Monaro Car Cover + Winter Tips
Discussion
Hi All,
Did have a quick google but no luck.... can anyone suggest a good car cover for the Monaro? It will be stored outside as unfortunately don`t have the luxury of a garage
Due to the car being kept outside during Winter, I will be leaving it insured - Now I know its debatable taking it out in the winter due to underselling but without disconnecting the battery etc how long would it be OK sat until I would need to start it up and keep it ticking over?
First time I would have a car semi stored for the winter period so would just like to know some basic please
Thanks
Michael
Did have a quick google but no luck.... can anyone suggest a good car cover for the Monaro? It will be stored outside as unfortunately don`t have the luxury of a garage
Due to the car being kept outside during Winter, I will be leaving it insured - Now I know its debatable taking it out in the winter due to underselling but without disconnecting the battery etc how long would it be OK sat until I would need to start it up and keep it ticking over?
First time I would have a car semi stored for the winter period so would just like to know some basic please
Thanks
Michael
My advice would be to avoid starting it and leaving it idling then switching off. It premotes condensation everywhere! Try to take it for a run once a month. Even just round the block a few times. It then gets everything up to temp, gives the brakes a clean, spins the gearbox and diff up. While on the drive operate all electrical switches.
I also found that the cheap breather covers are best. About £30, let water through but acts like a filter and then lets it dry in better weather. Expensive ones never work 100% and then you're gutted if it gets damaged. I would just get a new £30 one every year
I also found that the cheap breather covers are best. About £30, let water through but acts like a filter and then lets it dry in better weather. Expensive ones never work 100% and then you're gutted if it gets damaged. I would just get a new £30 one every year
Hello Michael,
I can't recommend a specific car cover, but you do get what you pay for.
Many years ago I bought a cheap cover for my Dodge, sadly when I removed the cover after the winter I found that the paint had been scuffed due to the cover rubbing against the body work. This happened because It was quite windy and the cover was flapping about. Try to get a cover with a soft inner lining
You should also get a breathable cover to cut down on the moisture build up, this will certainly happen when the weather is damp.
If your car is not undersealed and you are going to use it, you will need to hose the salt off the underside regularly. Make sure there is no build up of mud on the chassis, this will hold salt and start the rot.
As far as starting the engine up, most engine wear takes place when you first start it up. You need to get some heat through the car to burn off the water vapour. I would run the engine for a at least half an hour, and switch everything on, lights,heater,air on etc just to keep things going.
Mind you if it's below freezing I reall wouldn't bother, just wait till the temps pick up a bit.
Sorry no earth shattering advice but that's what I have done in the past.
Regards John
I can't recommend a specific car cover, but you do get what you pay for.
Many years ago I bought a cheap cover for my Dodge, sadly when I removed the cover after the winter I found that the paint had been scuffed due to the cover rubbing against the body work. This happened because It was quite windy and the cover was flapping about. Try to get a cover with a soft inner lining
You should also get a breathable cover to cut down on the moisture build up, this will certainly happen when the weather is damp.
If your car is not undersealed and you are going to use it, you will need to hose the salt off the underside regularly. Make sure there is no build up of mud on the chassis, this will hold salt and start the rot.
As far as starting the engine up, most engine wear takes place when you first start it up. You need to get some heat through the car to burn off the water vapour. I would run the engine for a at least half an hour, and switch everything on, lights,heater,air on etc just to keep things going.
Mind you if it's below freezing I reall wouldn't bother, just wait till the temps pick up a bit.
Sorry no earth shattering advice but that's what I have done in the past.
Regards John
Hi
I use the car covers from Halfords the xl one for £50 it fits perfectly and has 3 tie straps, I live in a very windy area and decided not to buy expensive ones as not sure they would hold up any better, they are breathable and keep the crap off but are not waterproof I have not had any problems with major scratches just a good quality polish and wax and what scratches there are come out.
I use the car covers from Halfords the xl one for £50 it fits perfectly and has 3 tie straps, I live in a very windy area and decided not to buy expensive ones as not sure they would hold up any better, they are breathable and keep the crap off but are not waterproof I have not had any problems with major scratches just a good quality polish and wax and what scratches there are come out.
I take my Monaro off the road each year from October/November until March/April.
Luckily it's garaged but I'm sure some of the steps might be useful outdoor too.
Give the car a good clean including the interior.
Fill the fuel tank and add some stabiliser, then take the car for a short drive to make sure the fresh fuel gets into the system.
Park leaving the handbrake off, chock the wheels and pump the tyres up to 40/45psi.
Put some sort of dehumidifier inside the car and/or leave the windows open a crack for air circulation.
Lastly, hook the battery up to a trickle charger.
When I have that all done I just leave it until spring. I've heard that it does more harm than good to start it up every now and again.
Although as already suggested, with yours being kept outside it might be beneficial.
I've been doing that routine for the last 3 years now and each spring the car fires up first time, no problems.
Oh, I would also consider blocking up the likes of the exhaust pipes/air intake with wire wool to keep mice from nesting.
Luckily it's garaged but I'm sure some of the steps might be useful outdoor too.
Give the car a good clean including the interior.
Fill the fuel tank and add some stabiliser, then take the car for a short drive to make sure the fresh fuel gets into the system.
Park leaving the handbrake off, chock the wheels and pump the tyres up to 40/45psi.
Put some sort of dehumidifier inside the car and/or leave the windows open a crack for air circulation.
Lastly, hook the battery up to a trickle charger.
When I have that all done I just leave it until spring. I've heard that it does more harm than good to start it up every now and again.
Although as already suggested, with yours being kept outside it might be beneficial.
I've been doing that routine for the last 3 years now and each spring the car fires up first time, no problems.
Oh, I would also consider blocking up the likes of the exhaust pipes/air intake with wire wool to keep mice from nesting.
Edited by throwyourbike on Wednesday 30th August 19:40
Thanks everyone for the advice, its appreciated
I will most likely take it around the block a couple of times to keep everything ticking but make sure to wash down the underneath etc.
I will have a hunt for a good car cover, would like to keep the paintwork as fresh as I can and avoid the scratches from cheaper versions.
I will most likely take it around the block a couple of times to keep everything ticking but make sure to wash down the underneath etc.
I will have a hunt for a good car cover, would like to keep the paintwork as fresh as I can and avoid the scratches from cheaper versions.
Had a google today and came across this......
http://www.carscovers.co.uk/VAUXHALL-MONARO-CAR-CO...
I would go for the stormforce one but looks like it will be the best for the job, custom fit for the Monaro, waterproof and scratch proof
http://www.carscovers.co.uk/VAUXHALL-MONARO-CAR-CO...
I would go for the stormforce one but looks like it will be the best for the job, custom fit for the Monaro, waterproof and scratch proof
Not sure on your budget but I have always fancied one of these. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Portable-Folding-Waterpr...
Should avoid scuff marks but takes up more space.
I have no connection or knowledge of the seller, it is just an example.
Should avoid scuff marks but takes up more space.
I have no connection or knowledge of the seller, it is just an example.
Mantahatch said:
Not sure on your budget but I have always fancied one of these. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Portable-Folding-Waterpr...
Should avoid scuff marks but takes up more space.
I have no connection or knowledge of the seller, it is just an example.
Would be nice but seems like it would take up a fair bit of room Should avoid scuff marks but takes up more space.
I have no connection or knowledge of the seller, it is just an example.
makes it easier getting in and out, also cleaning the car come drizzle would be good..... maybe I might have a measure upziggmike93 said:
Thanks everyone for the advice, its appreciated
I will most likely take it around the block a couple of times to keep everything ticking but make sure to wash down the underneath etc.
I will have a hunt for a good car cover, would like to keep the paintwork as fresh as I can and avoid the scratches from cheaper versions.
The cheap ones I mentioned before are the Tyvec type so are a cotton like material, I never Had any scratches from them but one year is about all you can hope forI will most likely take it around the block a couple of times to keep everything ticking but make sure to wash down the underneath etc.
I will have a hunt for a good car cover, would like to keep the paintwork as fresh as I can and avoid the scratches from cheaper versions.
well when I brought my first Ro VXR I was anal over it (to the point of it not being fun) . Got a £200 cover from Classic additions for the drive and even put it into professional storage for its first winter (complete waste of time rip offs) . Having learned from this and 5 VXR8's later, my advice is drive the bloody thing every day (unless daft snow and ice, but they are fun in the slippery stuff) rinse salt off with a hose after every trip when the roads are salted , I am lucky here on the south coast not much snow etc . What is the point having a car if you are not going to enjoy it as much as possible whilst you can?. Clock is running down on these cars with Electic tom foolery looming and ban this and that legislation so my view is max each and every day you can drive a V8.
Still see my original Ro, she is going strong and has not fallen apart by being used the past four winters. The opposite actually, still looking great and stored outside. Good detailing, good products, rinse the salt and Brmmm brmmm. They are not made of paper mache
Life is short, drive the bugger, they sulk if left alone too long. Well Christine certainly did.
Still see my original Ro, she is going strong and has not fallen apart by being used the past four winters. The opposite actually, still looking great and stored outside. Good detailing, good products, rinse the salt and Brmmm brmmm. They are not made of paper mache
Life is short, drive the bugger, they sulk if left alone too long. Well Christine certainly did.
TonyTwoTribes said:
well when I brought my first Ro VXR I was anal over it (to the point of it not being fun) . Got a £200 cover from Classic additions for the drive and even put it into professional storage for its first winter (complete waste of time rip offs) . Having learned from this and 5 VXR8's later, my advice is drive the bloody thing every day (unless daft snow and ice, but they are fun in the slippery stuff) rinse salt off with a hose after every trip when the roads are salted , I am lucky here on the south coast not much snow etc . What is the point having a car if you are not going to enjoy it as much as possible whilst you can?. Clock is running down on these cars with Electic tom foolery looming and ban this and that legislation so my view is max each and every day you can drive a V8.
Still see my original Ro, she is going strong and has not fallen apart by being used the past four winters. The opposite actually, still looking great and stored outside. Good detailing, good products, rinse the salt and Brmmm brmmm. They are not made of paper mache
Life is short, drive the bugger, they sulk if left alone too long. Well Christine certainly did.
Yep.... Couldn't agree with you more, I have already swayed from the cover option as that will be too much hassle, taking it out and using it, full clean just for a cover to go on it - long as I give the underbelly a rinse once I am done then like you said it should be all ok Still see my original Ro, she is going strong and has not fallen apart by being used the past four winters. The opposite actually, still looking great and stored outside. Good detailing, good products, rinse the salt and Brmmm brmmm. They are not made of paper mache
Life is short, drive the bugger, they sulk if left alone too long. Well Christine certainly did.
Well i am in a similar quandry, i have an enforced 6 month lay off from driving, due to a heart condition i have had my licence revoked until the 1st march 2018, i usually drive my R8 during the winter so have never thought of taking it off the road for the winter cant do the take it for a spin once a month, so its got to sit on the drive and be started or left unstarted untill i get my licence back
Ian.
Ian.
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