GTSHolgi
Viper Owner
Just wanted to share that today I took my snake out for the first ride after 4 months of hibernation ('98 RT/10). I bought the car last year so this was a new to me experience. I was very excited before I turned the key, wondering if something went bad over the 4 months resulting into whatever kind of issues.
Here's what I did for winter hibernation (not much, I guess):
- removed the battery and stored it in the basement, connected a charger every once in a while
- increased tire pressure to 3 bar/43 psi
- put some styrofoam panels under the wheels
- filled the gas tank to the top
Car was sitting in a non heated Garage.
During hibernation, I removed the wheels (one after another) and detailed everything (wheel, suspension, wheel well etc.). Also, I lubricated the ball joints with Mopar Multi Mileage grease. I removed the brake pads and applied some special brake paste on the backside as I had some squeal at low braking speeds coming from the rear brakes.
So, today was the day, I removed the left rear wheel again and installed the battery. Put wheel back on. I popped the hood and checked the "E-Bay" for a last time. Everything looked normal. Then I took a seat. Cool down, boy, your time has come! Now!
I turned ignition on. After completing the routine bulb check, no CEL! Perfect. I "floored" it slowly two times, switched off ignition. Repeated it 3 more times.
All systems "Go"!!
This time I turned the key to the limit. The 8 liters V10 power plant woke up like Snow White after being kissed by the Prince. What a nice day this is! 4 months of hibernation disappeared instantly, as if it had been just 4 days. Rode it gently to the gas station to release the rubber from high pressure. A few farts here and there and pressure was back to 30 psi. Drove it around for an hour, slightly increasing average speed. Applied the brakes carefully to remove the surface rust and get the pads seated. And so far, no brake squeal!
I expected some rough idling as I read about the relearning after disconnecting the battery. But I have to say, that right from the first start it was idling as usual, no issues whatsoever.
To make a long story short: I am very happy about the complete absence of any issues with the car after sitting in the garage for 4 months. This is such a great car, in all aspects.
I wish you all will make the same experience when you get your car back to where it belongs: the road!
Have a nice weekend!
Holger
Here's what I did for winter hibernation (not much, I guess):
- removed the battery and stored it in the basement, connected a charger every once in a while
- increased tire pressure to 3 bar/43 psi
- put some styrofoam panels under the wheels
- filled the gas tank to the top
Car was sitting in a non heated Garage.
During hibernation, I removed the wheels (one after another) and detailed everything (wheel, suspension, wheel well etc.). Also, I lubricated the ball joints with Mopar Multi Mileage grease. I removed the brake pads and applied some special brake paste on the backside as I had some squeal at low braking speeds coming from the rear brakes.
So, today was the day, I removed the left rear wheel again and installed the battery. Put wheel back on. I popped the hood and checked the "E-Bay" for a last time. Everything looked normal. Then I took a seat. Cool down, boy, your time has come! Now!
I turned ignition on. After completing the routine bulb check, no CEL! Perfect. I "floored" it slowly two times, switched off ignition. Repeated it 3 more times.
All systems "Go"!!
This time I turned the key to the limit. The 8 liters V10 power plant woke up like Snow White after being kissed by the Prince. What a nice day this is! 4 months of hibernation disappeared instantly, as if it had been just 4 days. Rode it gently to the gas station to release the rubber from high pressure. A few farts here and there and pressure was back to 30 psi. Drove it around for an hour, slightly increasing average speed. Applied the brakes carefully to remove the surface rust and get the pads seated. And so far, no brake squeal!
I expected some rough idling as I read about the relearning after disconnecting the battery. But I have to say, that right from the first start it was idling as usual, no issues whatsoever.
To make a long story short: I am very happy about the complete absence of any issues with the car after sitting in the garage for 4 months. This is such a great car, in all aspects.
I wish you all will make the same experience when you get your car back to where it belongs: the road!
Have a nice weekend!
Holger
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. Still need to put on the center caps after retorqueing the wheel nuts.
).
Had a 2001 R/T 10 In slate grey myself 
