it out proper- all at working temps and then for a few miles beyond, you might get away with it....But that isnt storage is it, really ?
Drive it or hibernate it.
If you use a cover watch for condensation on humid days...!

Agreed. If you start it, run it. Use everything including air-con etc. Ideally needs to be in humidity and temperature controlled storage on battery conditioner with tyre mats and regular tyre rotation. Anti-corrosion treatment to exposed and vulnerable parts is a good idea as well. Can be covered if no humidiity. Then pick and choose the odd day to run it if desired. But don't just start it and run engine for 20 minutes. More harm than good. If car is SORN you will need trade plates to run it.

 

[FF1078]

Mines on SORN now but it's going for service in November so it'll get run up at JCT but then it will go back into hibernation until April.
I'll get it out once a month and run it up to temp for a few miles but that's it.