Sadly, it's almost time again. If you have a convertible or other special interest car that goes away for the winter you need to start thinking of getting it ready for hibernation soon. Here, again, are some tips for winter storage.

Starting and running your car for short periods during winter storage is not recommended for

any reason. Doing so will add moisture to the engine - diluting the motor oil and can cause rusting in the exhaust system.

• Wash & wax the exterior and thoroughly clean the interior.

• Check antifreeze for cleanliness & strength. If replacing it use a 50/50 mixture, antifreeze &

water.

• Change oil & filter.

• Add STA-BIL Fuel Stabilizer additive to gasoline following directions on bottle, then fill fuel tank, drive at least a few miles to draw additive into fuel system.

• Loosen gas cap to release any pressure on the fuel system, then re-tighten cap.

• Battery storage – Removing the battery for storage of less than 6 months is optional. Just use a

“smart” charger with a trickle charge mode that automatic keeps the battery at full charge during storage. If you decide to remove the battery (always disconnect negative first for safety), store it in a cool dry location, off of concrete floor and charge it periodically with a trickle charger.

• Inflate tires to 45-50psi to prevent flat spots or remove tires and mount a cheap set of substitute tires (“donut” spares work well for this).

• To prevent rusting of the brake rotors, remove wheels and wipe both sides of the rotors (back side is difficult) with a cloth or shop rag soaked or sprayed with WD40.

• Place steel wool in the tail pipe and air intake snorkel to keep critters out.

• Loosen the top latches to relieve the strain on the top and roll down side windows 1/2 inch or so to remove pressure on the top gasket seals.

• Place a container of Irish Spring soap, shredded or shaved, in containers inside the cabin. Mice

hate it and car will smell great next spring. (Some sources recomment fabric softener dryer sheets, instead.)

• Cover with a car cover, an old sheet or blanket.

• Leave a copy of these instructions on the front seat so you can undo these steps in the spring.

• Pray for an early spring.

After some highly forgettable small cars like the Citation, Corsica (remember that one?), Cavalier and Cobalt, Chevrolet knocks out another gentleman’s “C” with the new Cruze and this one might actually leave a lasting impression.

The Cruze is based on GM’s Delta II architecture, a global platform which will serve as the basis for various models in most of GM’s markets. Highlights include increased structural rigidity, more high-strength steel and, of course, reduced noise, vibration and harshness.

The Cruze is a fairly attractive little car inside and out, at least in LTZ trim like the sample I drove recently. GM seems to have paid particular attention to interior trim as the one offered for this drive was almost class-leading in look and feel. Controls were well laid out and easy to decipher and use. The off-white leather seats weren’t perforated but felt comfortable enough on the short drive I was able to take. Front seat room was fine but things were a bit tight in the back.

The Cruze is extremely well equipped, especially in LTZ trim. Satellite radio, OnStar with turn-by-turn navigation, automatic climate control, ten air bags, heated leather seats, bluetooth connectivity, and more are standard on the LTZ and available or standard on lower lines.

The base LS model comes with a 1.8-liter I-4 producing 138hp. All other models get a 1.4-liter turbocharged I-4 also producing 138hp. The engine in the model I drove was very strong with very little turbo lag. Noise and vibration were pretty well isolated but the engine was just little raspy and a bit of harshness made it through to the interior.

Base prices start at $16,275 for the base LS and top out at $21,975 for the LTZ. (Looking at the build-and-price on Chevy’s Web site, the LS sounds like a typical low priced stripper. Even the cover for the spare tire well is optional.) Fuel economy is advertised as 26city/36highway for the 1.8-liter with a 6-speed manual and 24/36 for the 1.4-liter with a 6-speed automatic.

Overall, the Cruze is a very nice effort. This one of the hottest segments in the market with some very competitive products already here or on the way. The Cruze should at least hold its own -- for now.

--M.D.

Most of the sales figures for September are in and it turned out to be a very good month for almost everybody, as long you weren’t a marginal Asian brand. Overall, sales of light duty vehicles rose some 29% over last year.

Chrysler led the charge among domestic companies with a 61% increase over a particularly dismal September last year, although the pride of Auburn Hills couldn’t quite break the 100,000 mark. Ford was next with a solid 46% jump and GM brought up the rear, and underperformed the market, with an 11% increase.

Asian brands fared slightly less well, though most posted increases. Toyota was up 16.8%, Honda gained 26%, Nissan rose 34%, Subaru surged 47%, Mazda increased 30% and Hyundai/Kia climbed 44%. Not so impressive were showings from Isuzu which was down 9% and Suzuki which tumbled nearly 12%. (Combined sales from these two automakers were less than Porsche.)

European marques all were up: Saab a whopping 133%, Porsche 25%, BMW 20%, Daimler 18% and VW 14%.

Sales in September of 2009 were especially weak as the market was coming off the “cash for clunkers” program which had driven up demand and depleted dealer inventories. Still, up is always better than down and it is also gratifying to see domestic companies regaining lost market share.

(source: Wards Automotive)

--M.D.