Recommend / Best Fuel Stabilizer for winterisation?

If non-Ethanol fuel (E5, E10, ect) is used, STA-BIL Storage

If Ethanol fuel is used, STA-BIL Protection. I suppose this could be used with non-Ethanol fuel as well, I just like to keep the additives to a minimum.

I've been using STA-BIL in cars and boats for years, great products.

Treat a full tank, run your car to 1/8th full and store, granted you can get to a gasstation on an 1/8th of a tank Otherwise run to a 1/5th, 1/6th or what ever suits you. Come spring, fill up with Premium (93DIN) - (98RON) octane. There is simply no need to have to run through a whole tank of "old" fuel, treated or not. When you start driving again, you might as well be able to put as much fresh gasoline in the tank right away.

 

mine also going in hibernation in 2 weeks.
Question, will it not be enough just to top of the car with 99 octane, and just leave it?
Reffereing to the gas tank now, not psi tires pressure ect ect..

 

Being in California, storing the cars isn't an issue for me. With that said, I've read that its better to leave the tank filled, so there is less room for air in the tank that contains water vapor that can condense and corrode the inside of the tank. Not sure if that applies to modern cars that have sealed systems or if the STA-BIL prevents it.

 

I like this: Amazon.com: Royal Purple 11722 Max-Clean Fuel System Cleaner and Stabilizer - 20 oz. Bottle: Automotive

 

Even in California, if the fuel is left to sit for prolonged periods, it will degrade. By prolonged, I mean weeks at a time or months. I don't think it's a problem for cars driven once a week or every other week.

Yes, you should try to keep the tank full during storage to reduce the amount of water vapor, though query whether this really makes much difference in modern sealed emissions systems.

I use Sta-bil.

 

It's available in Scandinavia, so perhaps just contact STA-BIL and have them advice you.

A few things to consider.

What ever you do, don't let a full tank of fuel sit for prolonged time, even 99 RON. Fuel these days, are simply not up to the task, and you'll end up trying to burn through a whole tank of low octane bad fuel. That is what causes engines to blow up.

One of the major problems with modern fuels, besides just being of poor quality compared to what they used to be, is that they are also much more hydrofilic than they used to be. So they will attract much more water, especially Ethanol gasoline. If left untreated, you'll get what is called phase-separation. This means you'll end up with a bunch of water, a bunch of Ethanol and a bunch of fuel/sludge in the bottom of the tank. While a stabilizer like the STA-BIL Protector is designed to prevent this in Ethanol fuels, it is still something that can occur, but in very small amounts. But the more fuel you leave in your tank, the more sludge, water and Ethanol you'll end up with. Even in the Marine environment, where boats are often stored in damp and cold places over the winter, people are shying away from filling the tanks, as a full tank of bad fuel, is a really nasty thing. If you are concerned about corrosion, have a look at the STA-BIL 360. This should address those worries, I haven't any personal experience with it though. But take into account that over time, your tank isn't full the whole time anyway, and modern gas tanks use bladders, liners and what not. The rest of the fuel system is also built to cope with Ethanol fuels, so corrosion from a quarter filled tank would be the least of my worries. Don't worry about condensation either. This is yet another area where fuel stabilizers work to prevent water from mixing with the fuel, as the water that comes into contact with the fuel is vaporized. If you're worried about corrosion in the engine, ask your Ferrari shop about how they feel about fogging the engine.

 

I've been using Star Tron for years with good results.

I do run the tank very low and add the stabilizer, drive car a several miles for it to circulate and begin my winter storage procedure. There are pros and cons about filling the tank, and its your preference. My thoughts the cars are in a climate controlled garage, and if filled the tank, it may be additional weeks for me to refill with fresh fuel come spring.

That all said, with my vintage car, I drain the fuel and fill with a non ethanol fuel, I buy in 5 gallon cans. Considering that for the 458, but 3-4 months, it should be OK.

 

DK308 and luvair, thank you for your explanations. While its not an issue for my modern cars, I do tend to let the vintage ones sit longer (sometimes 4-6 weeks between drives) during the winter months. I will change my approach.

 

I never did anything... During winter time my car stays in the garage for about three months - never had any problems...