After a glorious summer of cruising in our favorite warm weather rides, winter is nearly upon us. That means it’s time to begin making preparations to protect our wheeled beauties by properly storing them throughout the long, cold winter.
Think of it this way, you wouldn’t leave a prized work of art or exquisite piece of furniture exposed to inclement weather, would you? Of course not. You would go to great lengths to protect them so you could enjoy them for years to come. The same principle applies to your car, whether it’s a Ferrari, Cobra, or a kit car you built from the ground up.
The fact is that if you take some time now to get your automotive treasure ready for winter’s inclement weather, it will be ready to purr like a kitten come springtime – and for many years to come.
So, here are eight simple steps that will ensure your vehicle is winterized and stored properly.
1. Be sure you store your vehicle in an area that stays dry. A damp environment encourages the formation of rust.
2. Top the gas tank off and also put in an additive designed to keep the gasoline from oxidizing. Remember, a gas tank that isn’t full can develop rust as moisture builds up inside it.
3. Service your vehicle before storing it. This includes changing the oil and fixing any leaks in the engine, brakes or transmission.
4. Now it’s time to give your vehicle a good wash and wax. The purpose for this is threefold. One, it helps prevent corrosion during the winter months. Two, your car will look great in the spring when you’re ready to start it up again. And three, it’s just a good send-off for your prized possession.
5. Put your car up on jack standsto help protect the life of your tires. It’s important, however, to check your owner’s manual or talk to a mechanic about the safest place to place the jack stands. You certainly don’t want to damage your vehicle in your efforts to relieve the weight from its tires.
6. Disconnect the battery. You might also consider purchasing a trickle charger to protect the life of your battery. If you decide to completely remove the battery, never store it on a concrete floor. Instead, store it on wood blocks or in a battery box.
7. Purchase a good quality flannel car coveras well as a large plastic sheet. Park your car on top of the plastic sheet. Before you “tuck her in” with the car cover, place a piece of cardboard under the car in any areas that are prone to drips and then plug up the tailpipe with some aluminum foil. I know this sounds pretty strange, but a wad of aluminum foil is the perfect way to keep mice out. One suggestion, though. Post a note somewhere near your car as a reminder to remove the aluminum foil from the tailpipe in the spring.
8. This last tip has nothing to do with winterizing your car but it has everything to do with protecting your investment. Be sure to keep fire and theft insurance in place on your vehicle even though it’s not on the road at the moment. Saving a few dollars just isn’t worth the risk.
