Blog - NOCO's Ultimate Winter Vehicle Storage Guide

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NOCO's Ultimate Winter Vehicle Storage Guide Oct 10, 2017

Tips for Winter Vehicle Storage

Author : Nicolas Andre Team NOCO Leader

Winter is coming, and the low temperatures and elements can be rough on your treasured vehicle. Take the proper measures to make sure your beloved vehicle survives the unrelenting conditions winter brings.

When preparing your vehicle for winter it is important to choose a location where your vehicle will not be affected by the elements. Choosing an indoor dry space, with concrete floors is the prime option. Parking the vehicle in your own personal garage or renting a storage unit to keep the vehicle is your best choice to keep your vehicle away from the elements. Try to avoid parking on bare dirt, because dirt accumulates moisture which can damage your vehicle’s parts and paint once the winter is over.

PREPARING YOUR VEHICLE FOR WINTER STORAGE

Classic vehicle owner washing Porsche 356 with a sponge in preparation for winter storage.

Brief paragraph about washing your vehicle before storing your vehicle for the winter.

Classic vehicle owner polishing Porsche 356 with a polishing tool in preparation for winter storage.

Brief paragraph about polishing your vehicle before storing your vehicle for the winter.

Brief paragraph about vacuuming your vehicle before storing your vehicle before storing it for the winter.

Classic vehicle owner vacuuming Porsche 356 with extendable attachments in preparation for winter storage.

Brief paragraph about lubricating your vehicle’s hinges before storing your vehicle for the winter.

Classic vehicle owner lubricating Porsche 356 with lubricant in preparation for winter storage.

OIL CHANGE

Check your dipstick first and your service records to see when you last had your oil changed. Change your oil and replace the oil filter before putting the vehicle in to long term storage. If your oil levels are low top off the fluids before you park the vehicle for the winter. Changing your oil before storing your vehicle ensures your vehicle is ready to drive once you take it out of storage.

FUEL STABILIZER

Using a fuel stabilizer helps to keep your gas fresh and prevents corrosion for up to twelve months, plus it helps your vehicle start easily after storing it for the winter. Car and Drive Magazine recommends using Sta-Bil and Pro-G fuel conditioners because they “keep gas fresh longer”(TQ) but they also mention that adding “these products aren’t critical for three- or four- month storage periods, but it doesn’t hurt to add them” (TQ).

Drive the vehicle for 30 to 40 minutes after adding the fuel stabilizer to make sure it coats all the parts. This helps to prevent any unwanted build up while the vehicle is parked.

PREPARING THE STORAGE AREA

Vehicle owner rolling out plastic sheet on the floor for vehicle to park on while stored for the winter.

Brief paragraph about putting plastic sheeting under your vehicle’s hinges before storing your vehicle for the winter.

Porsche 356 raised on car jacks to avoid developing flat spots on wheels while the vehicle is stored for the winter.

Brief paragraph about putting car jacks under your vehicle’s hinges before storing your vehicle for the winter.

Brief paragraph about placing wool ball in exhaust pipe to prevent critters from entering the tailpipe while the vehicle is stored for the winter.

Porsche 356 owner putting wool ball in exhaust pipe to prevent critters from entering the tailpipe while the vehicle is stored for the winter.

Brief paragraph about using Fabric softener sheets on the floor of a vehicle to repel any pests while the it is stored for the winter.

Fabric softener sheets on the floor of a Porsche 356 to repel any pests while the vehicle is stored for the winter.

FINAL STEPS

BATTERY MAINTENANCE

Use a NOCO Multi-Purpose Battery Charger and Maintainer if the battery is stored for longer than one month. You can remove the battery and charge it outside of the car some place dry and warm. Or you can permanently mount a NOCO GBC007 Boost Eyelet Cable to your vehicle's battery to allow for quick charging access.

VEHICLE COVERS

Vehicle covers should provide sufficient ventilation and keep moisture out. We recommend having an extra set of hands to help you put on the cover to keep it from touching the ground to avoid getting any dust on the vehicle before storing it.

CONCLUSION.

Exercise your vehicle every 60 days while you have the vehicle stored. Run the engine and air conditioner while driving at least 30 miles. Running your vehicle helps circulate fluids through the engine and keep the tires in good working condition. When starting your vehicle up, Popular Mechanics recommends using “100-grit sandpaper on a rubber block” (PW) to sand any built up rust off the brake rotors. Our final tip is to leave yourself a note retracing the steps you took, that way you can get your vehicle up and running after the winter comes to an end.