First start up and drive today after more than 5 months of winter hibernation.
The car was placed in the (not heated) garage late october last year. Winter preparation was clean and dry car, new engine oil, increased tire pressure (50 pounds), full tank, indoor car cover and a sock full of dry rice inside cabin (to soak up moisture).
I have charged the battery once every 6-8 weeks (last time was 4 weeks ago). I have not been into the car (not opened any doors except for the rear hatch when connecting the battery charger), windows have been closed.
The winter has been unusually long and hard. Temperaturs have mostly been below zero celsius, and often below - 10 to - 15 celsius for extended periodes.
Today it was + 4 celsius, and there is still snow on the side of the roads. The roads are clear of snow but with lots of gritts and stone pebbles, but I could not wait any longer to start it up and drive for a short trip to see if everything worked well.
Removed the cover and it looked great. No humidity inside the cabin, no bad smell, doors, windows, mirrors and steering wheel moved easilly without any hesitation or "strange" sounds.
Pushed the start button and the engine started without any hesitation. The exaust walve closed after initial startup (also without any "strange" sounds), engine sounded good. Put it into reverse and backed out of the garage. Brakes did not "hang" (it was parked on level surface without engaging the el. park brake). Let out the extra air pressure from the tires, and drove off.
No flat spots could be felt from the tires. The first gearshifts were maybe a bit more "harsh" than I could remember, but everything felt normal after a few shifts.
It felt SO good to drive the car after the long winter, but I only drove a few miles due to the bad conditions of the roads. The traction was lousy due to pebbles, dirt and cold weather, so the rear tires broke loose everytime I gave some gas. I know you all knows it, but this car has some serious low end grunts.
I checked the oil level after the trip, and it was spot on at the full level mark (as it was when I put it away for winter). I also checked the garage floor when the car was out, and no signs of any leaks from engine or differential.
So to sum it up, the F-type seems to have taken the long hibernation very well, but the roads needs to be cleaned and the weather warmer, before I can start to really appreciate some good drives. Hopefully that won't be too long, and both the car and I are very ready for it
