Spring, summer, and fall are the glory days for classic, luxury, or sports car owners. The weather is warm, most days are good for a fun drive, and you don’t have to worry too much about preserving your car’s engine and exterior. But as fall comes to an end, it’s time to start thinking about winter car storage.
Anyone with a hobby car will want to pay close attention to these recommendations on how to store a car outside for the winter. This information also applies to cars that are driven regularly but need to be protected during winter nights.
Storage preparation
The first step is to make sure you have an appropriate spot to store your car for the winter. A home garage is an ideal space, but if you don’t have that luxury, you can consider any storage space that has a concrete floor, climate control, and protection from rain and snow.
Once you’ve found the right spot, it’s time to prepare the car for a long period of storage. Surprisingly, this is a good time to get an oil change, even though you may not be driving the car for many months. Likewise, the car’s exterior should be completely washed and cleaned before going into storage. This will prevent corrosion to your car’s surface during the storage time.
After your car wash and detail, make sure the car is completely dry. You can go to the gas station to remove water from the crevices and fill your gas tank with fuel-stabilized gasoline. Allow the car to run for several minutes so that the stabilizer has rolled through the entire car’s system. Top of other fluid levels to complete the preparation process.
At the storage location
Once you’re parked in your storage spot, make sure your tires are inflated to the maximum PSI rating. This can be found on the sidewall of your tires and can be accomplished with a portable air compressor.
Make sure your car is in parked position or add tire blocks to prevent the car from moving. Park on a level surface and roll down the windows slightly to allow air to circulate during the storage period. Remove your engine from the car and bring it into your house to prevent it from getting too cold. Cold batteries can freeze, crack and be unreliable in the event that you need to start the car.
Rats and mice can cause a lot of damage to your car’s wiring, so you’ll want to take measures to make sure they know they’re not welcome. Thankfully, it’s pretty easy to do: just add a ball of steel wool to your exhaust pipe to keep rodents from making a winter home in your vehicle. Lastly, top your car with a snug-fitting cover in a material that allows for breathability.
By following these tips, you’ll effectively winterize your car for storage. You’ll be glad you took the proper measures once you see the pristine condition you find it in come spring.
Look to Wade Auto for more tips on winterizing your car, whether for long-term storage or daily use.