Winter storage questions and driving with fuel stabilizer in the tank?

[SamuelDev]

Hey folks,

I stored my BRZ this past week. I put some fuel stabilizer in the tank, topped it up, and disconnected the battery.

Well today, when waiting to buy the new Need for Speed game (there's a BRZ in it! as the starter car, no less!) I ran into a big group of WRX STI folks who were also waiting to get the game. Anyway we got to talking and they informed me of how I am apparently a crazy person for storing my car this early in the year. They told me I can drive without issue until early/mid december... another whole month of BRZ fun!

So I'm getting my car *out* of storage (I paid for the space, and the storage guy is cool with me putting it in later in the year) and will be driving it for another month.

Onto my questions,

1: Driving with fuel stabilizer in the tank -- I'm assuming this is fine, since people aren't expected to drain their tank come spring time?

2: Before storing, is fuel stabilizer + disconnecting the battery sufficient? I know there are threads on this but I'd like some more opinions Whether tire pressure is important, whether a battery maintainer is worth it, etc.... the car only has 2000Kms on it (~1200 miles).

Curious to hear opinions!

[ottoyu34]

I am in Ontario, and I am most likely driving it for another two weeks or so. I stop when it's too cold to hand wash it. I don't prefer parking a dirty car.

Subaru guys would tell you to drive all year around

[Tcoat]

Do not drive with the summer tires when it gets below 7 degrees. They are not meant for the cold and you will slide everywhere. Everybody worries about snow but the bigger issue with the summer tires is temperature.
Here are some storage threads for you:
http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&...OaQ07DNbqDu0nQ
http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&...o2NYwAbDzx3Nlw
http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&...i7jSyIFEGaahnQ

Or driving year round is certainly an option. Some good snow tires (not all seasons) and a little care and these things are a tank in the snow.

[SamuelDev]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

Do not drive with the summer tires when it gets below 7 degrees. They are not meant for the cold and you will slide everywhere. Everybody worries about snow but the bigger issue with the summer tires is temperature.
Here are some storage threads for you:
http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&...OaQ07DNbqDu0nQ
http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&...o2NYwAbDzx3Nlw
http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&...i7jSyIFEGaahnQ

Or driving year round is certainly an option. Some good snow tires (not all seasons) and a little care and these things are a tank in the snow.

7C or 7F?

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by SamuelDev

7C or 7F?

C I too am Canadian eh. 7F would be suicidal and I doubt you would even get out of your laneway on the summer only tires.

Now some seem to have come stock with "all seasons" and they are slightly better in the cold but not much.

[SamuelDev]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

C I too am Canadian eh. 7F would be suicidal and I doubt you would even get out of your laneway on the summer only tires.

Now some seem to have come stock with "all seasons" and they are slightly better in the cold but not much.

Hmm whadaya think Tcoat?

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by SamuelDev

Hmm whadaya think Tcoat?

Mine looks much the same and I am swapping to the snows next week (I drive it year round). Those days that get really down there you will see exactly what I mean as you start slipping sideways even at low speeds and chirp the tires at your normal acceleration. Just take it real easy early in the morning or late at night when you are down around the lowest and you may be OK for another week or two.
Oh and don't listen to what WRX guys tell you these cars are most certainly not WRXs even in the best of weather.

[SamuelDev]

Originally Posted by Tcoat

Mine looks much the same and I am swapping to the snows next week (I drive it year round). Those days that get really down there you will see exactly what I mean as you start slipping sideways even at low speeds and chirp the tires at your normal acceleration. Just take it real easy early in the morning or late at night when you are down around the lowest and you may be OK for another week or two.
Oh and don't listen to what WRX guys tell you these cars are most certainly not WRXs even in the best of weather.

Thanks for the tip, I'll give it another week or two as you said. Half of me regrets getting a BRZ over a WRX STI for this very reason... but I picked up a Veloster for the winter, so I'll stick with my true love of the BRZ for only half the year

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by SamuelDev

Thanks for the tip, I'll give it another week or two as you said. Half of me regrets getting a BRZ over a WRX STI for this very reason... but I picked up a Veloster for the winter, so I'll stick with my true love of the BRZ for only half the year

Well at least you have something reasonably decent for the winter!
Even the WRX can only be used at a small percentage of it's ability in the winter so don't feel too bad about it.

[LWAA]

Originally Posted by new2subaru

^^This
2 weekends ago- around 4c in the morning-with a dew on the road.
I was making a wide and normal speed left turn and lost the rear end for a second. Surprised the crap out of me.

Me too, in pouring rain turning left at a light I felt a small slide. Surprised me too. Winter tyres on this Friday! I'll be driving all winter except when it's really bad when I'll borrow my wife's Sonic.


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