Winterizing your Triumph. Hmm. It's been garaged since I got it, but I
have other vehicles that go through the winters.
Add fuel stabilizer to your nearly empty fuel tank and then fill it up.
Not the other way around. This will mix it more thoroughly this way. Run
the engine for a while to ensure you're getting that good gas into the
carbs.
Top off your coolant. Make sure you don't exceed that 50/50 mix of
antifreeze and water. Go over the range and you actually start to have
WORSE results than if you used only water. Check the container for the
proper mixture for your regional area. It will vary depending upon your
expected temperatures.
Worried about rust? Silica gel crystals are wonderful, but where do you
find them? Sure, they come in little bags when you buy something new like
a shop tool, but you don't save those. Silica gel crystals are now making
their appearance along with cat litter in your pet supply aisle in the
local grocery. A 5 pound bag typically runs $5-$8, but has a lifetime
supply. You can either make your own cloth bags to put the crystals in or
even cheat and just use old cloth or cheap gloves. Fill them up and
safety pin them closed. Toss those where you expect water vapor to
collect. You're not going for water puddling- make sure your drain holes
are clear. Inside the A pillars just ahead of the doors is a good
favorite spot. Remember to take them out of course when you start up in
the spring. Another under each seat, a couple in the boot, and one in the
battery tray.
Clear out those drain holes. You don't expect to have water pouring on
the car if it is stored, but it's a good time to make sure it's clear
anyways. Pay attention to the boot and rocker sills. Rubber plugs should
be checked and renewed if needed. You might even consider opening and
leaving your boot open for storage so no water can build up inside the
boot lid.
Where is your battery? Is it still attached? You silly Spitster! Take
that critter out. It won't be used for a while and will do much better if
it is someplace that won't be freezing and is kept off the ground to avoid
discharging. A battery that isn't in the tray can't leak acid.
Choose if you plan to have your soft top up or down for the duration.
Choose one and leave it that way. When it gets really cold out, you don't
want to be splitting vinyl in the cold temps when you move it.
Overall, you want the car to be dry. It won't matter if it's cold, so
leave those windows rolled down. If you have to store it outside under a
tarp, roll the windows down a couple of inches for ventilation. Prop the
boot lid open as well.
Of course the BEST solution to winterizing your car for the coming colder
months is to drive it daily. :)
-Vegaman Dan
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