Automotive

Last Updated on Saturday, 01 November 2014 11:45

(NAPS)—As colder weather approaches, it's time to start getting your classic cars, motorcycles, boats, lawn mowers and other seasonal equipment ready for storage. But before you stash them away for the winter, invest a few minutes in proper storage techniques to avoid costly engine problems and ensure they start up quickly come spring.

Before storing cars, boats, motorcycles and seasonal outdoor power equipment for winter, make sure to properly prepare them to avoid costly repairs and damage.

Proper storage of your engine is becoming more important, as most fuel today contains ethanol, which absorbs moisture from the air. Over time when an engine is stored, water will accumulate, separate from the fuel and sink to the bottom of your tank. This can lead to problems like corrosion, stalling and permanent engine damage, which could not only drain your time but your wallet come springtime.

To properly prepare your engines for storage, here are some tips to guide the process:

1. Start by cleaning your machine inside and outside. Make sure all residue and dirt are removed.

2. If your machine has a removable battery, remove it and leave a small trickle charge.

3. Fill your fuel tank up with fresh gasoline, leaving the tank 95 percent full. Avoid draining your fuel tank at all costs, as an empty fuel tank allows for moisture to gather, which leads to corrosion, gum and varnish buildup.

4. Once your tank is full, stabilize your fuel with a stabilizer like STA-BIL® Storage Fuel Stabilizer, adding one ounce to every 2.5 gallons of gasoline, and run the engine for a few minutes to ensure the entire fuel system is treated and stabilized. Stabilizing the fuel will protect the fuel system from corrosion, gum and varnish buildup and keeps the fuel fresh for up to 12 months.

5. Change your oil prior to storage, following the recommended amount in your owner's manual. Before changing the oil, run the engine briefly to warm the oil, to help remove old oil and contaminants.

6. Lastly, store your vehicles and machines in a cool, dry place and cover them to help keep dust and critters at bay.

By investing a little time and energy up front this fall, you will save time, energy and potentially money come springtime when you take your favorite toys and equipment out of storage. To learn more about winter storage tips and stabilizers, visit www.sta-bil.com.