A&Q about 350Z
Q:
How to store a car for winter...
"Smokey, this is not Nam, this is bowling. There are rules."
-Walter Sobchak
A:
222,
I just picked up a 2005 Z in June, but I used to own a 1990 300ZX in Connecticut and I always stored it from late November until April. On a side note, you should be able to get a break on your car insurance since your home owners package covers the car while it's in the garage.
Anyway, this is what I have done with motorcycles and my old ZX and I see no reason to change with my new Z in the midwest as far as a winter storage process.
1. Change the oil and filter before storage. Your engine oil is designed to neutralize acids and other by-products of combustion, but fresh oil ensures that all machined surfaces are well protected with new oil. I swear by Mobil 1 100% synthetic oil.
2. You want to fill the gas tank up to the max, but while you are at the pump, pour in the correct amount of Sta-Bil gasoline preservative. This chemically stabilizes the gasoline to prevent chemical breakdown of the gas and prevents lacquering of the injectors. This will allow for an immediate start in the spring. The key point is to run about 10 miles or so before storing the car. You want to get gasoline with the Sta-Bil in the fuel rail and injector bodies before the final shutdown. No big deal if you need to start the car briefly for some reason during the storage.
3. Invest $45.00 (U.S.) in a Battery Tender battery charger. This is NOT a trickle charger. This is a well engineered charger with an electronic chip that monitors the level of charge and controls the rate of charge. You can purchase one of these units at any major motorcycle dealer. It comes with a quick-disconnect harness that you can leave on your battery all year round. The point is that letting your battery deep cycle or go dead from lack of charging kills the life of your battery. I've had the same one since 1994 and it still works terrific. I used it on my motorcycle, my old ZX and my ride mower battery. The same process will continue with my new Z. Oh, I almost forgot. Make sure your battery electrolite level is at the correct level. If you need to add water, use distilled water. Not tap water. You don't want to have lime and other minerals that resides in tap water.
4. If you haven't put a coat of wax on recently, do it. The car may get dusty in the garage, but the wax will give it the desired protection.
5. If you drive a coupe, the recommended tire pressure is 35 PSI. The tires will lose pressure while in storage so raise the pressure to around 40 PSI. Come April, you will probably be down to 30 PSI, but you will have plenty of pressure to at least drive the car to a place where you can get the pressure back up to the correct spec. If you have an air compressor, then that makes the job that much easier.
6. Don't go out and "exercise" the engine every month while the car is in storage in the garage. If you can't take it out on the road and get the engine and the exhaust system up to normal operating temperature, all you are going to do is build up condensation in the crankcase. So don't start it and let it run for five or ten minutes. Just let her sleep. She'll be fine when you take her out of hibernation.
Well that's my formula for winter storage. It has served me well. It may seem like overkill, but unless you plan to buy a new car every spring, it's your insurance in a major investment that you want to protect. That way you can sit down in November in front of the tevelvision, watching the NHL and enjoy a Molsen without fretting about your ride. Happy holidays, 222.
Zed Head
2005 350Z Enthusiast in Silverstone
AZA Z-2 18x8.5 & 18x9.5
Yokohama ES100 245/40-18 & 275/35-18
2003 Infiniti FX35
Bone Stock
A:
As far as the Z not good for winter driving, that is correct. But, I live in Minnesota and I do not 'store' my 350 over the winter. I wait for the days when the streets are clear and dry and out she comes. Granted those days are numbered, but I take it out every chance I get through the winter months. But again, only when the streets are clear and dry because I have experienced the 350Z on snow covered streets and it was not good. I have read of those putting snow tires on, but I personally don't need to drive it in those conditions anyway.
'06 Silver Alloy 350Z Touring