Storing a 997 GT3 for winter...

[V8KSN]

Any tips?

Is it really necessary to have it plugged into a CTEK charger even if it will be driven at least once a month over the four months it will be stored?

Cheers in advance for the replies

[TheDeadPrussian]

A timely topic.

I’ve just laid up my 997.2 GT3RS for Winter. It won’t now be driven now at all until next Spring…

I have overinflated the tyres (to approximately 45psi) and will move the car a couple of feet backwards and forwards every three weeks or so to prevent ‘flat spots’ on the tyres – handbrake off and wheels chocked, gears in neutral. I have connected the car to a battery conditioner (via the cigarette lighter) and left the petrol tank near empty (to be topped up with fresh fuel before I take it out of hibernation).

I don’t intend to run the car at all - as I was led to believe static running of the engine does the car no good – and the car is now under a couple of dust sheets in a de-humidified garage.

Have I missed anything? Anyone want to offer any additional advice or tips?

[Slickhillsy]

Or... Here's a CRAZY idea...

Please bear with me...

You could just drive it! Take it out, it gets wet (ok maybe not if the dreaded salt Grinch has been out to play) - you clean it.

That way you get to do more than 200 miles a year in the car and enjoy it in all conditions. I actually enjoy driving mine in the rain as it presents it's own challenges / experience.

Simples really...

[arcamalpha]

People will debate the pros and cons of various storage activities, but a battery charger is a must and way cheaper thsn a new battery.

[TheDeadPrussian]

Slickhillsy said:

Or... Here's a CRAZY idea...

Please bear with me...

You could just drive it! Take it out, it gets wet (ok maybe not if the dreaded salt Grinch has been out to play) - you clean it.

That way you get to do more than 200 miles a year in the car and enjoy it in all conditions. I actually enjoy driving mine in the rain as it presents it's own challenges / experience.

Simples really...

OK I’ll bite – you are on a roll what with this and all your other ‘helpful’ advice. Here’s another CRAZY idea – I do what I wish to with my car when I want to...

What makes the car so special to me is the fact it’s not used all the time.

I don’t mind driving it in the wet – as you say this presents its' own challenges – but I’m not a particular fan of cold temperatures in the wet (or salted and potholed roads).

[RAPID66]

If the garage is safe, you could leave the trunk open, so that if the battery fails (can happen even with drip charger), you have access...

[matsoc]

I never put any sports car I owned in hibernation but living in Italy (albeit the quite cold and sometimes snowy Turin) things are a bit different, in every season you don't have to wait several days before a sunny and dry day shows up and when it happens I usually take it out for a drive...

[Alpinestars]

RAPID66 said:

If the garage is safe, you could leave the trunk open, so that if the battery fails (can happen even with drip charger), you have access...

Isn't it easier to lock it up and use a jump starter if it goes flat?

[mikem7709]

Have done the same with mine. Into an air chamber, ctek on and brimmed the tank with some POR15 fuel preserver.

[Slickhillsy]

TheDeadPrussian said:

Slickhillsy said:

Or... Here's a CRAZY idea...

Please bear with me...

You could just drive it! Take it out, it gets wet (ok maybe not if the dreaded salt Grinch has been out to play) - you clean it.

That way you get to do more than 200 miles a year in the car and enjoy it in all conditions. I actually enjoy driving mine in the rain as it presents it's own challenges / experience.

Simples really...

OK I’ll bite – you are on a roll what with this and all your other ‘helpful’ advice. Here’s another CRAZY idea – I do what I wish to with my car when I want to...

What makes the car so special to me is the fact it’s not used all the time.

I don’t mind driving it in the wet – as you say this presents its' own challenges – but I’m not a particular fan of cold temperatures in the wet (or salted and potholed roads).

Didn't need to bite Mark - was just an another option being suggested. Glad to see my good advice is helping others

[RAPID66]

Alpinestars said:

Isn't it easier to lock it up and use a jump starter if it goes flat?

It's just that it can be a hassle trying to open doors trunk when battery flat...

Edited by RAPID66 on Tuesday 22 October 16:07

Edited by RAPID66 on Tuesday 22 October 16:07

[maximtaylor]

I'd put it on trickle charge. You'll likely find that a few weeks non-use combined with colder temps will soon duff the battery.

[Mayhem911]

maximtaylor said:

I'd put it on trickle charge. You'll likely find that a few weeks non-use combined with colder temps will soon duff the battery.

Yes especially if its a Porsche moll battery, they dont seem to need much of an excuse to go down, and never charge up again afterwards, they seem to just last to the end of the two year warranty, then your on borrowed time!

[Mayhem911]

maximtaylor said:

I'd put it on trickle charge. You'll likely find that a few weeks non-use combined with colder temps will soon duff the battery.

Yes especially if its a Porsche moll battery, they dont seem to need much of an excuse to go down, and never charge up again afterwards, they seem to just last to the end of the two year warranty, then your on borrowed time!

[drmark]

Normal to store with a full tank and stabiliser to avoid condensation in tank.
But a few months in a newish car shouldn't make a dfference either way.

[GT3andy]

[/quote]Is it really necessary to have it plugged into a CTEK charger even if it will be driven at least once a month over the four months it will be stored?

Cheers in advance for the replies
[/quote]

Hello Kul

Definitely a CTEK charger, just saves the bother of complicated jump starting via the fuse box, and then recharging of battery.

Don't do it myself, but if not driven at all for 4-5 months, full tank and fuel conditioner would be a good idea, but best is as you say try to get out on a dry road every few weeks, to avoid putting away wet. Then if you can, dehumidifier in garage, one that works at minus degrees though, many don't. Keep it clean and well polished. well it's something to do waiting for spring. ... and do all the little jobs you've been promising to do but haven't had time to, due to blasting around Europe, Wales etc. Must admit to around 9000 this year in the RS umm... maybe it will start to slow down a bit now.

[mollytherocker]

V8KSN said:

Any tips?

Save yourself a whole lot of worry and effort and let me store it for you in my garage.

Come spring, it will be all ready to rock for you.

[tonto1]

RAPID66 said:

If the garage is safe, you could leave the trunk open, so that if the battery fails (can happen even with drip charger), you have access...

Trunk?? Is that the same as the boot?

If so and you do, do this, remember to take the light buld out.

[RDMcG]

TheDeadPrussian said:

A timely topic.

I’ve just laid up my 997.2 GT3RS for Winter. It won’t now be driven now at all until next Spring…

I have overinflated the tyres (to approximately 45psi) and will move the car a couple of feet backwards and forwards every three weeks or so to prevent ‘flat spots’ on the tyres – handbrake off and wheels chocked, gears in neutral. I have connected the car to a battery conditioner (via the cigarette lighter) and left the petrol tank near empty (to be topped up with fresh fuel before I take it out of hibernation).

I don’t intend to run the car at all - as I was led to believe static running of the engine does the car no good – and the car is now under a couple of dust sheets in a de-humidified garage.

Have I missed anything? Anyone want to offer any additional advice or tips?

I leave the tank full with a bit of stabilizer and use foam tire cradles ..never move or start the car at all. Have done this with many cars, no problems.

[Paul O]

tonto1 said:

Trunk?? Is that the same as the boot?

If so and you do, do this, remember to take the light buld out.

It goes off after a while on its own I think. When I put the charger on mine, I leave the boot open a little. The lights are on inside but come back a few hours later and its all spooky dark in there...