How to Store Car for Winter
The best way to store your car is to make sure that it’s ready for the season. There’s no reason to leave your vehicle lying in the cold weather, and a little extra effort on your part can prevent damage and keep it in tiptop shape for the coming months.
One of the easiest ways to prepare your vehicle for the season is to make sure it’s covered with a protective vehicle jacket. This will keep your car’s interior safe from moisture and dust. In addition, the cover itself offers some added protection from rodents and other vermin.
Another way to ensure the smoothest winter storage experience is to check the oil and battery levels. The battery may freeze, and the fluids inside your vehicle are more susceptible to corrosion when they’re not moving. You should also install a fuel preservative, which will help to keep the fuel lines from freezing and clogging. Adding a vapor barrier to the garage is another good idea, especially if you’ll be storing your vehicle outside.
It’s not always easy to know what to remove from a vehicle to properly store it for the winter. Aside from the obvious stuff like fluids, air and water, there are plenty of other items that need to be taken care of. If you’re a savvy owner, you’ll be able to find a car storage facility that will do all of these things for you. And if you don’t want to do the work yourself, there are a few other things that you can do to keep your vehicle in top condition for the long term.
The first thing that you should do is to clean the vehicle. The engine bay is a prime target for mice and other vermin, and it’s a good idea to make sure that you don’t have any nooks and crannies where the little critters can get in. For the same reasons, it’s a good idea to remove any food-related items from your vehicle. Not only will this help protect the motor, but it will also help to eliminate any odors that might arise from the leftovers.
Similarly, the vehicle’s fuel tank should be topped off, and the gas tank should be emptied of any old methanol. Doing these things will keep your car rust free and will prevent the dreaded flat spotted tires.
Finally, you should consider putting a dryer sheet under your hood. Although they can be a pain to take care of, they’ll be a big help in preventing that musty smell that often accompanies vehicles that are left in storage. Also, placing one under your passenger and driver’s seat can be a great idea.
Lastly, the best way to store your car for the winter is to give it a good cleaning. You’ll want to remove any trash, and you’ll need to steam-clean the carpet. Taking the time to do this will prevent mildew and mold from taking hold of your car.