Residents of cold climates often have to store a vehicle for the winter. Winter vehicle storage usually occurs for vehicles that have a difficult time in cold weather and ice or models that are easily damaged by the salt placed on roads during the winter. This is especially true when you have an older, convertible, classic, or antique car.
Whether you are storing your vehicle in your garage, or paying for storage, one key item to keep in mind when storing a vehicle is to contact your insurance company to find out about coverage when a vehicle is in storage. Always keep comprehensive insurance on a stored car to provide protection if the car is damaged by fire, elements or theft.
photo credit: daveparker
Top 10 Winter Vehicle Storage Tips
Below are 10 tips to follow that will ensure your vehicle come through winter storage with flying colors.
1. Ensure the vehicle is stored in a dry location and enclosed location such as a garage or storage building. Dampness caused by leaking fluids or wet weather can damage the electrical parts of the car and result in moisture inside the car.
2. Fill the gas tank and change the oil and filter. A low gas tank can rust. Unclean oil can lead to sludge building up and damaging the engine while in storage. Fill up the car fluids except the radiator. For more information, see our winter car care tips.
3. Remove the battery. This will keep the car from constantly discharging and damaging the battery. You will have to recharge the battery later on, but this will preserve its life.
4. If the radiator is aluminum, drain the coolant. The coolant will damage the radiator if the car is not used. If the radiator is cast iron, leave the coolant in and fill it up to keep rust from forming.
5. Make sure the windows are completely closed. Seal up the tailpipe with tape or another substance to prevent creatures from hiding in the car. You can also put cotton in engine compartment open areas to decrease moisture.
6. Clean the car and provide a protective coating of wax.
7. Put a list of the things you have done to store the car in the front seat. This will be valuable if the car needs to be brought out of storage by someone else, or if you forget everything you did to set up the car.
photo credit: aresauburn™
8. To reduce pressure on the wheel bearings and suspension while is storage, put the vehicle up on blocks. Take off the wheels and tires and store them next to the car.
9. Cover the car with a cover or blanket to keep the sun from damaging the interior of the car if the car will be exposed to light during storage. This will also help keep the family pets from scratching the vehicle.
10. Now, call the insurance company and give them the date the car went into storage. They should reduce your rates from that date until you notify the company that the car is out of storage.
Insurance Considerations
Let your insurer know that storage is a temporary arrangement and you will be bringing the car out on the road in several months. When the car is ready to come out of storage, be sure to compare auto insurance rates and see who is offering the lowest prices. One caveat is on cars with a loan, the terms of the loan may not let you lower the insurance rates even if the car is in storage.
And finally, relax and enjoy the winter. With good planning, winter vehicle storage can be a pleasant experience for both the owner and the vehicle.
