I live in montreal, canada and i would like to know, how do you store a car outside for winter?

Answer 1

Don't park the car in a heated garage anytime during the winter. If it warms up it starts to rust especially with the amount of salt that is spread on the roads in order to combat the effects of slippery ice on the road. Also, arrange to get a frost plug installed. this radiator coolent heater keeps the fluid warm and assists starting and lessens battery drainage during start-ups. Battery drainage during a sart-up at 10 degrees below zero is extreme and will drain the battery quickly unless you do a lot of driving. The plug should be plugged in every night. It wouldn't hurt to get the cars body and undercarriage treated with an oil product in order to combat rust. Make sure your automobile radiator coolent is rated for extreme cold. Your engine oil should be rated W.D. 5 . That is, very thin in order to help the engine during running and during start-ups. (W.D. 40 is a standard summer oil viscosity. ) The car should be tuned up about now, so it ready for the winter. Occasionally add gas line anti-freeze when you fill up the car's gas tank. a little bit of condensate water could get into the narrow fuel line and freeze forming a plug tat stops gas flow. Make sure you have winter windsheild washer fluid in the reservoir and keep a spare can of it in the trunk. Spray the inside of the door locks with antifreeze. (usually) methanol. And carry a spare sprayer in your purse in case you get frozen out. Get all season radials they are marginally functionable when new and after one year thay no better than summer tires. Get four quality radial snow tires and change to them no later than Nov. 15. Do all of that and you should have no problems.
I've been doing that for 30 years in good old Montreal.
If you plan to not drive the car all winter park the car on asphalt or concrete surface and not soil nor gravel in order to reduce moisture from coming up. ifyou can't get a thick sheet of plastic or p0lywood under the car. Put the car up on blocks to reduce the strain on the car's suspension. And store the car with the gas tank full in order to reduce condensation. Also, put a gas stabiliser in the gas. Gas deteriorates after a few months. You can get that at Walmart or Canadian Tire, etc.
Doc. Dan.

Answer 2

I live in the USA. If you're a renter sometimes they have underground parking. Otherwise use your garage. Maybe there are storage places like the U-Haul places we have for storing furniture and belongings.

"storing" sounds like maybe you are asking something different. Like we used to put cardboard and blankets over the engine to keep it from freezing. Also used to keep a small lit watt bulb over the engine during heavy snowfalls to keep the engine from cracking. I have a canadian made vehicle and it has a wire and a plug coming out of the front of the car, so I'm assuming canada probably has some stations where the car can be plugged into during the winter.

Answer 3

I was in Alaska.
Electric engine block heaters. they heat the water and it circulates, or your oil will be thick pudding, and your car won't start. I had an electric battery blanket, and it kept my engine warm, and by keeping the battery warm, it has a lot more juice to crank.
Anti freeze to protect as far down as you can get!
Duralube is a good idea, too. You add it in place of a qt. of oil at an oil change, and it coats your whole engine with a hard, slippery coating, and helps lube it on cold starts, about $20.
Keep some starting ether in the car.
You may want a car cover, or at least cover your windshield/screen.

Answer 4

Depends on the car, Converible, get a Rigid Frame Canopy setup. Hardtop, are a few car covers that will work. Breatheable fabric is nice, but not paramount. You may want to also look into a Frame/Radiator heater that is solar powerd,battery backup,read instructions carefully.

Answer 5

Find a parking garage neaby, pay by the month. Don't park on roof! You'll need to push off the storm snow and de ice the windows.

Now is the time to have those extra emergency items needed in car. flashlight/charger you plug into the cigarette lighter/jumper/blanket/road flares.

Answer 6

the best idea is to drain the coolant completely out of the engine frozen water cracks blocks and blows freeze plugs also remove the battery cold weather kills them dead its best to store the battery in a moderate temperatured room not in your living room maybe a storage shed? my last advice is a car cover snow & ice scratches cars paint i hope this helps

Answer 7

None that I'm aware of in the states... Went to La Ronde when I was a kid, had a great time there! Saw Rush when they were first starting out in St. Catherines... Cool country.

Answer 8

Most Canadians drive under “severe” conditions, but believe they drive under “normal” conditions. Severe conditions include:

* Cold weather.
* Extensive idling or stop-and-go driving.
* Driving less than 8 kms per trip, or in freezing temperatures driving less than 16 km per trip.
* Driving in extremely hot (over 320 C) conditions.
* Trailer towing, driving with a roof rack, or driving in mountainous conditions.
* Driving on muddy, dusty, or de-iced roads.
The first and most important is to be proactive. That means making sure you're car is mechanically sound before the temperature dips and the streets get icy.

Car Care Canada recommends the following tasks be performed by a do-it-yourselfer or professional auto technician:

* Check the coolant (antifreeze); coolant should be flushed and refilled every two years in most vehicles.
* Check the owner's manual to see if your driving habits are considered "severe," and if so, have the oil changed accordingly, usually every 5,000 kilometres; consider changing to a "winter weight" oil if you live in a cold climate.
* Check the battery and exhaust system.
* Be certain the heater and defroster are working properly.
* Ensure that your windshield is free of dings and cracks. Cold temperatures can turn a small ding in your windshield into a major crack.
* Keep the gas tank at least half full, decreasing the chances of moisture forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing.
* Check tire tread depth and tire pressure; consider special tires if snow and ice are a problem in your area.
* Check to see that lights work and headlights are properly aimed. The end of Daylight Savings Time in the fall results in earlier nightfall and more nighttime driving. It’s the perfect time to upgrade your headlights. Remember, when it’s time to change your clocks, it’s probably time to change your headlights.
* Replace wiper blades every six months; consider special snow blades if the weather dictates.
* Be prepared for an emergency with the following items in your trunk: ice scraper, windshield de-icer, flashlight, whisk broom, blanket, extra clothes, candle/matches, bottled water, snacks, necessary medications and a first-aid kit.


Engine and Cooling System
First, if you're a Do-It-Yourselfer, get under the hood. Otherwise, visit your friendly automotive technician. Winter only magnifies existing problems like pings, hard starts, sluggish performance or rough idling, so make certain the engine is in peak condition. Check the cooling system, too. Coolant should be flushed and refilled every 2 years. Your folks will not necessarily know this, so don't wait for their nod on this one.

Oil Change
Check the owner's manual to see if your driving habits are considered to be "severe service." This type of driving requires more frequent oil changes, warns Car Care Canada. Have the oil changed accordingly, usually every 5,000 kilometres or so. For less wear and tear on the engine, drivers in cold climes (sub-zero driving temperatures) should drop their oil weight from 10-W30 to 5-W30. Your mom and dad would probably suggest simply moving to someplace warmer.

Four other musts
The battery and exhaust system are other "must check" items. These should be examined using professional equipment. Make certain the heater/defroster are working properly and keep the gas tank full. In addition to staying ready for the road, a full fuel tank decreases the chances of moisture forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing.

Exterior concerns
Now for the outside of the vehicle: tires, lighting and wipers. Both tire tread and tire pressure should be checked weekly. If snow and ice are a problem in your area, consider winter tires designed to grip slick roads. Lights should be inspected regularly. Check to see that bulbs are illuminated, and headlights are properly aimed.
Your headlights dim over time and should be changed in pairs about once a year.
Finally, replace wiper blades every six months. Consider winter/snow blades if the weather dictates.

Emergencies
Even the most meticulously maintained vehicle can develop problems on the road, especially during inclement weather. That's when it pays to be prepared for an emergency. Tapping the Trunk - Use that big space for something more than a spare tire (which, incidentally should be properly inflated, just in case). Pack items that would be needed if you got stranded for a several hours. A cell phone (with a car charger) is a good start. Also include the following: ice scraper, windshield de-icer, flashlight, whisk broom, blanket, extra clothes, candle/matches, bottled water, snacks, needed medication.

Answer 9

Remember to put four boxes of baking soda half opened in the four corners of the car so that you can fight the smell of mildew and moisture.

Answer 10

For how long? If it is just a few days, it should be okay to park it in the driveway (Added bonus is that you would have that much less snow to shovel from your driveway).