Storing your Classic Mini in Winter

Storing your Classic Mini in Winter

Are you storing your Classic Mini this Winter?

As we approach the colder months, many of us are starting to think about storing your Classic Mini for Winter. There are some preventative measures that you can take to ensure your Mini is protected whilst in storage.

Since the introduction of the new E10 fuel in the UK, there has been growing concerns over its effects on Classic Cars. Particularly the rubber components in the fuel system! Not only will this corrode the parts in your Engine bay, but it can also 'go off' & ruin your engine!

If possible, try and run your Mini until it's empty - or at least empty your carburettors, you can do this by disconnecting your fuel pump then run your Mini until it stalls. This will help to preserve your fuel pump & hoses over the winter months. If you are leaving petrol in your tank, it would be worth adding a fuel preservative to try and prevent it going off.

Parts you may require:

Mini Carburettors:
https://www.minisport.com/mini-mechanical-parts/mini-carburettors.html

Mini Fuel Pumps:
https://www.minisport.com/mini-mechanical-parts/mini-fuel-tanks-pumps-and-pipes/fuel-pumps.html

Brake System

Your Mini's brake master cylinder has a vented cap, this allows the brake fluid level to fluctuate whilst allowing the reservoir to breathe - without creating a vacuum or excess pressure. This breathing process can unfortunately introduce moisture from the air to your brake fluid. This moisture will eventually form water droplets in places such as the calipers, wheel cylinders and proportioning valves. Braking hard unfortunately boils this water in your brake system that consequently leads to bubbles & a soft or spongy pedal... Water also leads to rust in the brake fluid & pitting surfaces in the calipers, master cylinder & wheel cylinders!

To avoid this rusting from the inside of the brake system, you can take preventative measures. Keep your Brake Fluid topped up - this will minimise the air volume, which results in the breathing as the temp fluctuates. Look out for a change in your Brake Fluid colour, if it darkens it's likely contaminated with rust! We would recommend that you change your brake fluid every two years or so, depending on use, but keep an eye on the colour - if it looks like it has deteriorated, change it! Cold weather can impact your brake fluid much quicker than warm weather.

Other things to think about before hibernating your Mini for Winter, your brake shoes can stick to the drums if you put on the handbrake, especially if you live somewhere humid, wheel dollies are a great alternative that will also prevent your Mini's tyres from forming flat spots. Ideally roll your Mini every couple of weeks to check for brake fluid on the backing plates or the sidewalls of the tyres. Always use the latest brake fluid for your Mini to keep rubber parts in tip-top condition.

If you are met with a leak, or your brake pedal won't budge (or moves to easily!) then you may need to replace your brake master cylinder which can be found on our website here.

https://www.minisport.com/mini-mechanical-parts/mini-brakes/mini-brake-master-cylinders.html

Seals can also dry out, causing cracking which consequently leads to leaks... Bugs or vermin can find their way in chewing their way through your wires.

It's also a good idea to take your Mini for a run out every few weeks, give that engine a good work out! This will help maintain a protective layer of oil on all the crucial parts of your engine. Which in turn will prevent rust & seizing.

IF YOU DO DECIDE ON STORING YOUR CLASSIC MINI BE SURE TO PREPARE IT CORRECTLY:

  • Cleaning - thoroughly clean your Mini! Anywhere that can go rusty, but be sure to remove any debris.
  • Lubricate any hinges & joints with oil that you can on the steering & suspension.
  • Change your oil & filter - dirty oil filters can clog your engine!
  • Drain the fuel system.
  • Check your coolant - you don't want ice!
  • Remove your battery & clean any acid off - store somewhere cool & dry until you're ready to drive again.
  • Jack your Mini if possible - this will remove weight from the suspension & help prevent flat tyres. Be sure to use the correct jacking points.
  • Crack a window - leave a small gap to keep air flow & prevent moisture building up.
  • Cover your Mini - prevent any muck, dirt & dust from sitting on (or getting in to) your car.

DON'T FORGET, HERE AT MINI SPORT WE ALSO OFFER WINTER HEALTH CHECKS - IF YOU'D LIKE OUR EXPERTS TO GIVE YOUR MINI THE ONCE OVER, GET IN TOUCH TODAY! YOU CAN CALL US ON 01282 778731 OR EMAIL US ON SALES@MINISPORT.COM. STAY UP TO DATE WITH ALL MINI NEWS ON FACEBOOK.

 

 

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