Whether you’re storing a classic car, a summer-only vehicle, or simply not planning to drive for a few months, properly winterizing your car is essential. Cold temperatures, moisture, and long periods of inactivity can damage your vehicle if it’s not properly prepared. Fortunately, with the right steps, you can ensure your car is protected and ready to hit the road again in spring.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to winterize a car for storage:
How to Winterize a Car for Storage: A Complete Guide
1. Clean Your Car Inside and Out
Make sure to clean your car completely before placing it in storage. This includes:
- Washing and waxing the exterior to remove dirt, road salt, and grime. Wax provides a protective layer against moisture and rust.
- including wiping down surfaces and vacuuming rugs. Remove any food or crumbs to avoid attracting pests.
- Cleaning undercarriage if possible, especially if you’ve been driving in snow or salty conditions.
Don’t forget to dry the car completely, especially in door seals and under mats, to prevent mold and mildew.
2. Change the Oil and Top Off Fluids
The impurities in used engine oil can cause long-term harm to your engine. It’s a good idea to do the following if you plan on storing the automobile for more than a month or two:
- Change the oil and oil filter
- Top off all fluids, including coolant, brake fluid, windshield washer fluid, and transmission fluid
For long-term storage, consider using a fuel stabilizer to prevent the gasoline from breaking down and gumming up your fuel system.
3. Protect the Battery
Car batteries can lose charge in cold weather and may be dead by the time you’re ready to drive again.
You have a few options:
- Take out the battery and keep it in a cold, dry environment. Remember to give it a charge every few weeks.
- Use a battery maintainer (trickle charger) to keep it charged while in storage.
Never leave a completely drained battery sitting all winter—it can become unusable.
4. Inflate the Tires and Prevent Flat Spots
Cold air causes tire pressure to drop, and sitting in one position for months can lead to flat spots on your tires.
- Inflate tires to the recommended PSI (you can even go slightly over).
- If possible, move the car every few weeks or use jack stands to take pressure off the tires entirely.
Also, avoid using the parking brake for long-term storage, as it can seize. Use wheel chocks instead.
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5. Seal and Protect the Car
- To keep rats from nesting, cover exhaust pipes with aluminum foil or steel wool.
- Close all windows and vents, but don’t seal the car too tightly—trapped moisture can cause mold.
- Consider using a car cover, especially if storing outdoors or in a dusty area. Use a breathable fabric to prevent condensation buildup.
6. Store It in the Right Location
Whenever possible, store your car:
- away from sunlight, snow, and ice in a garage or storage unit.
- Pick a flat surface and keep it covered if you have to store outside.
- Avoid parking on grass or dirt, which can retain moisture and cause rusting underneath.
7. Document the Storage Process
It may sound unnecessary, but keeping a short checklist or log of what you’ve done to prepare the car can be helpful when it’s time to bring it out of storage. That way, you’ll remember:
- Whether you added fuel stabilizer
- When you last charged the battery
- What maintenance might be due before driving again
Final Thoughts
Winterizing a car for storage may take a few hours of your time, but it’s well worth the effort. Proper preparation prevents rust, battery failure, fluid degradation, and costly repairs down the road. Whether you’re storing a car for a few months or the whole season, following these simple steps will ensure it stays in peak condition—and ready to drive when spring finally arrives.