The winter months are among us and it’s time to tuck away our fair-weather wheels. Here are some tips on what to consider when preparing for winter car storage.
Your car is an important investment for you. In order to maintain and maximize, you want to make sure that your car is in excellent condition when the warmer months start.
Time To Detail
It is important to give your car a good wash before storing it away. Throughout the seasons, our cars get a layer of chemicals from roads and the environment. It’s important to remove the chemicals that oxidize exterior metals that make up your car’s beautiful exterior. Don’t take any risks with dents or scratches, either. Repairing rust damage can be expensive and it’s important to tend to those damages before they become bigger.
This is also a good time to throw out any debris left in your car’s interior. Food wrappers, leftover beverages, and other trash can draw in uninvited critters to your treasured ride.
Covering Up
You want to make sure your car is sealed up and covered. From the drop hood to the tailpipe, the interior of your car would make a warm winter home for critters of all sizes. To avoid any unexpected visitors, make sure that your cover is closed and there is a complete seal all the way around.
You will want to protect the internal engine by blocking the tailpipe and air intake. For the tailpipe, you can place a pair of socks inside, blocking the entrance. Don’t forget, though, to remove the pair before turning the key come winter. The air intake can be blocked with a few plastic bags and rubber bands to secure.
Investing in a quality car cover is also a good practice for protecting your car.
Disconnecting to Preserve Battery
Many car models draw a constant battery charge. Check your user manual for technical information. Disconnecting the battery completely will be good practice for maintaining a healthy battery once you are back on the road in the spring.
Cycling the Engine
Some car experts will suggest cycling the engine by turning it on every couple of weeks to let the motor run and keeping the cylinders oiled. This is a perfectly acceptable method to keep the system healthy. It should be noted, the precautions of taking out any blocks or covers off of the exhaust and air intake to avoid any damage to the system still apply.