Storing Your Car for the Winter?

Disclaimer: Direct from ipd’s Tech Tip archive!  This tech tip contains information from previous publications.  Products mentioned may not be available or the information may not be accurate due to changes in supply, manufacturing, or part number association.  Please contact ipd Customer Support if you have further questions.

Most cars in good shape will make it without much work. For just one winter, not much more than the basics are needed.

1. Wash the car and let it dry.
2. Fill the gas tank full so no air can make the fuel foul.
3. Park in a protected area like a garage.
4. Lubricate all doors, hood and trunk hinges.
5. Check the coolant for adequate antifreeze.
6. Remove spark plugs and squirt a bit of oil into each cylinder.
7. Disconnect battery negative lead and if necessary recharge during storage.
8. You can place the car on jack stands to protect the tires or fill them to the maximum pressure.
9. It best to cover the car with a cotton cover for the inside or an all weather cover for the outside.
10. Never use a cover that does not breathe as this can affect the paint.
11. If feasible, do not apply the emergency/parking brake as it could become seized.