How To Properly Store a Vehicle for Winter

Winter can take a toll on your car, especially in harsh climates with freezing temperatures, snow, and road salt. Following a few key winter car storage tips will keep your vehicle in optimal condition during the cold months. Use this guide to ensure your vehicle stays protected during the winter and is ready to hit the road again in spring.

Why Winter Vehicle Storage Matters

Winter weather can harm a car that isn’t stored properly. Cold temperatures, moisture, and road salt can lead to rust, flat tires, or a dead battery. Proper vehicle storage preparation protects your vehicle and ensures it’s ready when you’re back on the road. Storing your car properly during winter is crucial since it helps extend its life span, prevents costly repairs, and ensures it stays in optimal condition.

Common Winter Damage

• Battery drain: Cold weather slows the chemical reaction in your battery, making it harder to hold a charge. Thickened engine oil adds more strain, increasing the risk of a dead battery.
• Low tire pressure: Cold air contracts, resulting in slow-moving air inside the tires, which reduces the pressure. This can lead to flat spots, uneven wear, or even tire damage.
• Rust from road salt: The salt used to treat icy roads can corrode metal parts such as brake and fuel lines if not cleaned regularly.

Clean and Protect Your Car’s Exterior

Cleaning off dirt and debris helps protect the paint since grime mixed with rain or snow can create acidic compounds that cause corrosion. Adding a layer of wax is essential to add a protective barrier against moisture and other contaminants. Consider cleaning the undercarriage to prevent rust during winter storage.

Car Battery Care in Winter

The following steps can help protect your battery during winter storage:

• Disconnect the battery: This prevents drainage and reduces the risk of corrosion on terminals.
• Use a trickle charger: It keeps the battery charged at a low, steady rate, which is perfect for long-term storage.
• Start the car occasionally: If you can, run the engine for about 10 minutes every few weeks. This keeps the battery healthy and other systems lubricated.

Tire Maintenance: Prevent Flat Spots

Tires lose pressure in the cold, leading to flat spots if your car sits too long without movement. The following tips can help you prevent this:

• Inflate the tires slightly above their normal pressure before storage.
• Use tire cradles to distribute the car’s weight more evenly.
• Move the car a few feet every couple of weeks to prevent the formation of flat spots.

Fluids and Fuel: Essential Steps

Check and top off your car’s fluids before storage. Fresh fluids prevent internal damage and keep the components lubricated during the winter. These include the following:

• Oil change: Old oil can become acidic, causing engine damage. Change it before storing your vehicle.
• Fuel stabilizer: Gasoline can degrade in as little as three months, leading to clogging and corrosion. To prevent these issues, you can add a fuel stabilizer to a full gas tank.
• Coolant: Ensure that the antifreeze level is adequate to protect your engine from freezing temperatures.

Interior Preparation: Keeping It Fresh and Protected

A clean interior helps prevent mold, mildew, and unpleasant smells.

• Vacuum thoroughly: Remove all crumbs and debris to discourage pests.
• Use moisture absorbers: Products such as silica gel or baking soda can keep humidity in check.
• Protect upholstery: Use breathable seat covers to shield your seats without trapping moisture.

Choosing the Right Storage Location

You can consider the following storage options:

At Home

A garage is ideal for storage to protect your car against snow, ice, and UV damage in winter while giving you some control over the temperature. You can add a car cover for extra protection, even indoors.

Outdoor Storage

If you’re storing your car outdoors, use a high-quality, breathable, waterproof car cover to protect it from inclement weather. A breathable cover allows any trapped moisture to escape, preventing mildew and corrosion. If your car is exposed to direct sunlight, use a UV-resistant cover to prevent paint fading and interior damage. Look for covers with soft inner linings and reinforced grommets to prevent scratching and enhance durability.

Self-Storage Facilities

You can also opt for a covered or indoor storage unit. A climate-controlled storage unit is perfect for classic or high-value cars, maintaining stable temperatures and humidity levels year-round.

Indoor Storage Units

Indoor storage is ideal for maximum protection, especially for classic or high-value cars. Climate-controlled units are particularly effective in stabilizing temperature and humidity levels, preventing moisture damage and extreme cold. In these cases, a car cover may not be necessary.

Starting Your Vehicle After Winter

When spring arrives, refrain from just starting and driving your car. You should take steps to start your vehicle safely.

Inspect Thoroughly

Start by examining your car for cracks, leaks, worn parts, or rodent damage. Pay close attention to the brake system with steady pressure initially, then with force, simulating a panic stop. The pedal should remain firm without sinking. Also check the oil, coolant, and brake fluid levels and inspect for leaks or fluid loss to ensure safe operation.

Clean Your Vehicle

Dirt and debris can accumulate even in storage. Wash the car’s exterior and clean the interior. Apply a protectant to interior surfaces for easier maintenance later.

Prepare the Engine

Since engines lose lubrication during storage, start by adding oil to the top and then checking the fuel lines for any damage. Build fuel pressure using an electric pump and ensure everything is moving smoothly before starting the vehicle.

Start, Observe, and Take a Ride

Start the engine and let it idle while checking for leaks or unusual noises. If you find any issues, address them promptly. Drive slowly at first, listening for odd sounds or vibrations. Investigate anything unusual to ensure your car is ready for the season ahead.

Ready To Protect Your Vehicle?

Storing your car properly for winter will increase its longevity. Our team at Ike Honda will assist with any questions you may have. Contact our service team in Marion, Illinois, to schedule a maintenance check or get expert advice on preparing your car for winter storage.

Close up of Pouring Oil to Engine by Daniel Andraski is Licensed with Pexels License