Winter lay-up.

[paintman]

Just a quicky...If I lay the car up for the winter, is it necessary to put it up on blocks to protect the tyres?    Tony

[gingerpaul]

It would be better to but you don't need to. Most people don't bother on proper cars and they weigh a lot more than a 7 style car does.

If you have R888 tyres it's worth having a quick look at the technical notice about how they react to the cold as some yanks have had their tyres deteriorate when storing them in the cold.

['The Gaffer']

If you have R888 tyres it's worth having a quick look at the technical notice about how they react to the cold as some yanks have had their tyres deteriorate when storing them in the cold.

Agreed.

You might also think about a battery conditioner connected all the time to keep your battery in tip top condition.

Better still, just get out and drive it

[gingerpaul]

Don't bother with a conditioner. Just fit a battery kill switch. It's a useful thing to have when you're messing about on your car anyway. If I'm messing about with the electrics it takes 5 seconds to isolate the battery.

If you don't want to do that then just remove the cables from the battery terminals. Better than wasting a load of electricity and having battery fumes about.

['The Gaffer']

Don't bother with a conditioner. Just fit a battery kill switch. It's a useful thing to have when you're messing about on your car anyway. If I'm messing about with the electrics it takes 5 seconds to isolate the battery.

If you don't want to do that then just remove the cables from the battery terminals. Better than wasting a load of electricity and having battery fumes about.

Lots of factors go into battery storage over the winter such as type, age and quality of battery, ambient temperature, and whether it's stored inside or out so I don't think are any set rules..  Your choice really.

It is important to remember though that some batteries can self-discharge over time when they are not in use and whilst I agree with GP that isolating the battery will help, I still maintain that a battery conditioner should be used to help prevent discharge and possible sulfation over the winter.

Conditioners use next to zero electricity as they simply keep a float trickle charge whenever needed.

If you decide not to go down the conditioner route then ensure the battery is fully charged before isolating it. Better still, if you go to the trouble of isolating it, then you may as well take the battery out of the car and store it somewhere cool in the house over the winter.

Personally I used a conditioner on mine over the winter but as mentioned above, it's your call.

[paintman]

This is the first time i've heard of a conditioner....where do I get them from?

[gingerpaul]

[YellaBelly]

I agree with Phil. Batteries will fade over time even if completely isolated from any connection. The plates will eventually build up to the point of not being able to hold charge. It may not happen over a few weeks layup during winter, but it will certainly shorten the life of the battery. An optimiser can quadruple the life of the battery against one that is left to it's own devices.

Best thing to buy is an Optimate or similar (i.e. Oxford). Expect to pay anything between £30 and £60 depending on make and model.

HTH

JB

['The Gaffer']

LOL @ GP

I got my Oxford 360T (JB Recomendation too) from from Lidsdirect (Not Superdrug ) http://lidsdirect.co.uk/epages/eshop193014.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/eshop193014/Products/Oxford_Maximiser_360T_Battery_Charger

Best price I could find, I paid £25 last year on a special deal but they now appear to be £38.95. Still a good price.



This sophisticated battery charger offers the user three separate modes for charging different types of battery.  This makes it suitable for charging batteries ranging in size from 1.2 AH up to 125 AH and therefore covers batteries fitted to motorcycles, cars, and even caravans, motor homes or boats.

It can even be read in an unlit garage thanks to its blue LED backlight.

This essential piece of garage equipment is designed to be connected to a battery for months or even years at a time.

Tests Battery Connection Polarity

Analyses Your Battery & Diagnoses Condition

Recovers Gently Even Heavily Discharged Batteries

Checks Voltage Retention

Bulk Charges Low Batteries Quickly

Advises Battery Condition

Maintains Battery with a Low Current if the Voltage Drops Below a Certain Limit

Unique Features:

Battery Condition Adviser Shows if the Battery is Able to Hold Charge or is in Need of Replacement

Charge mode option allows you, at a press of the button, to choose between 3 charge rates for motorcycle (600mA) Car/Boat (3600mA) and Boost (for AGM and cold weather charging)

Backlit LCD display shows real-time charging rate. It shows both battery charge voltage & amperage

[paintman]

I think i'll go for the PANTINE one!!

[Mark G]

With regards to tyres, if you don't jack the car up it's a good idea to pump them up to around 40 - 50psi. Stops them from getting egg shaped over the winter.

['The Gaffer']

I think i'll go for the PANTINE one!!

Ha, if you're gonna go down that route at least get some Kerastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique. Only £15 for 150ml

[paintman]

I heard the Gression 2000 takes some beating!!

[YellaBelly]

Is there something you guys are not telling us?

[paintman]

Petroleum Jelley wasn't mentioned!!

['The Gaffer']

Petroleum Jelley wasn't mentioned!!

oo-er-mrs

Ok guys, time to nip this thread in the bud. We wouldent want to attract the wrong audience now would we