08/24/2023
Scooter John's suggestions for winter storage of scooters, particularly in relation to fuel stabilizers and battery maintenance, are quite valuable. Let's break down the key points:
Battery Maintenance: Storing your scooter for an extended period, especially during the winter, can be hard on the battery. Using a battery tender or maintainer is an excellent idea. These devices provide a low-level trickle charge to keep the battery from discharging completely. This helps prolong the life of the battery and ensures it's ready to go when you want to ride again.
Fuel Stabilizer: Using a fuel stabilizer is crucial, especially with today's ethanol-blended fuels. Ethanol is indeed derived from corn, and it can create problems when stored for extended periods. Here's why Scooter John recommends the Marine-grade (blue) stabilizers:
Ethanol Issues: Ethanol in gasoline can absorb moisture from the air, leading to water contamination in your fuel tank. This water can cause rust and corrosion in the fuel system, and it's not good for the engine.
Gum and Varnish: Ethanol can also lead to the formation of gum and varnish in the fuel system. These deposits can clog fuel lines and carburetors, leading to poor engine performance.
Marine-Grade Stabilizers: Marine-grade fuel stabilizers are formulated to combat these specific issues. They are designed to prevent water absorption and inhibit the formation of gum and varnish. Using a high-quality stabilizer, like the blue Marine-grade variety, can help ensure your scooter's fuel system remains clean and functional during storage.
In summary, Scooter John recommends using a battery tender to maintain your scooter's battery health and a Marine-grade fuel stabilizer to protect your fuel system from the adverse effects of ethanol-blended fuels during winter storage. These practices will help ensure that your scooter is in good condition and ready to ride when spring comes around.
