What To Know About Storing a Car in Winter

Winter can create tough conditions for any vehicle, even when you leave it parked for the season. Cold temperatures, moisture, road salt, and long periods of inactivity can affect everything from the battery to the tires. If you plan to store a sports car, classic vehicle, convertible, or another seasonal ride until warmer weather returns, a little preparation can prevent expensive problems. Proper winter storage for your car helps protect the vehicle and makes getting back on the road much easier in spring.

Choose the Right Storage Location

Where you store your car can make a major difference in its condition. An enclosed garage offers the best protection because it keeps snow, ice, and direct exposure to moisture away from the vehicle. A garage also limits exposure to rapid temperature changes.

Whenever possible, choose a clean and dry storage area. Avoid parking on grass or bare soil for several months. Moisture from the ground can collect underneath the vehicle and encourage corrosion.

If indoor storage isn't available, look for a sheltered location with good drainage. A quality outdoor car cover can provide additional protection, but make sure you choose one that allows moisture to escape rather than trapping condensation against the paint.

Give the Car a Thorough Cleaning

Wash your vehicle before putting it away, even if you expect it to collect some dust during storage. Dirt, road grime, bird droppings, and other contaminants can damage the finish when they remain on the surface for months.

Pay extra attention to the wheel wells and underbody if you drove the vehicle on salted roads. Road salt encourages corrosion and can remain hidden in small areas underneath the car.

Dry the vehicle completely after washing it. Consider applying a coat of wax for additional paint protection. Clean the interior as well, especially if you have food wrappers, crumbs, or other materials that could attract pests.

Take Care of the Fuel System

Leaving a small amount of old fuel in the tank for several months can cause problems. A mostly empty tank also leaves more room for moisture to collect inside it.

Fill the fuel tank before storage. For longer storage periods, consider adding a fuel stabilizer according to the product manufacturer's directions. Stabilizer helps gasoline maintain its quality while the vehicle sits.

After adding the stabilizer, drive the car briefly so the treated fuel can circulate through the system. Completing this step before storage can make starting the engine easier when winter ends.

Change the Oil if Necessary

Check the condition of your engine oil before storing your vehicle. Old oil can contain contaminants that you may not want sitting inside the engine for an extended period.

If the vehicle already needs an oil change, handle it before storage instead of waiting until spring. Fresh oil gives the engine clean lubrication while it sits and leaves one less maintenance task to handle when you bring the car back onto the road.

Check your owner's manual for the correct oil type and recommended maintenance schedule. You don't necessarily need an extra oil change solely because winter has arrived if you recently completed one.

Protect the Battery

Car batteries naturally lose their charge over time, and cold temperatures can make battery problems more noticeable. Leaving a vehicle untouched for several months may result in a dead battery by spring.

You have a few options depending on your storage setup. You can disconnect the battery, remove it for storage in an appropriate location, or connect a compatible battery maintainer.

A battery maintainer monitors the charge and supplies power when necessary. Unlike an old-fashioned charger that continuously sends power to the battery, a quality maintainer helps prevent overcharging.

Always follow your vehicle manufacturer's recommendations before disconnecting the battery because some modern vehicles may require additional steps.

Check and Protect Your Tires

Tires can lose air pressure while a vehicle sits. Cold weather also causes tire pressure to drop, so check all four tires before storing the car.

Inflate them according to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressure. Don't rely on the maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall.

Long storage periods can also contribute to flat spotting. The weight of the vehicle continually presses against the same portion of each tire. Some temporary flat spots disappear after driving, while more severe problems may require attention.

Depending on the vehicle and storage duration, you may consider tire cradles or other appropriate methods for reducing pressure on one section of the tire.

Understand How Inactivity Affects Your Car

Drivers often wonder how long a car can go without being driven, but there isn't one universal answer. Battery condition, storage temperature, vehicle age, fuel quality, and maintenance all affect how well a car handles inactivity.

A vehicle may sit for weeks without obvious problems, while several months of storage require more preparation. The important thing is to prepare the car for the length and conditions of storage instead of assuming that occasionally starting the engine will solve every problem.

Simply starting the vehicle for a few minutes can actually create unnecessary moisture if the engine never reaches normal operating temperature.

Keep Rodents and Other Pests Away

A stored vehicle can provide shelter for mice and other small animals during cold weather. They may damage upholstery, build nests in hidden areas, or chew through wiring.

Before storage, inspect the garage for obvious entry points and remove potential food sources. Keep the area around the vehicle clean and avoid storing pet food or birdseed nearby in open containers.

You can also periodically check several areas of the vehicle for signs of activity, including:

• The engine compartment

• Air intake areas

• Under the seats

• The trunk

• Around stored vehicle supplies

Early detection can prevent a minor pest problem from becoming an expensive electrical repair.

Decide Whether To Use the Parking Brake

Think carefully before leaving the parking brake engaged for an entire winter. Extended contact between brake components can sometimes cause them to stick, especially when moisture enters the equation.

If you store the vehicle on a level surface, wheel chocks may offer an alternative. Place the transmission in the appropriate position according to the manufacturer's recommendations and secure the vehicle properly.

Storage conditions and vehicle designs vary, so consult your owner's manual when deciding how to secure the car.

Cover the Vehicle Correctly

Even an indoor vehicle can benefit from a cover because dust and debris may settle onto the paint over several months. Choose a breathable cover designed for automotive use.

Never place a cover over a dirty or wet car. Dirt trapped between the fabric and paint can create scratches as the cover moves. Trapped moisture can also contribute to mildew or corrosion.

For outdoor storage, choose a weather-resistant cover that fits securely. Avoid loose tarps that can flap against the paint in strong winds.

Inspect Everything Before Driving in Spring

Don't immediately start the vehicle and head onto the highway after months of storage. Give the car a basic inspection first.

Check tire pressure, fluid levels, battery condition, lights, windshield wipers, and the area underneath the vehicle for leaks. Look under the hood for nests or damaged wiring. Remove any wheel chocks or other storage equipment.

Start the engine and pay attention to warning lights or unusual sounds. Give the vehicle enough time to operate normally before taking it on the road.

Proper winter storage for your car requires preparation. Cleaning the vehicle, protecting its battery and tires, managing fluids, preventing pest damage, and choosing a suitable storage location can help preserve its condition. When warmer weather returns, you'll have fewer problems to address and a car that's much closer to being ready for the road.