How to Properly Store Your Car For the Winter
There are actually a ton of steps that need doing to make sure your car is in top shape come spring. Some of these tips from RK Motors may seem like a hassle, but trust us, they’re all worth it.
Add Fuel Stabilizer
ALEX KIERSTEIN
We wrote an in-depth step-by-step guide on how to keep your gas from going bad this winter, but here’s a reminder. Fuel only lasts around 30 days before it goes bad, so it’s essential to use fuel stabilizer if you’re thinking about long-term storage.
Do an Oil Change
GETTY IMAGES
It can’t hurt to have fresh oil in your engine just before you store it away. This way, once you fire up your car for the first time come spring, it’s using clean, untouched lubrication.
Lubricate Important Chassis Points
EBAY
If you stop using a car for an extended period of time, parts that are supposed to flex and move will become brittle and start to crumble or crack, especially in the cold. It’s important to keep these pieces fresh until the next time you hit the road.
Check your Coolant Protection Level
TIMOTHY FADEK//GETTY IMAGES
If you don’t store your car in a climate-controlled garage, be mindful of how much coolant-to-water mixture is currently in your car. Without the right amount, the water can freeze and expand, causing catastrophic damage to your engine.
Prepare Your Battery
WESTEND61//GETTY IMAGES
You have three choices when it comes to battery preservation in the winter. Leave it connected, disconnect it, or install battery tenders. Read our in-depth guide here to learn how to care for your battery properly during long-term storage.
Block off your Exhaust and Intake
MCLAREN
Small, cozy places like exhausts and intake boxes are prime real estate for rodents and other sorts of small creatures to thrive during the winter. Save yourself the headache and make sure there’s nowhere for the little critters to enter your car.
Lubricate Important Chassis Points
EBAY
If you stop using a car for an extended period of time, parts that are supposed to flex and move will become brittle and start to crumble or crack, especially in the cold. It’s important to keep these pieces fresh until the next time you hit the road.
Check your Coolant Protection Level
TIMOTHY FADEK//GETTY IMAGES
If you don’t store your car in a climate-controlled garage, be mindful of how much coolant-to-water mixture is currently in your car. Without the right amount, the water can freeze and expand, causing catastrophic damage to your engine.
Prepare Your Battery
WESTEND61//GETTY IMAGES
You have three choices when it comes to battery preservation in the winter. Leave it connected, disconnect it, or install battery tenders. Read our in-depth guide here to learn how to care for your battery properly during long-term storage.
Block off your Exhaust and Intake
MCLAREN
Small, cozy places like exhausts and intake boxes are prime real estate for rodents and other sorts of small creatures to thrive during the winter. Save yourself the headache and make sure there’s nowhere for the little critters to enter your car.
Wash, Buff, and Wax Your Car
BRIAN SILVESTRO
No one likes seeing an oil stain on their garage floor or driveway after a car’s been sitting. Putting something under the engine (or any other leaky component) will save you the stress of having to scrub out some dark spots once spring comes around.
Use Desiccant Inside Your Car
AMAZON
Nothing sucks more than getting hit with a musty, moldy smell every time you open your car door. Fix it this winter with a dehumidifier product that sucks moisture out of the air.
Place Your Car On Jack Stands or Chock the Wheels
HERVE GLOAGUEN//GETTY IMAGES
Use a Car Cover
This one should be obvious, but we’re going to mention it anyway. A car cover prevents dust and all sorts of other material from accumulating on your car. If you really want to make sure a car’s exterior is protected, use a cover.
Use Rodent repellant Outside of Your Car
JOHN B. CARNETT//GETTY IMAGES
If you have a newer car, chances are it uses at least some soy-based wiring, which is something rodents love to munch on. Keep your car from becoming food this winter by using repellent near the exterior.
Read Orginal Article – www.roadandtrack.com Here
