Winter Storage?

[Hshoker]

Okay so, since i am in Ontario, canada and the winters here are pretty rough. I decided to park the R8, but since it it cold and obviously will keep getting colder and the tempreature will vary. My battery keeps dying what should i do about this? someone told me to get a battery maintainer but for that i think i will have to leave my hood open for that because the battery is loacted in the luggage compartment. So what would you guys recommend?

[harrison]

You can leave the trickle charger wires there with the trunk shut. Don't you think? or would the wires get damaged?

[SSIIICK]

You can leave the trickle charger wires there with the trunk shut. Don't you think? or would the wires get damaged?

You are correct. You can trickle charge with the trunk shut. Maybe not shut all the way but at least with the hood down.

[M3R8]

I did a bit of research on battery chargers/charge maintainers and found that a company called CTek makes devices that are loved by car enthusiasts.

They are not too pricey and seem very capable. I got myself their XS 7000 model and so far it seems like the perfect unit for this stuff.

This one unit can supply (power devices), maintain charge, recondition dying batteries and has a mode for charging on cold winter days.

Plus a number of useful accessories for quick and safe connect/disconnect, etc.

[dailydriver]

I just use very inexpensive trickle chargers for my Viper and Vette and they work just fine. These also came with a pigtail lead that can be left connected to the battery terminal posts which makes it easier for connecting and not having to worry about a clip slipping off. At least for both of these cars I was able to route the cable in a way so that the hood can be closed.

[desperado]

I did a bit of research on battery chargers/charge maintainers and found that a company called CTek makes devices that are loved by car enthusiasts.

Thanks for pointing us to Ctek. I found this very interesting:
CTEK Partners With Audi to Create Branded 3.6A Battery Charger

CTEK has announced a partnership with globally renowned automotive manufacturer, Audi, to create an Audi branded 3.6A battery charger that will be available to all Audi owners as an aftermarket accessory.

CTEK was chosen as Audi’s partner based on its unique battery charging technology and will now develop and supply a new 3.6A, fully automatic, four-stage battery charger incorporating CTEK’s patented desulphation and maintenance charging modes.

Suitable for all 12V lead-acid batteries, the new charger is also capable of easily handling the more demanding AGM batteries used in many vehicles with stop-start technology where huge additional strain is placed on the battery.

As with all CTEK battery chargers, the new Audi charger is spark and short circuit proof, reverse polarity protected and IP 65 classified (splash and dust proof)so it´s completely safe for the user and the vehicle as well as suitable for outdoor use.

The charger will be adapted to fit European 230V standards, a similar version the specific UK plug as well as a model for the North American markets with 110V.

[M3R8]

Yeah, when I was looking for a trickle charger I found that CTek make the units that BMW sell as well. I figured they can't be bad and looked them up on the net, lots of good reviews and so far I'm happy with my unit, definitely a great buy.

I prefer to buy quality tools rather than "el cheapo" stuff.

Thanks for pointing us to Ctek. I found this very interesting:
CTEK Partners With Audi to Create Branded 3.6A Battery Charger

[mngolfer]

When you store your car for the winter remember that your tires will be flat spotted if you do not move your car forward and back a few feet every week. I put 50 PSI of air pressure in the tires and have my car moved around every week so I don't get flat spotted tires.

I also keep my fuel tank full to avoid moisture build-up in the tank. I use bounce fabric softener sheets all over the engine, passenger and trunk compartments to keep the mice from eating your hoses and wiring. This is a must unless you want a large bill come spring. Mice damage is not covered by your Audi warranty.

[desperado]

When you store your car for the winter remember that your tires will be flat spotted if you do not move your car forward and back a few feet every week. I put 50 PSI of air pressure in the tires and have my car moved around every week so I don't get flat spotted tires.

Flatstoppers: http://www.r8talk.com/forums/showthr...3882#post23882

Also, another storage thread and there are a couple others as well.

[SteveR]

Audi has a trickle charger available that my dealer threw in for me. You end up with a std. AC plug in the front boot. I just bought a flat extension cord and have no trouble putting the hood down, but I didn't close it as it looked like it might leave a dent in the rubber seal if left that way all winter.

Full gas tank with Stabil and 50 lbs in the tires as others have said. I haven't moved the car because it is on a lift with all my snow equip beneath it. I'm hoping that any flat spotting will be minor and go away the first time the tires get warm. If not, a track day should smooth them out.

I should have changed the oil before putting it in storage to minimize water accumulation, but didn't. (I only have 2k on the odometer so far.)