ADVERTORIAL : WITHAM MOTORSPORT
Getting ready for winter
HSCC partner Witham Motorsport offers some advice on getting cars ready for the winter lay-up .
Make sure your car is ready for the winter lay-up
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Engine Consider changing the used engine oil to a fresh charge of a highquality engine lubricant and run the engine briefly to ensure that all the components are coated with fresh oil . Motul Classic 20W-50 is one of very few classic engine oil suppliers to include a ‘ tackiness ’ additive to ensure that the metal surfaces are coated with a protective layer that prevents condensate from adhering to the metal surfaces by preferentially wetting them and so eliminating winter lay-up corrosion .
Fuel system One aspect of vehicle storage that ’ s open to debate is the petrol in the fuel tank . Should it be drained or left full ? For instance , petrol generally depletes and goes off after three or four months , although we ’ ve not come across any problems with using it and mixing it with some fresh fuel is often the best approach . Deposits , which look like sand particles , are another problem from old petrol , which can block up the carburettor . And petrol can extract moisture from the air ( the ethanol in petrol is to blame for this ), which can result in a layer of water in the bottom of the fuel tank . Draining the tank after winter storage to help remove any water may help , or even draining the tank before winter storage will help to avoid such problems .
Additionally , to protect the fuel system , store the vehicle with a full tank of quality fuel , treated with Fuel Stabilizer for winterisation . Filling the tank reduces the headspace above the fuel and minimises the amount of water that can be absorbed from the air . Products such as Motul ’ s Fuel Stabilizer keeps the fuel in good condition throughout the winter months .
Competition oil from Motul
Brakes and clutches While some fluids benefit from being changed before storage other fluids , such as brake and clutch fluids , will deteriorate over the winter months mainly by absorbing moisture from the air , as will any opened bottles of brake fluid . It is better to change these fluids before the new season starts .
Coolant The engine coolant must contain an appropriate quantity of antifreeze to avoid the risk of it freezing over winter . If you are unsure test it with an antifreeze hydrometer , which will help to measure its freezing point . Avoid mixing blue- and pink-coloured coolant , which can congeal and block waterways and even the water pump .
Tyres The one component that can deteriorate over winter is the tyres . Flat spots can appear if the vehicle doesn ’ t move , which may result in a knocking noise when driving . This will often disappear as the tyre ’ s shape returns when the car is driven , but there ’ s no guarantee , so it helps to move the vehicle periodically throughout storage . Tyre savers can also be used to help reduce the risk of flat spots . Under-inflated tyres put a greater strain on the sidewalls , so it ’ s wise to over-inflate the tyres by 10-15 % at the start of winter storage .
For more information about products that can help keep your car in top condition visit
www . withammotorsport . co . uk Remember all HSCC members get 15 % off any purchase as well as on hand lubricant advice and support .