outdoor car storage

[ronald]

what happens to a car if it is only stored under a small water proof roof during the winter in the chicago area?

 

[bmw046series]

It starts to rust.

I don't suggest it, the cold air is what really affects it and the wetness, you can't trust it, theres thousands of rental units in Chicagoland, I'd do that first if your going to store it in the winter.

 

[ronald]

Thanks, I found some storage facilitys.Some are "climate controled" some not.I guess I would need climate controled. Right? I may buy a 2000 M roadster and store it for 3 months.

 

[bmw046series]

Sweet car, post pics.

 

[MrElussive]

Climate controlled garage would be a lot better, especially since the car is a ragtop. Storing a car during in general is not really a good idea. Cars simply are machines, and bad things happen when these machines don't get any use for a while, plus your car just sits there and depreciates in value while it isn't even getting any use. If you must store the car, make sure you take the proper precautions. Fill the tank up to the top with gas, put in some fuel stabilizer, remove the spark plugs or spray them with a special "preserver" type lube, among other things.
There is actually a proper way to store a car and I think it would be a good idea to find out what that is. Definitely go with the climate controlled garage, though....I'm assuming it's a bigger investment, but I think it is well worth it.

 

[ronald]

 

[Average Jae]

move down south
or slap on some snows and at least take it for a spin once a week or two..

but if you are going to store it, besides Emile's suggestion, put the car up in blocks and take the tires off. if you let the car sit in place for too long, you'll get a flat spot on your nice high perf rubbers.. semi-circular tires = no fun..

the M roadster looks nice, altho i prefer the M right next to it suppose you can't go wrong either way..