When winter rolls around, your car requires a different kind of care. You must prepare it for the cold and ensure corrosion, tire damage, and battery drain do not ruin your spring startup.
For instance, a full tank prevents moisture buildup, which prevents your fuel tank from rusting. However, it is important to add fuel stabilizers.
Keep reading to discover how to avoid the most common winter storage mistakes to ensure your car is good as new come springtime.
As mentioned above, a full tank is best for winter storage. If you leave your tank partially filled, moisture can form inside as the temperatures fluctuate. This can cause rust and even water in the fuel line. You may experience engine misfires and potential fuel system damage when this happens.
The battery can lose its charge when you store your car for weeks or months. The last thing you want is a dead battery when winter is over. The less the battery is charged (by driving), the higher the risk of sulfation.
This means sulfate crystals will start building up on the battery’s plates. If you leave this to happen, it will shorten the battery’s lifespan.
It’s a good idea to use a trickle charger or maintainer with your car’s battery. A trickle charger supplies a low but consistent charge to keep the battery in working order. For longer storage times, you should disconnect the battery. This will prevent drain from the car’s security systems and clock.
Sometimes, tires do not hold up well when a car stands in one spot for weeks or months. They may develop flat spots because of the constant pressure of the car bearing down on them. This is usually a big problem in cold weather as cold rubber is less flexible and more prone to damage.
Inflate your tires to the recommended PSI before you store your car. If you will not drive your car for a long time, consider using jack stands to get the weight off the tires.
If you leave old oil in the car during storage, it can lead to engine corrosion. This is because oil contaminants tend to settle and then cause damage. You should also check the other fluids in your car, including antifreeze, transmission fluid, and brake fluid. If they are low, you should top them off before you store the car.
Moreover, you should change the oil as clean oil protects your car’s engine components. When checking or changing the antifreeze, ensure it is fresh at the right concentration.
You need a car cover, even if your car is stored inside a garage. A cover will help shield your vehicle from dust, pests, and moisture. But, if you use the wrong cover, it can harm your car. Non-breathable covers tend to trap moisture against a car’s exterior.
Over an extended period, this can lead to paint damage, mildew, or rust. Look for a high-quality, highly breathable car cover designed for long-term storage. Ideally, you want the cover to fit your car snugly and to be moisture-resistant.
Small animals, especially rodents, could try to find shelter inside your car’s exhaust pipe or air intake as the weather gets colder. This can cause a blockage if they create nests. It can also cost you a lot of money if they start chewing on the wiring.
An effective way to keep rodents and other animals out of your car is to place steel wool or crumpled aluminum foil in the exhaust pipe and air intake. Just do not forget to remove them before you start your car in the spring.
You may think leaving your car’s parking brake engaged throughout winter is a good idea. But, it can lead to problems. There’s a risk of the brake pads sticking to the rotors, causing them to seize or rust.
Instead of using the parking brake, place wheel chocks around the tires to prevent movement. This way, you keep the brake pads away from the rotors.
You should clean your car thoroughly before storage, ensuring all road salt and other dirt is wiped away. Lift the wiper blades away from the windshield to keep them from sticking.
Do not leave any windows open, not even a crack. If you do, insects or rodents may nest inside your car.
Taking the proper precautions for your car during winter can help your vehicle stay in top shape. And it will help prevent costly repairs down the line.
Sources
https://www.palegaladvice.com/blog/things-to-keep-in-your-car-during-winter/
https://www.storamericastorage.com/blog/how-to-store-a-car-long-term/
https://www.garageliving.com/blog/winter-car-storage
https://www.fitmentindustries.com/blogs/1055/how-to-properly-store-your-car-for-winter
https://www.enduropowerbatteries.com/blogs/how-to/what-is-a-trickle-charger
https://www.autovaultcarstorage.co.uk/blog/car-storage-mistakes/
https://carfromjapan.com/article/car-maintenance/storing-a-car-for-6-months-risks-and-tips-to-save-it/
https://www.carcovers.com/articles/carcovers-pros-and-cons?srsltid=AfmBOoo85U5agNA3DxXQ9afKFfFoksdDO2ilMbGpYpLfiPv--9sHq1dO
