Mazda of Lodi Official Blog
Tips for Storing Your Mazda for an Extended Period of Time
By Product Expert | Posted in Mazda MX-5, Stories of Interest on Monday, October 3rd, 2016 at 6:58 pm
How to Store a Mazda Miata for the Winter
The weather is getting colder, which means we are entering the final weeks (or hopefully months) for you to fully enjoy your MX-5 Miata. Of course, you can still use your Miata during the winter, but many drivers prefer to shelter their roadster from the harsh winter roadway conditions and frigid cold. If you’re one of those drivers, we’ll explain how you can store your Mazda Miata for the winter and offer some advice for keeping it in optimal condition.
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Where to Store Your Mazda Miata for Extended Periods of Time
Every driver may have their own way for storing their Mazda in the winter, but there are a few things that we definitely recommend.
But first, you’ll need to determine where you’ll store it during these months. It’s highly recommended that you keep your Mazda in an enclosed structure, like your garage, that will protect your car from the elements. It’s also important that you’re able to control the temperature in this structure to avoid condensation build-up that could occur with temperature fluctuations.
Advice for Storing Your Mazda MX-5 Miata
Now, there are many things you can and/or should do to prepare your Miata for storage, so we can’t run through everything here. If you need help, you’re welcome to contact us at Mazda of Lodi. There are also other Miata drivers online who can likely provide assistance. That said, here are some tips you’ll want to consider during this process:
- Give your Miata a good and thorough wash/cleaning beforehand.
- Rather than applying the parking brake, brace the wheels with wheel chocks or tie down chains.
- To keep the electrical system charged, either attach a battery tender charger or disconnect the battery.
- Since allowing your vehicle to sit in one place for a long time can cause flat spots to develop on the tires, consider options to avoid your tires experiencing this effect.
- Take care of simple maintenance tasks, like an oil change.
- Use a fuel stabilizer
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Like we said, these are just a few pieces of advice that you may want to consider. If you need a more detailed plan for this process, just let us know, in particular if you’re planning on storing your Mazda Miata for the winter during a period longer than 30 days.
Hello Mazda,
I am intending on storing my new MX-5 for the winter and have never done this before. I am hearing all types of recommendations from driving through the good winter days to starting it up every 3 weeks for 20 minutes? I want to do the right thing with having a convertible top. Can you please advise me as to what is the best way to store this car in the winter months to experience the least of problems come spring.
Regards
Ben
Should you depress the clutch fully during the 6 mo. Storage period. I have a 1990 mazda miata with 84, ooo miles. Thank you