Handbrake during winter storage?

[santo]

I read Rons post here about winter storage and it's great! Thanks Ron.

My only question is: In my previous car, I would not use the hand brake during winter storage in case something would seize. I use the handbrake religiously all the time. To get some idea of concensus, do you apply your handbrake during winter storage or not (if you store your car)?

Thanks,
Santo

 

[Mark Hahn]

Good point Santos, I don't set the parking brake on my cars in the garage when they won't be used for a while. MGH

 

[Neil - UK]

I always leave the handbrake off, the pads tend to stick the to the discs if left for a period of time, just stick a wedge under one of the tyres

 

[Ron]

Though I use the handbrake all the time, including through winter storage, I do make sure the car is dry, i.e. I don't wash and then immediately store. Second I do not leave the shifter in gear all winter. The rubber boot underneath the leather boot hold a set and will push the shifter a bit towards the gear it was in all winter for a few days after hibernation... though just an annoyance.

Blocking the wheels I suppose is fine as long as a kid doesn't borrow the brick for use as the cornerstone of his snow fort.

 

[01sapphireGTS]

I wouldn't put stress on anything that doesn't need stress applied to it. The brake cables and fulcrum points would much rather be left alone for the duration of storage.

 

[Silver Snake]

What is this "winter storage" you speak of?

 

[Ron]

Todd,

There is logic to what you say. Perhaps one of those rollover plates that has a ridge at either end (used to position a car in a tight garage) would be optimal.....

 

[Steve 00RT/10]

What is this "winter storage" you speak of?

It is that which keeps me from amassing over 20,000 miles per year as opposed to the 10,000 it gets. It is also responsible for a type of withdrawal which must be endured till spring.

As for the handbrake, I don't see any purpose served in setting it. Semi metallic pads locked onto a rotor will create some rust over time if the car is not moved. Like ice, Rust is a very powerful glue.

Steve

 

[VENOMAHOLIC]

Just got a new CD and would have loved to hear it in the Viper. I just use a trickle charger and start it up every few weeks. If possible, move it around a little to prevent flat spots on the tires.