Storing a conv't outside in winter...
 

I have room on my driveway to park/store my 2005 outside in the winter - but a bit nervous about what the snow and ice and frigid temps might do to the 12 year old top.
Of course I can cover it - but not sure what kind of cover is recommended for this situation.
I also could store it inside, but it'll cost me. With the money I'd save on inside storage I can get some mods/repairs done in the spring.

Just looking for input/advice if anyone else has had this decision to make...

Thanks!

One source that may be of help. Dollars better spent there than on repairs later?

https://www.griotsgarage.com/product...y+car+cover.do

Thinking that a cover that was water resistant and breathable would work well. My bigger concern would be squirrels chewing on electrical wires. With the cover, you have created an excellent winter home for mice and a coffee break spot for squirrels. If you do, I would try to figure out how you can block/plug off the outside air vent so they do not crawl in and use that area for the outhouse.

Moth balls are good for keeping critters out but then you have to contend with the smell yourself.

covers can chafe the paint and hold water to grunge up the canvas unless you buy an expensive one. Steel wool will keep critters out of the exhaust and intake.
Indoor storage is usual worth it in the long run.

Clean it good, and get a good car cover. Here is one for the Convertible MINI R52. 82110395485 . Has the fabric sewn in to fit the r52 antenna up front.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-mini-parts/car-cover-gray-black-outdoor/82110395485/


https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.nor...218e25c31f.jpg

I would start it up and run it every once in a while, otherwise, you would have to take the battery cable off when it sets. I would watch about those critters as they love the gen 1 MINI spark plug wires and getting into the cabin filter area.

Or just unscrew the antenna. 30 second job. Opens up more options for a cover.

Regards,
Jerry

yep.

You might consider starting it up occasionally and taking it out in the neighborhood for a short drive. This will at least keep the rotors from getting so rusty they need to be replaced next Spring. I have an R52 that doesn't get driven much in the winter....I keep it licensed, so driving it on dry days isn't a problem. I keep it outside under a cover - the ECS cover looks like a good one.

Oh and remove the battery as an uncharged battery can freeze.

+1 starting it up and driving it around helps. I do this with my R58 JCW when stored. On a clear dry day I take it out.

Thanks for all the tips! - Actually gonna keep it indoors in a friend's nice and dry garage for very cheap...
I'm thinking I should put some sta-bil into it, and take the battery out...tires are gonna
be replaced in the spring anyhow. How can I prevent mice from getting into it?
(It is a nice garage, so I wouldn't expect any, but still...)
Anything else to consider?

A cat walks around the house. ;) I think people put mouse traps down or peppermint oil or cedar wood.

You might want to consider a device called a battery tender, which will maintain your battery whilee it’s either removed or attached inside the car.

Yes, I would second the start up and drive it around the block or so.

I have a battery tender on mine, use sta-bil in the fuel and put a pair of mouse traps underneath.

My plan is to get a cover for next winter. While I don't know how that will help. Covers look impressive and may help me actually cut back on driving it every day the temperature gets above freezing. At this point the sta-bil and the battery tender are not helping much since I seem to drive it more than I planned.

I have mine in a garage, with a battery tender and intend to drive it at least once per month. But when she comes out, at least 20 miles on it to dry the exhaust out and not let it sit moisture full to rust in a short time. Something to consider.

Related questions:

Is there any real benefit to using a cover if it is stored inside a cold garage?

To answer my own question: Yes. The road salt blows in from the driveway and the other car coming and going. There is now a fine dust on the MINI that has not been out of the garage.

Is there any benefit of a Indoor cover over an outdoor cover if it is going to be stored inside?

Just got it out of 5 months of storage on Sunday - once I figured out how to open the trunk...
hooked the battery back up, and it started/ran like I just drove it yesterday. What a fun little car!

Indoor cover just does not have that waterproof material, its more like spandex.