Tips for Storing Your Used Car or Truck for the Winter

Proper winter car storage is vital for maintaining the value of a vehicle. Effective car storage during winter prevents critter infestations, mold, ruined tires, and even engine damage. There are many reasons you might put your car away for the winter, including preventing weather damage from the cold and wet elements, or just accepting that the driving season is over and your classic convertible is best left alone until the weather thaws out.

Basic Winter Car and Truck Storage Tips

Before putting away a used car in storage there are some basic steps to complete. Fluids must be topped off (including coolant, fuel, and motor oil) to prevent contaminants from damaging the engine. A full tank of gas minimizes moisture from accumulating inside the fuel tank. Purchase a fuel stabilizer to prevent gas from deteriorating, or separating while the car goes unused. Keep the stored car insured (ask your insurance company about ways to save money on this), wash the vehicle to prevent paint damage, and consider applying a protective coat of wax.

Storing Cars Inside

The best option for winter car storage is a garage. If you don’t have garage space available, consider renting storage from a public storage unit with a concrete floor. The main thing to avoid when storing a car inside is a dirt floor, or any place that is too moist. Moisture will only lead to mold and mildew, and a stinky car is less valuable. It is easy to prevent mildew, but difficult to fix. Storing cars inside is the best option, and especially if you live in an especially cold or wet climate.

Outdoor Winter Car Storage

If you do not have access to a garage or other indoor area, be sure to get a weatherproof car cover to keep your car protected from the winter elements. If you are parking your car on an earth surface, put the car on some plywood over a heavy-duty plastic tarp. Remove your antenna, and stash it in your trunk for easy reinstallation. Tuck the all-weather car cover

beneath the vehicle for maximum protection. Another factor to consider is that storing a vehicle outside increases the risk of rodent infestation. In winter time, rats and other critters often seek shelter from cold temperatures by taking up residence in cars. Prevent expensive electrical damage, shredded upholstery, and gnawed insulation by vacuuming up any remnants of food from the floor of your car. Consider putting mothballs in the glove compartment as well. Plug your tailpipe and other exposed orifices with steel wool.

Storing Cars Long Term

The longer you need to store your car, the more important it is to pay attention to details.

As with storing any vehicle, it is vital to top off fluids, inflate tires, and top of gasoline. A car left in storage for a few months will not likely incur much damage, but a car left in storage long term will. If you are going to leave your car to sit for longer than a few months consider asking a friend or family member to drive it occasionally.

Driving a car prevents it from breaking down. If it isn’t possible to get someone to drive your car at least once a month, disconnect the battery to prevent it from draining. Cars that go unused for extended periods of time (longer than a month or two) need to be protected from rodent infestations as well since serious damage could occur before being noticed.

Driving a car prevents it from breaking down. If it isn’t possible to get someone to drive your car at least once a month, disconnect the battery to prevent it from draining. Cars that go unused for extended periods of time (longer than a month or two) need to be protected from rodent infestations as well since serious damage could occur before being noticed.

Storing Non-Running Cars

When storing a vehicle that does not run, there are certain regulations and rules to follow.

Most states require non-running cars to be insured, and all states require non-running cars be registered. Some areas also limit the amount of non-running vehicles allowed on a property. Even if your used car is not running, it is still important to keep it protected against winter weather, so invest in a good weatherproof car cover.

Storing your car or truck for winter doesn’t have to be difficult. A few hours of preparation and an all-weather car cover will save you a lot of hassle down the road. Depending on the condition of your used car, enacting a few preventative measures will maintain the value of your vehicle whether you want to sell it or not. If you are ready to sell your used car, we can help!

Our staff at webuyallcarsinnj.com wants our customers to get and keep the most value in their used vehicles.  If you’d like a quote on your used vehicle in New Jersey fill out our quote form or call 1-856-834-5558.