Storing Your Car In Winter

Preparing your car for winter storage is essential for protecting it from the season’s harsh effects and ensuring it’s ready to roll come springtime. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through key steps, useful strategies, and important considerations when storing your vehicle. Here’s what we’ll cover:

• Why Winter Storage Is Essential
• How to Prepare Your Car for Winter Storage
• Using a Car Cover Without a Garage
• The Benefits of Using a Car Cover
• What Does a Car Cover Protect You From?
• Do Car Covers Damage Paint?
• Tips on Purchasing and Maintaining Your Car Cover
• Should You Use a Car Cover in the Garage?
• Tips for Bringing Your Car Back After Winter
• FAQ

Why Winter Storage Is Essential

Winter brings snow, ice, salt, and moisture — all of which can damage your car’s body, engine, and components. Without proper storage, your vehicle could suffer from corrosion, battery drainage, flat spots on tires, and unwanted critter infestations. Proper winter storage protects your investment and keeps your car in optimal condition.

How to Prepare Your Car for Winter Storage

1. Clean Inside and Out: Wash, wax, and vacuum your car to prevent damage from grime and salt. Clean the undercarriage thoroughly.
2. Change the Oil and Fluids: Replace old oil and top off fluids like coolant and brake fluid to prevent internal damage.
3. Fill the Tank and Add Stabilizer: A full tank prevents moisture buildup and a fuel stabilizer keeps the gas from degrading.
4. Inflate the Tires: Fill tires to the recommended pressure and consider using jack stands to avoid flat spots.
5. Protect the Battery: Disconnect it or use a trickle charger. Consider removing it if temperatures are extremely cold.
6. Seal Entry Points: Use steel wool or mesh to block exhaust and air intake openings to keep rodents out.
7. Lubricate Hinges: Apply silicone spray or WD-40 to doors and trunk hinges to prevent rust and stiffness.
8. Use a High-Quality Car Cover: Whether inside or outside, a cover keeps dust, moisture, and snow at bay. Read more.

Using a Car Cover Without a Garage

Even without indoor storage, a car cover can make a big difference:

• Choose a waterproof and breathable cover.
• Ensure it fits snugly to prevent wind damage.
• Inspect your car regularly for moisture and debris under the cover.
• Park on pavement or place a plastic sheet underneath to block ground moisture.

Why a Car Cover Is a Winter Must-Have

Car covers are more than just fabric — they’re a shield. From UV rays to falling ice, a quality cover provides year-round protection. Check out our full article on benefits of using a car cover.

What Does a Car Cover Protect You From?

Think of your car cover as your vehicle’s coat. It guards against:

• Snow and ice accumulation
• UV damage and paint fading
• Bird droppings, tree sap, and dust
• Scratches and dings from falling branches or debris

Learn more in our blog post: What Does a Car Cover Protect You From?

Will a Car Cover Damage My Paint?

This is a common concern among car owners, and the answer largely depends on the quality and fit of the cover you choose. With the right car cover — no, it will not damage your paint. In fact, a high-quality car cover can be one of the best tools to preserve your vehicle’s exterior.

Premium car covers are crafted with soft inner linings, often made from materials like fleece or cotton blends, which are specifically designed to be gentle on automotive paint finishes. These materials help prevent micro-scratches that can occur from friction or trapped dust.

On the other hand, cheap or poorly fitted covers can do more harm than good. Ill-fitting covers tend to shift in the wind or when touched, trapping debris such as dust, sand, or pollen between the cover and your car’s surface. This can lead to unwanted scratches or swirl marks over time — especially if the vehicle is not cleaned prior to covering.

For maximum protection, always ensure your car is clean before covering it, and invest in a well-made cover that fits properly. Want to dig deeper into this topic? Read more on do car covers damage paint.

How to Choose and Care for Your Car Cover

Buying the right car cover is essential to ensure your vehicle receives the best possible protection — whether it's parked indoors or outdoors. A poor choice can lead to issues like paint damage, moisture buildup, or inadequate coverage. Follow these tips to choose wisely and keep your cover in great shape:

• Buy a breathable, custom-fit cover: A snug fit helps prevent wind flapping and debris from getting underneath. Breathable fabrics allow moisture to escape, reducing the risk of mold and mildew buildup on your car’s surface.
• Clean your car before covering it: Dirt, dust, and debris trapped under the cover can scratch your paint over time. Always cover a clean car for maximum protection.
• Wash your cover regularly: Over time, car covers collect dust, pollen, and pollutants. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to properly clean it to ensure longevity and continued effectiveness.
• Inspect it often for wear and tear: Check for rips, loose seams, or thinning fabric that might reduce its protective performance. Replacing a worn-out cover is better than risking damage to your vehicle.

For more detailed buying and care advice, check out our full blog post: Tips on Purchasing and Maintaining Your Car Cover.

Should I Use a Car Cover in the Garage?

Absolutely. Even in a garage, dust, rodents, and scratches from tools or other objects can harm your car. A breathable, indoor cover keeps your vehicle pristine. Learn more at Should I Use a Car Cover in the Garage?

Tips for Bringing Your Car Back After Winter

After months of winter storage, it’s important to properly wake your vehicle up to ensure it runs smoothly and safely. Here are some essential steps to follow when bringing your car out of hibernation:

• Reconnect the battery and start the engine: If you disconnected the battery before storing your car, reconnect it carefully, ensuring the terminals are clean and corrosion-free. Once reconnected, start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes to warm up all components.
• Check tire pressure and condition: Tires can lose air during long periods of storage, especially in cold weather. Use a tire pressure gauge to ensure all tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended levels. Also, inspect for flat spots or signs of dry rot.
• Inspect under the hood for signs of pests or leaks: Mice and other critters often seek warmth under the hood during the winter. Look for chewed wires, nests, or droppings. Check fluid levels and look for any visible leaks or cracks in belts and hoses.
• Take a short test drive to get everything circulating again: A 10–15 minute drive helps circulate fluids, warms up the engine, and allows you to listen and feel for any issues like strange noises, poor braking, or alignment problems.

A careful spring reawakening can help you avoid mechanical issues and ensure a smooth transition back onto the road.

FAQ

1. Should I crack my windows during storage?

Yes, slightly cracking them can help with air circulation and prevent moisture buildup inside.

2. Is it okay to store my car outdoors?

Yes, but use a weatherproof car cover and inspect it regularly for damage or snow accumulation.

3. What’s the ideal temperature for winter storage?

Above freezing is best. Climate-controlled garages offer the most protection.

4. How often should I start my car in storage?

Every few weeks is helpful, but ideally, drive it a short distance to circulate fluids.

5. Do I need fuel stabilizer?

Yes. It prevents the gas from degrading and causing engine problems.

6. Should I disconnect my battery?

Yes, or use a battery maintainer to avoid discharge.

7. Should I change oil before storing?

Yes. Old oil contains contaminants that can harm the engine.

8. How do I keep rodents out?

Seal openings and use deterrents like mothballs or peppermint oil.

9. Can I use a tarp instead of a car cover?

No. Tarps can trap moisture and cause scratches. Use a proper car cover.

10. What should I do to my tires?

Inflate to the correct pressure and consider using jack stands or tire cradles to avoid flat spots.