Figuring out how to store a car for winter is an important task for many vehicle owners, especially if you have a classic car, sports car, or any extra vehicle that won’t be used much during the colder months. Simply parking your car and leaving it alone until spring can create a variety of problems, both mechanical and cosmetic. Getting your car ready for winter storage the right way is key to keeping it in good shape and saving yourself from unexpected repairs down the road.
This article will go through the steps and points you need to remember to store your car safely over winter. Whether it’s preparing the car, choosing where to keep it, or making sure you prevent common storage issues, you’ll find what you need to keep your car ready for use when the warm weather returns.
Why Store a Car for Winter?
Cold weather brings many threats to cars. Salt, ice, snow, and freezing temperatures can damage the outside and bottom of your car. Still, even if your car stays inside with no snow or salt, not using it for months can cause problems of its own. Winter storage is not just about avoiding the weather – it’s also about preventing damage from your car sitting still for a long time and making sure it runs well in years to come.
Many classic car experts say poor storage can actually hurt your car more than driving it on salty roads all winter. That’s why it’s so important to properly get your car ready for storage – this keeps your car lasting longer and can help you avoid pricey fixes later.
Problems If You Don’t Prepare
- Bad fluids: Gasoline can go bad and clog fuel lines, while old oil can form sludge inside the engine. Moisture can get in, causing rust.
- Tire issues: Tires sitting in one spot may develop flat spots, making for a bumpy ride later or even ruining the tires.
- Rodents: Mice and other animals look for warm places and may chew on wires, seats, or insulation, leading to costly repairs.
Benefits of Proper Winter Storage
- Helps your car last longer by preventing problems before they start.
- Can save money by avoiding expensive damage, such as rusted parts or chewed wiring.
- Makes spring startup smoother with less hassle and fewer repairs needed.
Where Should You Store Your Car?
The place you choose for storage really matters. The best spot is a dry, temperature-controlled, and secure space. However, not everyone has access to a fancy garage, so you’ll need to choose from the options below based on what you can afford and how much protection your car needs.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Home Garage | Protection from weather, more secure, stable temperature. | Might be limited space. |
| Self-Storage | Good if you don’t have a garage; may offer climate control. | Extra cost; some places have rules or limited access. |
| Outdoor Storage | Cheapest, always available. | Exposed to weather; higher risk of rust or rodent entry. |
Garage vs. Outdoor Storage
Storing your car in a garage is usually best. Being inside saves the vehicle from snow, sunshine, rain, and cold, so the paint and parts stay in better shape. It also avoids big temperature changes that can cause problems for fluids.
If you have to keep your car outside, take extra steps to protect it, like using a quality, waterproof car cover, and placing a tarp or plastic under the vehicle to keep ground moisture away.
Tips for Self-Storage
- Pick a place that allows car storage and check if they have climate control.
- Ask about their security and what paperwork they need (such as insurance).
- Know what you can and can’t do (like working on your car while it’s stored).
Car Lifts and Jack Stands
- Using a car lift can allow you to keep cars above each other, saving space.
- Putting your car on jack stands takes pressure off the tires and suspension, stopping flat spots from forming. Put wood under each stand for better support.
Getting Your Car Ready for Winter Storage
Doing a few simple tasks before you leave your car parked for winter can prevent big problems later. The steps below cover cleaning, pest prevention, fluid care, and looking after tires and batteries.
Steps for Preparing Your Car
- Wash and Dry the Car: Clean the car fully, including rinsing the underside to remove salt and dirt. Dry it completely and wax the paint to seal and protect it.
- Clean the Inside: Vacuum the carpets and seats, remove trash and especially any food to reduce the chances of pests and bad smells. Put silica gel or desiccant packs inside to soak up moisture and stop mildew.
- Stop Rodents: Plug openings (like tailpipes and air intake) with steel wool or similar material to keep animals out (be sure to remove before you start the car again). Put dryer sheets or animal repellents in the car and around tires to help keep mice away.
- Fill Gas Tank and Add Fuel Stabilizer: A full tank leaves less space for moisture to collect, and stabilizer stops the gas from going bad. Run the car after adding stabilizer to spread it through the fuel system.
- Change Oil and Check Fluids: New oil protects engine parts better while sitting for a long time. Top up brake, steering, and washer fluids.
- Check Coolant: Make sure coolant is at the right level and strength so the engine doesn’t freeze. Don’t mix different coolant types.
- Check and Inflate Tires: Clean the tires and inflate them to the right pressure. A little extra air is OK, but not above the max shown on the sidewall. If possible, use jack stands or park on thick foam to stop flat spots.
- Protect the Battery: Either disconnect the battery and bring it indoors, or leave it connected and use a trickle charger to keep it topped up. For newer cars, disconnecting the battery may erase settings or cause errors.
- Don’t Use the Parking Brake: Instead of the parking brake, use wheel chocks (blocks) to stop the car from rolling. Parking brake parts can rust and stick.
Keeping Your Car Safe in Storage
Once your car is set up for winter, there are a few more things you can do to keep it in good shape, mainly about protecting the paint and keeping dust or moisture off the vehicle.
Car Covers
- Use a good quality, breathable car cover, even if the car is inside. This keeps off dust and can protect the paint from small bumps or scratches.
- Never use a plastic cover, as it will trap moisture.
- If possible, get a fitted car cover for the best fit and protection.
Should You Start the Car While Stored?
Some say you should start the car every few weeks to keep parts moving and oil spread around. If you do, remove the cover and any blocks in the exhaust or intake, start the engine, let it idle until warm, and keep the garage open for fresh air. Others believe that if you prepare the car well, there’s no need to run it at all since short runs can do more harm than good if the car doesn’t fully warm up.
Documents and Insurance
- Keep registration and insurance papers safe and handy.
- If storing at a professional facility, they may ask for insurance proof.
- Tell your insurance company where your car is stored. You might be able to reduce coverage while it’s not being used, but always keep comprehensive coverage to be protected from theft or damage.
Taking the Car Out of Storage
When winter ends and you want to drive your car again, don’t just turn the key and go. Take a few moments to check everything over and start up the car carefully to avoid any problems.
Steps Before Driving
- Remove any blocks in the exhaust or intake.
- Put the battery back if you took it out. Unplug any charger you used.
- Look under the hood for signs of animal nests or chewed wires.
- Check all fluid levels and top up as needed.
- Inspect tire pressure and refill if necessary.
Starting the Car
- If the battery was disconnected, let it charge a bit if needed.
- Let the engine idle for a few minutes to spread oil and other fluids.
- Drive gently at first, listening and feeling for any strange noises or problems. If something seems off, get it checked before you start using the car normally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I Need to Start My Car While It’s Stored?
Most experts agree it isn’t needed if you prepped the car correctly – a short run can actually make oil dirty or introduce moisture. If you want to start it anyway, do it consistently every few weeks and always follow the right safety steps.
Should I Cancel Insurance?
Don’t cancel insurance completely. At most, you may be able to lower to comprehensive coverage only (ask your provider). You still need protection from theft or other damage, and your storage location might require you to have insurance on file.