Storing a Zed over winter

[Stan]

Just thinking today about the upcoming winter. As the zed is my second car (as with my other cars) it stays in the garage over winter.

 

However in the past I get the usual problems - brakes binding, battery going flat etc. I always forget to go out and start it and move it occasionally

 

So in order to prepare for this winter I need some tips! Apart from setting a reminder on my phone to go out and start it (how many times? How long should I run it for?) is there anything else that people can suggest?

 

Also, with regards to the battery - I have an en bloc garage so can't run power out to it. Does anyone know if those solar trickle chargers are any good? I have air bricks so can run the wires outside and it can get the sun ( ) all day if needed.

[Ekona]

Did you mean to post this 6 months ago?!

[ZMANALEX]

Not that is what I call proactive.

[Stan]

Not that is what I call proactive.

Not that is what I call proactive.

 

Haha I guess I am a bit proactive in this respect! I was thinking more that with the nice weather coming up I might have a chance to put some solar panels on my garage and hook up a trickle charger and maybe even some LED lighting, it's always annoyed me not having power in my garage

[Ceejay29]

Mine is still in hibernation

 

Each October I wave goodbye to the Zed and typically re-tax it come April, although this year it will be a little later as I have so much kit to install. I haven't had any issues over the years, despite being warned on many occasions. I tend to change the oil and coolant and obviously give it a good detail. Chocks are in place and the handbrake is off. The battery will remain on the car until it dies; this generally permits me to start her up every 3-4 weeks and whip her out for two mins to keep everything moving. Now as you have alluded, 3 weeks often turns to 6 and the battery dies. At this point I remove the battery as I dont have power at the garage and hook it up to a CTEK charger. I return to the garage with the battery when need be. I would invest in a CTEK charger rather than retrofitting PV's, its a great bit of kit.

 

I actually drove my Zed last night, brakes were initially binding although after a 2 mile run they were fine. Remember to check levels, pressures and key rubbers (tyres, hoses and belts) etc.

 

I am sure that some put their car on axle stands, remove wheels, wrap the brakes and use a cover cover. I typically prefer not to do this as my garage is too small and I like to keep the Zed rolling (albeit circa 10 miles over 6 months ).

 

My daily driver is a hanging Golf 1800T. Care free driving it nice, although boy is it fun when you return to the Zed again

[nictry]

Same as me, been on ctek charger for last few months, was sorned end of sept and will be taxed and ready to go in April 1st ready for a run. Have moved it up and down the drive once every week/10 days to make sure brakes etc don't bind up (I did forget to move it in November and def stuck for a few secs before moving ok thankfully!) also as long ad temps were around 10'degrees dropped the roof and made sure it was working ok along with all the lights-switches/folding mirrors etc.

 

Will get a interim service done in April just to make sure all is running ok and otherwise hope to enjoy the upcoming Spring/summer with the roof down and the associated fun factor!

Edited March 27, 2016 by nictry