How To Store Your Car Safely During Winter

Winter is one of the most challenging seasons for both drivers and their vehicles. The constant drop in temperatures, slippery road surfaces and dark and gloomy weather conditions affect driving ability as well as the vehicle’s functionality. You may have prepared your car for the winter season by swapping to snow tires, checking the battery’s condition and filling up the winter windshield fluid because these are the basic winter auto maintenance tips every car owner needs to keep in mind. But, have you thought about how you will store your car when it’s not in use or when you’re away on vacation or a weekend getaway? Do you know that car storage is equally important to consider while planning for the winter season? If not, arm yourself with this relevant information regarding winter car storage outlined by our experienced technicians at Budds’ Chevrolet Buick GMC. 

[ALSO READ: Car Battery Maintenance Tips for Winter]

Why Storing Your Car Properly in Winter is Important 

There are a number of reasons that make storing your car correctly more important during the winter season, such as:

• The moisture from melted ice and winter salt can clog the fuel filter, and in older car models it can rust or corrode the fuel tank. 
• There can be difficulty in starting the engine after a heavy snowstorm or a severe drop in the temperature
• Heavy snow and winter salt can block your car’s exhaust pipe, eventually affecting its operation. 

5 Winter Car Storage Tips 

1. Find the right place: Always try to store your car in a garage or under a shelter that protects it from snow, freezing rain and moisture. Please avoid parking it out in the open, where possible,  as this will make your car more prone to moisture accumulation that further leads to rusting and damaging the exterior of your car. 
2. Check your car’s fluids: When you leave room inside your car’s fluid tanks for a longer period, it can result in condensation, which further leads to corrosion and can damage the powertrain system of your vehicle. You can use a fuel stabilizer when storing your vehicle for an extended period. 
3. Clean and wax your vehicle: For extra protection against mildew and snow, always wash your car properly before storing it in a dry place. Generously wax the bumper, hoods, door trims and other chrome surfaces before storing your vehicle, as this will protect the exterior paint against rusting and moisture build-up. 
4. Check the tire pressure: Always inflate your car’s tires to the maximum allowed for your vehicle while storing it in winter because it will keep compressed for longer, as tires start to lose pressure over time. You can also keep thick wood boards under the tires when keeping your vehicle on uneven ground to protect them from puncturing.  
5. Use anti-freeze: To protect your engine from rust and corrosion, put anti-freeze into the engine’s cooling system before storing your car. Anti-freeze is a liquid that prevents the water in the engine from freezing even if the temperature reaches below the freezing point.

To learn more such winter auto maintenance tips, visit Budds’ Chevrolet Buick GMC and get in touch with our highly experienced technicians.