Depending on where you live and the type of car you drive, you may be storing your auto for the winter months. The best winter car storing practices will ensure your auto is in good condition when you take it back out of storage in the spring. Jiffy Lube offers the following tips, and don’t forget to schedule an inspection with us when it comes out of storage.
Clean and Cover It
The most basic part of winter car storing is cleaning your car. Clean it thoroughly both inside and outside. Be extra careful to remove any tree-sap drops or other stains. Then, apply some wax to the car before you cover it.
Check the underside of your car for unpainted metal that is prone to rust. If your auto has any, spray rubberized undercoating. Just keep it away from exhaust components, as these coatings are flammable.
Make Your Car Unappealing to Wildlife
One of the big concerns of winter car storing is potential small animal intruders. Mice, for example, would love to spend the cold winter months in your car. Minimize the chance of wildlife invasions by removing all the garbage and other items from your car. Consider stuffing a sock into the exhaust pipe to close up an entry point. You can also deter small critters with dryer sheets or mothballs in socks. You could also place some mouse traps outside of your car.
Inflate Your Tires
Winter car storing will lead to your tires gradually deflating over time. You can minimize the impact by putting some extra air in your tires before storing your car. Just be sure not to go past the maximum air pressure.
Or Put Your Car on Jack Stands
If you have the tools, you can also put your car on jack stands for winter car storing. This will remove the weight on the suspension and tires. That will reduce the risk of deflation and other issues.
Don’t Use the Parking Brake
If you don’t want your car to move during winter car storing, you may be tempted to engage the parking brake. Don’t, as it may freeze and be hard to disengage. Instead, use blocks of wood or wheel chocks.
Add a Fuel Stabilizer
Most ethanol-based gas only lasts about three months, so you need to add a fuel stabilizer before storing your car for the winter. Doing so will help prevent corrosion in the fuel system. Ideally, you will add the stabilizer when your gas tank is almost full.
Other Tips and Tasks
Also, keep the following in mind:
- Check the oil and oil filter before storing your car. Top up all of the other fluids as well.
- Remove and store your battery. Or connect it to a battery tender or trickle charger.
- Get a quality car cover.
- Consider a vehicle jacket as well.
Have Jiffy Lube Check Your Car After Storage
When you are done storing your car for winter, consider bringing it to Jiffy Lube for an inspection. Our technicians can confirm that it wasn’t damaged during storage. Just remember to check the tire pressure and remove anything you stuffed in the exhaust before driving the car to our service centers. We have more than 2,000 locations nationwide, so visit the nearest one to you today.
