I finally had time to pull the S-type out of storage. It's been sitting untouched since November with no more preparation than an external wash, check of tire pressure and attachment of the battery tender. Let's call it six months.

To my amazement, it fired up at the very first turn of the key as though it had only been sitting overnight. After a quick check for fluid leaks and annoyed cats, I eased it out into the driveway to test the brakes for function, and from there off we went into the countryside. Again- it behaved as though the last six months of inactivity had never existed. No flat spotting of the tires, no thumping brakes, nothing.

Marvellous to drive it again. The differences between this car and the gas-guzzling AWD SUV I've been dealing with over the winter couldn't be more black and white.

C'mon summer!

 

Good news Mikey, so is the sun shining yet?

 

Wow - a good news thread!

 

Good news Mikey... The salt is finally gone from the roads here, and I'm planing to do the same with mine... It's been sitting in the garage since Nov as well...Let's hope it will be as painless as yours.

 

Nice one Mikey, great news and thanks for sharing......

It really makes a change to hear this, as most "winter storage threads" I've read have been extensive, complicated and time consuming

I'm sure it won't necessarily be accepted or adopted by all, but it works well for you.

Thanks again & happy motoring for the the next 6 months before she goes back into hibernation again.

 

Mikey - I thought you drove yours all winter through those 50 foot drifts that Perth gets
As soon as tax season is over (Wed) out comes my cat - can't wait!!!

I'm always worried about mice chewing wires so I've got mothballs around mine - so far none ..............

 

Thanks for the thanks all

This was the first winter that I've stored it and simply used the same protocol as the other toys. We bought an SUV last fall to serve as the year round beater and boat hauler, so it was decided to put away the long suffering S-type for the winter. The many years of Montreal salt laden winters have not been kind to the bodywork and the car will be going in for restoration in the next few weeks to bring it back to something presentable.

As any Canadian knows, the change in weather from winter to summer is almost like somebody flipping a switch. Howling gales one day, birdies chirping and nubile young maidens skipping the next.

Regarding clear skies- I recently took this pic at the bottom of the garden



and only afterwards realized that it can be flipped upside down and still look 'right'.