Sports car and classic car owners feel the changing winter season by putting away their summer rides because bad weather for several months means storing their vehicles until spring or summer. If this is your first year owning a sports or luxury car, you might not know that storing your car for the winter involves more than just covering it with a car cover and parking it in the garage. From cleaning to checking fluids to battery maintenance and fuel stabilizer, there are many important steps you should follow when storing your car.
The importance of proper winter car storage
Cars are designed to be driven, and problems can arise when they sit idle. If your car will be parked for a long time, you need to store it correctly to keep it in good condition. Proper winter car maintenance and storage is important because:
- It helps the car last longer
- It prevents expensive repairs
- It will be ready to drive again in the spring
10 tips to help you store your car for winter
While storage keeps your car safe from many dangers, you still need to take some precautions to prevent damage. Here are ten winter car storage tips to help you store your vehicle safely for the winter:
1. Wash and detail your car’s exterior
First things first: a car wash. Thoroughly cleaning your car is essential for winter car storage. This prevents dirt from building up and helps you find any issues to fix before storing your car. Below, we will discuss how to wash and care for each exterior part of your vehicle:
Wheels and tires
Start by cleaning the wheels and tires first since they tend to be the dirtiest parts. Use a separate bucket, brushes, and mitts for the wheels to avoid contaminating other parts of your car with dirty tools and water. Removing brake dust is crucial to prevent wheel corrosion during the winter.
The body
Next, wash your car thoroughly to remove all the dirt and debris. Spray it with soapy foam, let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse it well to remove dirt. Use the two-bucket method: one bucket with soapy water and another for rinsing your sponge or mitt. Wash one section at a time, rinsing your mitt before moving to the next section to avoid scratches.
After rinsing, use a leaf blower or car dryer to remove any remaining moisture. If you don’t have a dryer, use a drying aid and a high-quality towel to dry your car. Finally, add a protective layer to the paint, trim, seals, wheels, and tires. This will help prevent sun damage, dry rot, and other issues.
2. Check your tires
It’s important to ensure your tires are properly inflated and have good tread for both winter car storage and safety. When temperatures drop, the air in your tires decreases. Tires can deflate and develop flat spots if not used for a long time. To avoid this, inflate your tires to their maximum PSI rating before storing your car for winter.
While overinflated tires usually cause problems like decreased traction and a rougher ride, this is ideal for storage. Tires can lose air due to leaks or temperature changes, so inflating them by an extra five or six psi helps prevent this and avoids flat spots. To further help prevent flat spots, you can lift your car or truck on jack stands or blocks. Consider putting wood planks under the jack stands to prevent dents in your garage or storage area floor.
Fix or replace any punctured tires to keep your car from resting on its rims during storage. You should also rotate your tires. This should be done every 5,000 miles, but it’s especially important to do it before winter storage. This prevents uneven wear and helps your tires last longer.
3. Check your fluid levels
Fluids are important for your car’s proper operation, and winter can be tough on vehicles, even in storage. Check and top off the following fluids to prevent issues like freezing and cracking during winter car storage:
- Engine oil
- Transmission fluid
- Power steering fluid
- Brake fluid
- Coolant
It’s also a good idea to fill up your gas tank before storing your car since fresh fuel can last a few months without going bad. Adding a fuel stabilizer can help extend the life of the gas. Run the car for five minutes to let the stabilized fuel circulate through the system, which helps prevent gumming and starting problems after sitting for months.
4. Change your oil
This should be done every three months or 8,000 kilometres, but it’s especially important to have one done right before you store your car. Used oil contains contaminants that can harm your engine if it sits for more than a month. After all, an idle car is more susceptible to engine corrosion. Get an oil change and run the car long enough to allow the fresh oil to circulate through the fuel system, helping to prevent corrosion.
5. Clean the interior
Mice and other pests can damage your car’s interior. To keep them away, clean out food wrappers and vacuum any crumbs. It’s also smart to put a sock or steel wool in the exhaust pipe and air filter box’s intake duct to block small animals from getting in. Also, make sure that all air inlets are closed in the car.
To manage interior moisture buildup during winter car storage, place boxes of baking soda or silica gel packets inside your car. You can also use dryer sheets. If you’re concerned about too much condensation, consider using a dehumidifier in your garage or parking space.
6. Charge your battery or disconnect it
The last thing you want is a car that won’t start after months in storage. To avoid this, either remove the car battery or connect it to a trickle charger or battery tender. If you use a charger or tender, choose one with an automatic shutoff to prevent overcharging. If you remove the battery, store it in a warm place in your house since batteries can freeze and crack in cold temperatures.
7. Pick a safe storage location
The best place to store your car is in a dry and secure spot. If you have a garage or an underground parking spot, that’s ideal. If not, look for a storage facility with a concrete or asphalt floor. Avoid parking on gravel or bare ground, as your car can sink and be exposed to moisture and dirt.
Moisture can damage your fuel system, engine, tires, body, and interior. To keep your car dry, if the floor is bare cement or dirt, place plywood or a plastic tarp under the car to prevent moisture damage and rust. If you’re using a well-insulated storage space with a sealed floor, you can skip the tarp.
Your car should be on a level surface and left in neutral (manual) or park (automatic). Make sure the parking brake is off. When brake pads are pressed against the rotors for an extended period, they might fuse together. You should also have something to chock your wheels to avoid the vehicle rolling in the event that something happens to shift its position.
8. Cover your car
Covering your car is one of the best things you can do for winter car storage. It protects against snow, ice, rain, and dust, even if you’re storing the car indoors. Use a breathable car cover for your stored car for the best protection.
Although some car covers can be pricey, they are worth the investment. Although using a tarp might seem like a cheaper option, it can scratch and damage your car’s paint, which can be expensive to fix. Tarps also don’t fully cover your car properly as a car cover would, and they can flap in the wind or even blow away if not tied down properly.
9. Run your engine
Starting your car periodically, like once a week, and running it for at least 10 minutes helps keep important systems lubricated and working well during the winter. Some worry about condensation rusting the exhaust, but if you have stainless steel pipes, you should be fine.
If you have placed your car on jack stands, and they are securely placed, you can start your car and shift it into gear while it’s lifted. Just be careful not to give it too much gas, as this could cause the car to shift and fall off the stands.
10. Save on car insurance
You may be able to reduce your car insurance costs since your car won’t be on the road for an extended period. Consider contacting your insurance broker to talk about pausing certain optional parts of your policy, like collision coverage. However, make sure you keep your optional comprehensive coverage to protect against things like fire, theft, and natural disasters.
Where should you store your car for winter?
Knowing where to store your vehicle during winter is essential for preserving its value. When you need winter car storage, the best place is:
- Garage
- Carport or covered car storage plus a car cover
- Storage facility
These protect your car from rain, cold, ice, and even sunlight, which can fade paint and interior fabrics. Indoor storage also shields your car from scratches, dings, and damage from bugs or animals trying to find shelter from the cold.
Before storing your car, ensure the garage or facility is secure. Moisture can cause rust, and condensation in the fuel tank can lead to engine sputtering and damage to the fuel system. If you don’t have a garage, use a weatherproof car cover. This will keep your car dry, prevent rust, and protect it from snow, ice, and the sun’s harmful rays.
How long can my car sit without being driven?
It’s usually safe to leave a car parked for a few weeks, but longer periods of inactivity can cause problems. To keep your stored car in good shape throughout the winter, remember to start it occasionally, run it for at least 10 minutes, and follow proper storage practices. It’s also important to perform regular maintenance throughout the year.
What happens when you let your car sit for too long?
You’re probably aware that it’s not good to leave a car unused for too long, but you may not know the reasons behind it. Here’s what can happen if your car sits idle for too long without you starting it:
The battery will lose its charge
This is the most common problem if you don’t use your car often. When not used, car batteries can lose their charge, especially in cold weather. Starting and running your engine periodically helps recharge the battery and makes it last longer. You can also connect your battery to a trickle charger or battery tender.
The tires will deflate
Tires support the entire weight of the car, so they naturally lose air over time. They can also develop flat spots or hard patches where they touch the ground after not being driven for a prolonged period. You can prevent this by overinflating your tires by an extra five or six psi or by storing your vehicle up on jack stands.
The oils and fluids will deteriorate
Engine fluids can become stale when your car isn’t used. Running your car occasionally warms up these fluids, keeping seals and gaskets lubricated. This helps the transmission, brakes, belts, power steering, and air conditioning continue to work properly.
The fuel can also degrade
Regular gasoline can last three to six months in the tank, while diesel lasts about a year before going bad. Old fuel won’t burn properly and can make it hard to start your engine or cause it to lose power.
However, you don’t want to empty the tank before storing your car for the winter. An empty tank can build up moisture, which increases the risk of rust or corrosion. Instead, make sure you fill up your gas tank with fresh fuel and add a fuel stabilizer.
Get the right car insurance
Beyond conducting the above-noted car maintenance tips for your seasonal car storage, it's also essential to make sure you have the right car insurance so you can confidently drive reliable cars once temperatures begin to increase later in the year. Here is a closer look at the different types of auto insurance plans you may want to consider:
Comprehensive car insurance
In the event that something unfortunate occurs while your automobile is being stored, comprehensive car coverage protects it. This includes dealing with animals and incidents, including theft, fires, vandalism, severe weather, and natural disasters.
Accident forgiveness
If you're caught in a winter storm and are involved in an accident, accident forgiveness car insurance coverage helps drivers avoid paying higher auto insurance premiums for their first collision.
Third-party liability insurance
Liability car insurance is mandatory in Canada. Third-party liability car insurance is an essential safety precaution that protects you against any financial obligations arising immediately from an accident in which you are found to be at fault. Property damage, medical expenses, and rehabilitation costs are all covered by this policy. The minimum coverage mandated by each province and territory differs.
Accident benefits coverage
Another obligatory insurance plan that is required for all drivers in Canada is accident benefits coverage. The purpose of this policy is to pay you for any damages or injuries that you and any other occupants in your car may sustain, regardless of who caused them. This pays for a wide range of ailments and healthcare costs. It can potentially be expanded to include other expenses like funerals and caregiving.
Uninsured automobile insurance
Uninsured automobile insurance is required in the event of a collision involving an uninsured, underinsured, or unknown motorist. In the event that a driver lacks enough insurance, it assumes responsibility and covers medical expenses, property damage, and other related expenses.
Contact BrokerLink today
To learn more about vehicle storage insurance and what storage insurance coverage includes, contact BrokerLink today. Since 1991, the BrokerLink team has been dedicated to finding insurance policies that meet the needs and budgets of our customers. We are experts in all things insurance and can ensure you receive the most competitive rate on your policy. You can reach us by phone, email, or in person at any one of our locations throughout Canada.
Get an auto insurance quote [phone]
Storing car FAQs
How should a car be stored for winter?
The first step in storing an automobile for the winter is to give it a thorough cleaning on the inside and outside to prevent rust and odours. Replace the oil and check all important fluids, such as the brake and coolant. To avoid problems with the fuel system, add a fuel stabilizer and keep the gas tank full. Remove the battery and place it in a cool, dry location that is linked to a maintainer in extremely cold climates.
Inflate your tires correctly—you might even want to go a little overboard with this as a precaution. Further, to protect your engine, pick a safe, dry place to store it, cover it with a sturdy cover, and use rodent repellents.
Should I store my car for winter with a full or empty tank?
It is recommended to store your car with its gas tank full for the winter. A full tank has less air space within, which lowers the possibility of moisture accumulation, which can cause corrosion and problems with the fuel system. Furthermore, having a full tank guarantees that the fuel will maintain its quality and be in better shape throughout storage.
When you pull your car out of storage in the spring, it's a good idea to use a gasoline stabilizer in addition to a full tank to maintain the quality of the fuel and avoid any potential issues.
Should you start your car during winter storage?
Generally speaking, unless your automobile is being stored for an unusually lengthy time, you don't need to start it during your winter storage period. While running the engine for a short while without driving could help circulate oil and avoid some problems, using a battery maintainer is the best way to keep the car battery charged and preserve your engine health.
What is the best temperature to store a car?
Generally speaking, a car should be stored between 10 degrees Celsius and 21 degrees Celsius. This range reduces the possibility of severe fluctuations in cold temperatures that could damage the car's parts. An automobile will last longer in long-term storage if it is kept in this temperature range, which helps avoid problems like tire flat spots, fluid deterioration, and damage to the battery.
How much is car insurance per month in Ontario?
How much is car insurance per month in Ontario? is a common question many motorists have. In short, the average monthly insurance premium for citizens of Ontario is about $300. That said, what you pay will be dependent on your unique circumstances and driving history.
Does the winter impact how long cars last in Canada?
Yes, winter can have a significant impact on how long cars last in Canada. The severe, frigid winter weather, along with ice, snow, road salt, and dramatic temperature fluctuations, may speed up a car's deterioration. To lessen the consequences, periodic maintenance and preventative measures like rustproofing and winter tires are crucial.
If you have any questions, contact one of our local branches.
