Putting an air-cooled 911 away for winter
In Estonia the salt arrives before the snow does, so many old cars go indoors around now. A few hours of preparation can save you a lot of trouble in spring. This is general advice: your owner's manual or specialist knows your car best.
Before it goes in
- Wash it properly, underside and wheel arches too, and let it dry completely. Do this before the roads are salted if you can.
- Change the oil and filter, so that old, dirty oil doesn't sit in the engine all winter.
- On a 911 with dry-sump lubrication, check the oil level with the engine warm and running, as the manual describes.
- Fill the tank and add a fuel stabiliser, then drive a little so it reaches the fuel system.
When it's parked
- Connect a battery maintainer, or remove the battery and keep it somewhere frost-free.
- Pump the tyres up a little above normal, or move the car now and then to avoid flat spots.
- Leave the handbrake off and chock the wheels, so the brakes don't seize.
- Choose a dry place and use a breathable cover. A plastic sheet traps moisture.
- Block the exhaust and air intakes against mice, and leave yourself a note so you remember to clear them.
Don't just start it now and then
A short idle in a cold garage makes condensation without ever getting the engine properly hot. Either drive it far enough to warm it through or leave it alone until spring.
In spring
Remove the blocks, check the pressures and the oil, press the brakes before you move, and take the first few kilometres gently. Then check your alignment: a good time to see whether anything has moved.