Preparing Your Car For Winter Storage

Proper winter storage of your collectible car is essential.
Here are five steps for ensuring it's well being during it's long winter's sleep in your garage.

1) Fill the gas tank and add a fuel stabilizer to keep the fuel fresh.
You may want to run the car for a few minutes after adding the stabilizer to insure full coverage throughout the fuel system. Changing the oil and filter is a good idea also. This helps prevent moisture buildup in the oil over the winter. Be sure your antifreeze is up to par. Test it if your not sure.

2) Give your car a good washing and waxing before putting it away for the winter.
Don't forget to clean your car's interior thoroughly, using vinyl and or leather protection where applicable. Be sure to vacuum. It is also advisable to cover the car with a breathable cloth cover. A breathable cover will prevent rust producing moisture from being trapped between the paint and the cover.

3) Hook up a "trickle" charger to keep the battery alive by providing it with a constant low charge throughout the winter. Lack of use and cold weather drain any battery quickly, shortening it's life.

4) Place your car on jack stands. It is NOT a good idea to have it resting on it's tires for a prolonged period as this could lead to flat spots in the tires. It's also not good for your car's suspension.

5) Provide protection against small animals that may find their way into your vehicle. To keep these critters out, place mothballs inside a vehicle, including under the dash, and cover the tailpipe. Some people have told me that fabric softeners placed inside a car also help to deter mice.

Before you know it the warm Spring weather will be back and at that time, I will review the proper way to awaken your car after it's winter slumber.