Putting the Coupe away for the winter

Hey everyone. As the title suggests the Coupe is going into hibernation. It has to stay on the drive so I am going to get the best car cover I can find.

Any advice on car covers and what else need to think about.

The drive is paved and on a slope so it won't ever be sat in water, but what else am I not thinking of

That's a big question. Some are more than satisfied with a 50 quid Halfords special, where as others go for a semi-rigid tent with hygrometer within

I'm in between the two. Found a cover from stormforce for 180. That's about my lot budget wise.

What about starting the car. I can't take it out for a spin obviously so do I just start it every couple of weeks? Can't put a trickle charger on it as it's on the drive.

Starting it regularly is best I have found. On dry days taking it for a drive if dry is also good- if its not sorn'd? And run the a/c if you have it.

On the same vein as djmobi- someone recently remarked that as my Coupe is hibernated over the xmas - getting it lifted off the ground on scissor jacks helps eliminate tyres taking a set?

It's sorn'd so it will have to just be started. Drive is too sloped to raise the car up think. I can always move it a couple of feet when I start it I suppose

Strap one of these to the roof. Cheap as chips and work a treat, even in winter.

https://www.sunshinesolar.co.uk/index.ph...f3y6fyx3666jksb

It's flat spots that you want to avoid getting on the tyres so even moving it a bit would help. You want to check the cover a few times is helping matters and not hurting. There are "winterising" solutions you can spray on, but if it was me I'd make sure the underseal is all in good order and spray as much as you can with WD40 or even better clear spray on wax if you can bear to clean it all off again come spring.

Cheers for all the advice everyone

I have to lay up a few cars outside, wash wax and leave it (maybe wash the car every few weeks and keep an eye out for bird shit. No way would I ever bother with a cover (breathable..really) freeze/thaw and condensation issues cause paint problems especially on the soft paint of the Coupe. The others are in the garage and I have had no issues from any of them indoors or out in 14 years. I don't start the cars or bikes as I read somewhere this causes more issues with oil/water and condensation in the engine/bay. Never had any issues with the tyres either......most of the folklore of this all goes back moons to post War technology. Lack of use of the AC is a fair point mine is shagged on the Coupe but that is my daily.

Use ACF 50 on the the suspension and engine parts to prevent corrosion works a treat.

This.... exactly what I do and the coupe is still in tip top order.

Should be putting mine away but decided to use it for a 400 mile round trip to Conwy this week.
I have to say, she went very well!

An new MOT hopefully in November and a garage clear out should see her tucked up shortly.

Lovely place, thankfully bypassed by the A55, with great fish n'chips!

I remember watching the progress of the legendary - for its time - tunnel.....2 pre-cast tubes were sunk at a slant to the river before being joined at each end by the approach roads

Pic on route looking toward Snowdonia National Park taken on B5113.

Not a bad view!

Went for the £50 Halfords job as per the link below:

https://www.fiatcoupeclub.org/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1611998&Searchpage=7&Main=140861&Words=%2Bcar+%2Bcover&Search=true#Post1611998

Medium size was an excellent fit and had no moisture build up (bearing in mind last years winter ), wind lift or scratches.

Put the RS4 in a friends non-heated garage for 6 months over winter each year.

Take it for a good run beforehand, wash and wax, pump all tyres up to 50+ psi to avoid flat spots, dehumidifying tray (the ones with granules in) inside to guard against mould, disconnect the battery and that's it - job done!

After 6 months reconnect battery (never failed to start), reset tyre pressures, check all fluid levels and away you go for the summer. Not had any issues for the last three winters doing this.

Not sure I'd want to leave an older car in outside storage long term even with car cover on. Car covers used outside, even the breathable ones seem to attract condensation and moisture. Lockup garages can be rented for £50-60 a month round here - worth it in my book. Paid for car storage place is similar cost.