Many people who want to use their historic vehicles for a long period of time prefer not to put them on the road during the winter period and therefore decide to immobilize - or "winterize" their vehicles. This is one of the best ways to protect your vehicle from the effects of salty roads, water and general dirt.
Before you say goodbye to your pride, here are some tips and a handy checklist.
CLEAN AND COVER
Washing, cleaning and polishing the bodywork may seem like a waste of time, but if you plan to cover the car or motorcycle, you reduce the risk of leaving dirt behind and damaging the paintwork.
Even without a cover, dust will inevitably build up on the paint. It is much easier to wipe if the outside is polished or waxed. Motul now has a complete range of vehicle care products - as well as the necessary cloths, wipes and brushes to apply and/or polish as needed. This range, which covers most aspects of exterior and interior maintenance, is available in store or directly online.
Note that it is also a good idea to remove the hood regularly to allow the car to breathe - this will help reduce the risk of moisture in the car. It is also advisable to run the engine from time to time...
ENGINE OIL
Towards the end of a busy season, engine oil contains combustion products such as acids, soot, wear metals and other contaminants. Leaving this used and dirty oil in the engine over the winter exposes the vehicle to potentially dangerous corrosion.
This can be greatly exacerbated by condensation, as the engine and fuel system "breath in" moisture during standstill.
Consider replacing the used engine oil with a fresh charge of a high-quality engine lubricant and run the engine briefly to ensure all parts are covered with fresh oil. Motul offers an extensive range of Classic lubricants for cars and motorcycles from different eras, each with special properties designed to meet the needs of engine blocks from a specific period.
Motul is one of the few suppliers of motor oil - with its Classic 20W-50, for example - that contains a 'tacky' additive to ensure that metal surfaces are covered with a protective layer that prevents condensation from adhering to metal surfaces by this preferably wet to prevent winter corrosion.
FUEL SYSTEM
Does the fuel have to be drained from the tank or should it simply remain in the tank during winter storage? Gasoline can run out and be used up after three or four months, but mixing what's in the tank with fresh fuel should eliminate the potential problem.
Another problem with old gasoline is the deposit of fine particles, which can block the carburetor. And the ethanol in the gasoline can attract moisture from the air, creating a film of water at the bottom of the tank.
Of course draining the tank before winter helps to avoid these problems - if your vehicle is prone to them - but a product like 'MOTUL SYSTEM KEEP CLEAN' will keep the fuel in good condition during the winter months, ready for use in the spring , and a full tank helps.
BRAKES AND CLUTCHES
While some fluids benefit from being changed before storage, others, such as brake and clutch fluids, deteriorate over the winter months mainly by absorbing moisture from the air, much like open brake fluid bottles. It is best to change these fluids in the spring, just before you put the car or motorcycle back on the road. Motul offers a full range of options to help you make the right choice for your vehicle.
BATTERY
It is helpful to slowly charge the battery during the winter, whether it is left in the vehicle or removed, rather than risking it discharging and needing to be fully charged. If the level in the battery can be checked and topped up, do so. And if the battery stays with the vehicle, clean the terminals and apply petroleum jelly to protect them from corrosion.
COOLING
The engine coolant must contain an appropriate amount of antifreeze to prevent it from freezing in winter. If you are not sure, test it with an antifreeze hydrometer, which can measure the freezing point. Avoid mixing blue and pink colored coolants, which can freeze and block waterways and even the water pump. If in doubt, ask your Motul dealer for advice.
The windshield washer fluid should also contain a suitable freeze guard to prevent damage to the reservoir.
TIRES
Moving your vehicle regularly during storage prevents punctures that can occur when the vehicle is stationary. You can also use tire guards to reduce the risk of punctures. If the tire pressure is too low, there is more pressure on the sidewalls, so it is wise to overinflate the tires by 10-15% at the beginning of winter storage.
GENERAL MAINTENANCE
From time to time, corrosion can cause parts to seize, such as the hood latch, handbrake, and even clutch. Some are harder to avoid than others.
Leaving the parking brake off, locking the wheels and selecting a lower gear (manual transmission) can help conserve the parking brake.
Applying a light grease to the hood opening mechanism and other similar mechanisms (e.g. opening the trunk), and even to the door latches, can reduce the risk of them rusting in winter and becoming difficult to use become. Spraying grease into keyholes also helps to keep them lubricated, as they can freeze if the temperature drops below zero. Spraying a little grease on the parking brake mechanism, especially if it is under the vehicle, will help keep it moving. Some braking systems have a semi-mechanical compensator for the rear brakes, which is actuated based on the load being carried. It should also be lubricated to prevent jamming.
Motul has a full range of greases and other maintenance products to help prevent component seizures, so check what you may need - and if you need further advice, please contact your Motul dealer for more information.
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