So, it's looking like the 'vert will be the odd car out, and will be stored outside on my concrete pad. Without getting nuts here, aside from filling up with fuel+Sta Bil, slight overinflation of the tires and keeping on the CTEK charger, what else should I consider? Some have recommended removing the battery altogether...Is that necessary if on the CTEK? Just waxed and had an oil change. Cover + tarp? Multiple covers? just cover?

 

Not the most desirable but get a good all weather cover, tie it down tight.

 

I don't hate you I drive both of mine in the winter.

 

Most covers will abrade the paint no matter how tightly tied.

 

I will have to drive mine this winter also as its my only car...


Dave

 

I have a good cover, so I was thinking about a thick tarp to go over it: http://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I'm just dreading the thought of all the snow and ice and wind and all the other BS that comes with winter. Yuck!

 

In a way, that's sort of what I did when one of my good cars had to stay out in the weather for a couple of weeks. I fitted the indoor 'plushweave' type cover on the car and then put an all-weather 'stormweave' type right over that. So it was kind to the paint while still providing serious protection from the elements. Those are CCC products btw.

Given the length of your winters, if it were me I'd go ahead and remove the battery and store it indoors. And I'd probably raise the car on stands too! Just enough to get the major load off the tires & suspension. But that may be just me.

 

My XJSC and XK8 are in the garage all winter with indoor covers (fortunately), and my XJR gets a space too, but that means my LR3 is outside (although neither are stored, I drive them both all year). So I feel you.

Depending on what your budget is, I would look at CoverKing. Their covers are custom-fit and hug the XK8 very nicely. I have an indoor one on mine and my XJSC, and they're both great. They have many different options regarding UV protection, rain, snow etc. Be prepared to spend upwards of $500 though.

Another important consideration is rodents making their winter homes inside and chewing up the wires. Search other threads here on winter storage for varying recommendations on rodent prevention.

In regards to jack stands, I've heard differing opinions on whether or not that's a good idea. I'm not a mechanic though, so consult other sources. To help prevent flat spotting, I bought these for this winter:

http://www.autogeek.net/tire-supports.html

Not sure how good of a job they'll do, but we'll see come spring.

Another option, again depending on budget, is paying for storage. My mechanic in Highland Park has a warehouse and they offer winter storage. PM me if interested.

 

We now have two 'leisure' cars - her MR2 cab and now my XK8 cab and both will not fit in the garage at the same time (together with the freezer, washing machine, lawn mower etc.) so I also need a solution, especially as this winter is forecast to be the worst since the beginning of time.
I was thinking of building a 'lean-to' car port - sufficient to keep the rain and snow off (other than the expected 3ft high snow drifts) and allowing the air to circulate.

Mark

 

Is that an accurate weather forecast or a promo for the next in the Ice Age series?



Graham

 

Well my Wife told me and her friend told her, so it must be true

 

Same here, my garage is 7 inches too short for the XK8 so it's going to have to stay outside and suffer the UK winter weather.
Luckily here in the south it's normally just rain and frost in the winter so I intend to leave the Jag 'naked' without a cover. I'll just keep the battery topped up and take the car out for a run every few days (except when it's raining, or they've polluted the roads with salty grit).

 

No garage so I bought a Shelter Logic portable garage & keep it hooked up to the battery tender.

 

+1 on the shelter logic. The other option is a carcoon or car capsule. I know someone who has a 14ft car capsule for sale and can provide info if interested

 

My 2003 XKR spends the winter outside, I drive when the weather permits no snow/ice on the roads. Remove all snow after each snowfall, I'll even start before the snow stops.

 

Thanks. With my OCD, that won't be a problem at all!

 

Thanks. I'm waiting to hear from a neighbor about garage availability, but I won't pay > $100/mo. I need to recoup some of my expenses somehow! Rodents shouldn't be a problem, as my feral cat colony, for which I'm a caregiver, keeps them away.