What are you doing with your cars during the winter months?

[Guido]

Merry Christmas!

It's been a bit quiet here for a few weeks so I thought I would see what people are doing to their cars during the winter months.

I have sorted another set of wheels and tyres (Michelin PS5) for everyday use so I can save my Cup2's for track days (which I intend to do a few of in 2026).  I have also got hold of a baffled sump which I'll get fitted in May when my car is due it's next service.

I am missing getting out in my car more than ever.  Since the end of September, I've only taken it out twice!!

Edited December 12, 2025 by Guido

[Lithopsian]

I'm driving mine   Once or twice a week.  Working on bits and pieces as always, but nothing big planned.

[winthattt]

Sadly, mine is on SORN in the garage. I’m going back to Henderson Taylor to investigate insurance with track day cover for 2026, it’s a shame not to use it more. A couple of years ago, when I put it on my Admiral Multicar policy I got a  refund for adding it (negative insurance cost). 

[DAN@ADRIAN FLUX]

Hi.

If you need any help with track day insurance at all then please feel free to drop me a line.

Regards,

Dan.

[Dave-hp]

Happy Christmas all!

I have SORNed mine from start of November to end of Feb (4 Months)

Roof back on. (I tend to leave it off once its warm enough in the spring, till it goes SORN) 

Garaged with dust cover on. 

Cleaned the inside before hand, washed it too, including inside all the wheel arches.

Battery off.

Handbrake off, in gear. (Finding pads can stick if left on for too long with no use)  

Starting it once a month and pulling it onto the drive to spin the pads on the discs. 

I miss taking it out, but the weather being as bad as it is makes it an easy decision. 

What other maintenance do people do this time of year? Its a bit cold to be up to much to be honest!

[CDM2018]

I use mine once a week at least as I have no garage it sits out in all weather so giving it a blast keeps battery and wheels from getting seized etc. 

I just need to fix my rear view mirror which has fallen off and despite trying every sticky pads now trying a new mirror.

Not sure if this issue is a result of the new windscreen fitted nearly 10 months ago ?

[LotusPanelRepair]

This is the first year I haven't really planned any major project over the winter beyond standard servicing and fun that is the supercharger belt . That said it may all change the winter is still young.

[Trebor_UK]

Driving it whenever I get a chance 😀

[winthattt]

On 16/12/2025 at 18:35, CDM2018 said:

I use mine once a week at least as I have no garage it sits out in all weather so giving it a blast keeps battery and wheels from getting seized etc. 

I just need to fix my rear view mirror which has fallen off and despite trying every sticky pads now trying a new mirror.

Not sure if this issue is a result of the new windscreen fitted nearly 10 months ago ?

You can get special mirror glue. Otherwise get a pad from auto glass, clean the surface with alcohol cleaner to remove film, grease, polish.

[Guido]

I actually went to work in mine on Tuesday.  Really wet but the best journey to work I've had for a few months!!!

[CDM2018]

On 18/12/2025 at 08:26, winthattt said:

You can get special mirror glue. Otherwise get a pad from auto glass, clean the surface with alcohol cleaner to remove film, grease, polish.

I tried some glue after preparation of surface area it fell off after 10 seconds 

I used proper rear view mirror glue and a new mirror so was just bonding the metal button section. Anyway gave up an ordered a suction mirror sucked onto the windscreen and drove the car for about 40 mins no issue. The test will be in very cold or hot weather conditions but cross that bridge ! 

[dandylion]

Out in all weathers!

[Andy wright]

Brakes upgrade. Master. Cylinder change ( bigger bore) and gear shifter upgrade. So car in bits at the moment Details in the general section’ Newbie question’ 

[Andy wright]

Rear Calipers now as blinged as the front and the gear change removed in readiness for some HPE goodness. Christmas is a time of giving, so I am giving my Lotus some attention, time , consideration and, err, perhaps a small investment in cash. 

[Andy wright]

Rear Calipers now as blinged as the front and the gear change removed in readiness for some HPE goodness. Christmas is a time of giving, so I am giving my Lotus some attention, time , consideration and, err, perhaps a small investment in cash. 
And now, thanks to ‘Lotusrepairpanel’ I can find my heater controls in the dark