How to Properly Store Your Car for Winter

Discover effective tips on storing your car for winter. Learn to protect your vehicle with our guide, ensuring a trouble-free start come springtime!

Key Takeaways

• Understand the importance of proper preparation and storage of your car for winter.
• Learn critical steps like cleaning, changing oil, protecting the battery, and tire care.
• Find out the right way to use a car cover to store your car for winter. 
• Tips to ensure your vehicle remains in optimal condition when not in use.
• Learn about the role of car insurance during winter storage.

Whether it’s a vintage convertible you’re saving for sunny days or your daily runner you’re swapping for a winter beater, knowing how to store your car properly for winter is crucial. 

Adequate preparation can prevent expensive repair bills and ensure your vehicle starts up trouble-free when the weather turns warm. 

And remember, at Chevrolet of Ottawa, we’re here to help you prepare your car for winter, and when spring comes, make it road-ready again!

Proper Cleaning

Before preparing your car for winter, it’s imperative to clean it thoroughly. Washing your vehicle, both inside and out, helps eliminate any corrosive substances attached to your car’s body or undercarriage. 

Consider a professional detailing service to ensure a meticulous cleaning, including the engine bay. Once cleaned, apply a generous layer of wax to provide additional protection against possible rusting and corrosion during winter storage.

Oil Change and Fluid Check

Changing the oil before putting your car away for winter is crucial. Used oil has contaminants that could harm your engine over time. Fresh oil will ensure your engine’s internals remain well-lubricated and corrosion-free. 

Also, consider topping up other fluids, such as coolant and brake fluid, and ensure your fuel tank is full to prevent condensation build-up.

Battery Protection

Car batteries don’t particularly enjoy the cold. If you’re storing your car in an unheated area, consider removing the battery and keeping it in a warmer place. 

Attach it to a trickle charger to keep the battery healthy and prevent discharge. If you can’t remove the battery, disconnect the cables to avoid draining.

Tire Care

Flat spots can develop on the tires when your car is stationary for an extended period. To avoid this, inflate your tires to the maximum recommended pressure. 

Some car owners also opt for storage on jack stands to offload the vehicle’s weight from the tires altogether.

Choosing the Right Cover and Storage

When storing your car for winter, it’s vital to keep it in a dry and preferably climate-controlled location. If that’s not possible, invest in a high-quality car cover designed for outdoor use. 

The cover should be breathable to prevent moisture build-up and secure enough not to blow off in high winds.

The Role of Car Insurance

You might be tempted to cancel your insurance policy while your car is stored away for winter, but this could be risky. You must pay for the losses if your car gets damaged or stolen. Instead, consider adjusting your policy. 

Many insurance companies offer comprehensive only policies for cars that aren’t being driven, providing coverage for theft, fire, and other damage.

Maintenance During Storage

Even in storage, your car still needs some attention. Start it up every two weeks, let it run for 15-20 minutes to reach operating temperature, and briefly drive it around. This helps circulate the oil, keeps the battery charged, and prevents various seals and gaskets from drying out.

Final Checks Before Storage

Before parking your car for winter, double-check everything. Ensure all lights are switched off to avoid battery drain, apply a thick layer of wax for paint protection, and lubricate the door seals to prevent them from sticking.

Leave the handbrake off to prevent the brake pads from sticking to the discs or drums. 

Instead, use wheel chocks to prevent the car from moving. Also, plug the exhaust and air intake with steel wool to keep out critters.

Making a checklist can be helpful to ensure you’ve done everything you need to keep your car safe and clean for winter. 

Rodent Protection

One often overlooked issue when storing your car for winter is the threat of rodents. Cars provide the perfect shelter for these critters, and they can wreak havoc by chewing through wires, hoses, and other components. 

Consider using rodent deterrents like peppermint oil or commercial repellent sprays to prevent this. 

Also, use steel wool or specialty car storage bags to seal off any entry points, including the exhaust and air intake.

Interior Maintenance

Protecting your car’s exterior and mechanical parts is vital, but don’t neglect the interior. Clean the inside thoroughly, removing any food crumbs or garbage that could attract pests. 

Apply a conditioner to leather surfaces to prevent cracking, and for cloth seats, use a fabric protector. 

To keep your car smelling fresh, consider using an odor absorber or desiccant bag to control moisture levels and prevent mold or mildew.

Preserving Convertible Tops

If you’re storing a convertible, there are some extra steps to ensure your top stays in good shape through the winter. 

Clean and dry the top thoroughly, then apply a protective treatment explicitly designed for the material, whether fabric or vinyl. 

Keep the top up to maintain its shape and prevent creasing when storing.

Additional Security Measures

While your car is out of sight during winter, it shouldn’t be out of mind. Implementing additional security measures can provide extra peace of mind. If your vehicle is stored in a garage, ensure it has a robust lock system. 

Consider using a steering wheel lock for added protection. For outdoor storage, a high-quality weatherproof car cover with lockable features can deter potential thieves.

Conclusion

Preparing your car for winter storage might seem like a lot of work, but the effort is worth it to keep your vehicle in optimal condition. Remember, a little time invested now could save you significant time and money down the road.

Once you’ve followed these steps, you can rest easy knowing your car is well-protected against the ravages of winter. 

And when it’s time to bring your car out of hibernation, Chevrolet of Ottawa is ready to help you get back on the road with the best car service your vehicle deserves. We’re here to ensure your post-storage transition is as smooth as possible – visit our store today!

*Image From Pixabay

Tags: Car for winter, Car storage preparation, Winter car storage
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