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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should you wash a convertible before putting it in winter storage?
Washing removes accumulated road chemicals and environmental contaminants that can oxidize exterior metals and damage your car's paint over time. Leaving dents or scratches unaddressed during storage can lead to costly rust damage, so it's best to detail and repair the exterior beforehand.
How do you keep rodents and critters out of a stored convertible during winter?
Seal the vehicle completely by closing the drop hood and using a fitted car cover with no gaps, then block the tailpipe with a pair of socks and cover the air intake with plastic bags secured by rubber bands. You should also remove any food wrappers, leftover beverages, and other trash from the interior, as debris can attract unwanted pests.
Should you disconnect the battery when storing a convertible for winter?
Yes, disconnecting the battery completely is recommended because many car models draw a constant charge even when turned off. This practice helps preserve battery health so it's ready to perform when you return to the road in spring. Check your owner's manual for model-specific guidance.
Is it good to start your car periodically during long-term winter storage?
Yes, some experts recommend cycling the engine every couple of weeks to keep the motor running briefly and the cylinders properly lubricated. However, you must first remove any blocks from the exhaust and air intake before starting the vehicle to prevent damage to the system.