{"id":10112,"date":"2023-08-22T07:32:00","date_gmt":"2023-08-22T14:32:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog2.neighbor.com\/storage-blog\/?p=10112"},"modified":"2024-01-29T16:05:21","modified_gmt":"2024-01-29T23:05:21","slug":"how-to-store-a-car-for-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.neighbor.com\/storage-blog\/how-to-store-a-car-for-winter\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Tips on How to Store a Car for Winter"},"content":{"rendered":"<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As winter approaches, the thought of getting your vehicle through the cold months unharmed can be worrying. After all, winter means moisture, and moisture means rust and damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Properly storing your car during winter is a great way to avoid long-term damage. In our guide below, we have provided nine essential tips for protecting your vehicle in the cold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From exterior maintenance to classic car insurance tips, here is everything you need to know about keeping your car safe in the winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"preparing-your-cars-exterior-for-winter-storage\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Preparing Your Car&rsquo;s Exterior for Winter Storage<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Winter storage is more than just covering your vehicle with a plastic tarp. It is a combination of efforts done to keep your car in great shape come spring. One of the many necessary steps in preparing your car exterior through a thorough wash followed by polishing and waxing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"car-wash-wax-and-polish\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Car Wash, Wax, and Polish<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A professional car wash is essential to remove dirt, grime, and contaminants from the exterior. This not only protects your vehicle&rsquo;s finish but also ensures it&rsquo;s in pristine condition when you&rsquo;re ready to hit the road again. Don&rsquo;t forget to clean the wheels, as brake dust can accumulate and cause damage over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Apply a fresh coat of wax and polish after washing your car. This helps to protect the paint and finish from damage by harsh winter elements. Waxing preserves the clear coat, preventing bird droppings and other contaminants from damaging the delicate exterior. Polishing the chrome parts adds an extra layer of protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"interior-maintenance-and-protection\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Interior Maintenance and Protection<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img  decoding=\"async\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"\"  class=\" pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/lh3.googleusercontent.com\/QQNY-HfnSWFSH0KHrNlZ1fTDiKNvyZLOjy35E6u_MhXMoHBCC1a-wQlijzVuUIXpyhH8Ip3rK4eweFbDJkkXHb5bXtuHmClkG1ipDYb9nBy7DUr6wQkqnUPnfIvVUsJN03ldMnVcTWmmoNzXs2Gks_Y\" ><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/black-vehicle-interior-244818\/\" target=\"_blank\">Photo source<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Like the exterior, your car&rsquo;s interior must be cleaned before storage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"cleaning-the-interior\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Cleaning the Interior<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vacuum the carpets, seats, and dashboard to eliminate dust and dirt. Clean the windows and mirrors with a glass cleaner, and wipe down the dashboard and other surfaces with a damp cloth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pay attention to the nooks and crannies, as any leftover debris or food wrappers can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew during storage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"seat-covers-and-desiccant-packs\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Seat Covers and Desiccant Packs<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Seat covers protect your seats from dust and dirt, while desiccant packs from the local dollar store absorb moisture, preventing mold and mildew growth. For better results, place desiccant packs in areas prone to moisture accumulation, such as the trunk or glove box.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<html><body><div id=\"in_post\">\n    <div class=\"control\">\r\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.neighbor.com\/search?can_store_vehicle=true&amp;overrideTitle=Car%20Storage&amp;storing=Vehicle\" onclick=\"rudderanalytics.track('press editorial cta button', {location: 'first in post', version: '2.2'}, () =&gt; { console.log('track call'); });\">\r\n\t\t  <div class=\"first-in-post-cta\">\r\n\t\t    <header>\r\n\t\t      <h2 id=\"how-neighbor-is-changing-car-storage\">How Neighbor is changing car storage<\/h2>\r\n\t\t    <\/header>\r\n\t\t    <section>\r\n\t\t      <div class=\"service-option\">\r\n\t\t        <div class=\"service-option-icon\">\r\n\t\t          <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"60\" height=\"60\" viewbox=\"0 0 60 60\" fill=\"none\">\r\n\t\t            <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M13.125 9.375C11.0539 9.375 9.375 11.0539 9.375 13.125V46.875C9.375 48.9461 11.0539 50.625 13.125 50.625H46.875C48.9461 50.625 50.625 48.9461 50.625 46.875V13.125C50.625 11.0539 48.9461 9.375 46.875 9.375H13.125ZM28.125 16.875C28.125 15.8395 28.9645 15 30 15C31.0355 15 31.875 15.8395 31.875 16.875V20.625H35.625C36.6605 20.625 37.5 21.4645 37.5 22.5C37.5 23.5355 36.6605 24.375 35.625 24.375H26.25C25.2145 24.375 24.375 25.2145 24.375 26.25C24.375 27.2855 25.2145 28.125 26.25 28.125H33.75C36.8566 28.125 39.375 30.6434 39.375 33.75C39.375 36.8566 36.8566 39.375 33.75 39.375H31.875V43.125C31.875 44.1605 31.0355 45 30 45C28.9645 45 28.125 44.1605 28.125 43.125V39.375H22.5C21.4645 39.375 20.625 38.5355 20.625 37.5C20.625 36.4645 21.4645 35.625 22.5 35.625H33.75C34.7855 35.625 35.625 34.7855 35.625 33.75C35.625 32.7145 34.7855 31.875 33.75 31.875H26.25C23.1434 31.875 20.625 29.3566 20.625 26.25C20.625 23.1434 23.1434 20.625 26.25 20.625H28.125V16.875Z\" fill=\"#005EB8\"><\/path>\r\n\t\t          <\/svg>\r\n\t\t        <\/div>\r\n\t\t        <h3 id=\"transparent-monthly-savings\">Transparent monthly savings<\/h3>\r\n\t\t        <p>Renters save 30-50% on car storage, on average. No rate hikes.<\/p>\r\n\t\t      <\/div>\r\n\t\t      <div class=\"service-option\">\r\n\t\t        <div class=\"service-option-icon\">\r\n\t\t          <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"60\" height=\"60\" viewbox=\"0 0 60 60\" fill=\"none\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M23.5226 35.6271C22.4882 35.58 21.6115 36.3805 21.5644 37.415C21.5174 38.4495 22.3179 39.3262 23.3524 39.3732L33.6649 39.8419C34.6993 39.889 35.576 39.0885 35.6231 38.054C35.6701 37.0196 34.8696 36.1428 33.8351 36.0958L23.5226 35.6271Z\" fill=\"#005EB8\"><\/path>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M8.06284 46.7257L4.92731 46.3338C2.11239 45.9819 0 43.589 0 40.7522V35.7872C0 31.5616 3.48915 28.1702 7.71303 28.2903L7.81335 28.2931L15.0402 22.6234C18.2515 20.104 22.2671 18.834 26.3432 19.0485L35.2251 19.516C37.8612 19.6547 40.3166 20.8983 41.9882 22.9414L47.9327 30.2068L52.8988 31.4484C57.0722 32.4917 60 36.2416 60 40.5434V41.2501C60 44.3567 57.4816 46.8751 54.375 46.8751H49.9935C48.9402 49.0923 46.6804 50.6251 44.0625 50.6251C41.4446 50.6251 39.1848 49.0923 38.1315 46.8751H19.9935C18.9402 49.0923 16.6804 50.6251 14.0625 50.6251C11.3862 50.6251 9.08411 49.0231 8.06284 46.7257ZM17.3549 25.5738C19.8526 23.6143 22.9758 22.6264 26.1461 22.7933L28.125 22.8975V29.1746L13.5795 28.5357L17.3549 25.5738ZM31.875 29.3394V23.0948L35.028 23.2608C36.6096 23.344 38.0829 24.0902 39.0859 25.316L42.7692 29.818L31.875 29.3394ZM8.36976 32.0604L46.6037 33.74L51.9893 35.0864C54.4933 35.7124 56.25 37.9623 56.25 40.5434V41.2501C56.25 42.2857 55.4105 43.1251 54.375 43.1251H50.5585C50.1036 39.9448 47.3686 37.5001 44.0625 37.5001C40.7564 37.5001 38.0214 39.9448 37.5665 43.1251H20.5585C20.1036 39.9448 17.3686 37.5001 14.0625 37.5001C10.8387 37.5001 8.15775 39.8248 7.6046 42.8892L5.39244 42.6127C4.45413 42.4954 3.75 41.6978 3.75 40.7522V39.3751H5.625C6.66053 39.3751 7.5 38.5357 7.5 37.5001C7.5 36.4646 6.66053 35.6251 5.625 35.6251H3.75344C3.83995 33.5884 5.54887 31.9803 7.60652 32.0387L8.36976 32.0604ZM11.25 44.0626C11.25 42.5093 12.5092 41.2501 14.0625 41.2501C15.6158 41.2501 16.875 42.5093 16.875 44.0626C16.875 45.6159 15.6158 46.8751 14.0625 46.8751C12.5092 46.8751 11.25 45.6159 11.25 44.0626ZM44.0625 46.8751C42.5092 46.8751 41.25 45.6159 41.25 44.0626C41.25 42.5093 42.5092 41.2501 44.0625 41.2501C45.6158 41.2501 46.875 42.5093 46.875 44.0626C46.875 45.6159 45.6158 46.8751 44.0625 46.8751Z\" fill=\"#005EB8\"><\/path>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\r\n\t\t        <\/div>\r\n\t\t        <h3 id=\"keep-your-car-nearby\">Keep your car nearby<\/h3>\r\n\t\t        <p>Find trusted car storage just minutes from where you live.<\/p>\r\n\t\t      <\/div>\r\n\t\t      <div class=\"service-option\">\r\n\t\t        <div class=\"service-option-icon\">\r\n\t\t          <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"60\" height=\"60\" viewbox=\"0 0 60 60\" fill=\"none\">\r\n\t\t            <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M30 7.5C25.5499 7.5 21.1998 8.8196 17.4997 11.2919C13.7996 13.7643 10.9157 17.2783 9.21272 21.3896C7.50975 25.501 7.06417 30.025 7.93234 34.3895C8.80051 38.7541 10.9434 42.7632 14.0901 45.9099C17.2368 49.0566 21.2459 51.1995 25.6105 52.0677C29.975 52.9358 34.4991 52.4903 38.6104 50.7873C42.7217 49.0843 46.2357 46.2004 48.7081 42.5003C51.1804 38.8002 52.5 34.4501 52.5 30C52.5 24.0326 50.1295 18.3097 45.9099 14.0901C41.6903 9.87053 35.9674 7.5 30 7.5ZM41.5295 26.7545C42.7193 25.5646 42.7193 23.6354 41.5295 22.4455C40.3396 21.2556 38.4104 21.2556 37.2205 22.4455L26.7061 32.96L22.7795 29.0334C21.5896 27.8435 19.6604 27.8435 18.4705 29.0334C17.2807 30.2232 17.2807 32.1524 18.4705 33.3423L24.5516 39.4234C25.123 39.9948 25.898 40.3158 26.7061 40.3158C27.5142 40.3158 28.2891 39.9948 28.8605 39.4234L41.5295 26.7545Z\" fill=\"#005EB8\"><\/path>\r\n\t\t          <\/svg>\r\n\t\t        <\/div>\r\n\t\t        <h3 id=\"storage-made-simple\">Storage made simple<\/h3>\r\n\t\t        <p>Don't settle for stone age tech and long contracts. Neighbor makes it easy.<\/p>\r\n\t\t      <\/div>\r\n\t\t    <\/section>\r\n\t\t    <footer>\r\n\t\t      <button>Search nearby car storage <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"25\" height=\"24\" viewbox=\"0 0 25 24\" fill=\"none\">\r\n\t\t          <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M11 2.90625C9.4981 2.90625 8.02993 3.35162 6.78114 4.18603C5.53236 5.02044 4.55905 6.20642 3.98429 7.594C3.40954 8.98157 3.25916 10.5084 3.55217 11.9815C3.84517 13.4545 4.56841 14.8076 5.63041 15.8696C6.69242 16.9316 8.04549 17.6548 9.51854 17.9478C10.9916 18.2408 12.5184 18.0905 13.906 17.5157C14.4508 17.29 14.9646 17.0029 15.4382 16.6618L19.5132 20.7368C19.9892 21.2127 20.7608 21.2127 21.2368 20.7368C21.7127 20.2608 21.7127 19.4892 21.2368 19.0132L17.1618 14.9382C17.2137 14.8661 17.2645 14.793 17.314 14.7189C18.1484 13.4701 18.5938 12.0019 18.5938 10.5C18.5938 8.48601 17.7937 6.55451 16.3696 5.13041C14.9455 3.7063 13.014 2.90625 11 2.90625ZM14.7493 14.0398C14.9463 13.8311 15.1264 13.6054 15.2873 13.3647C15.8538 12.5167 16.1562 11.5198 16.1562 10.5C16.1562 9.13248 15.613 7.82096 14.646 6.85398C13.679 5.887 12.3675 5.34375 11 5.34375C9.98019 5.34375 8.98328 5.64616 8.13534 6.21273C7.2874 6.77931 6.62651 7.58461 6.23625 8.52679C5.84599 9.46897 5.74387 10.5057 5.94283 11.5059C6.14178 12.5061 6.63287 13.4249 7.35398 14.146C8.0751 14.8671 8.99385 15.3582 9.99407 15.5572C10.9943 15.7561 12.031 15.654 12.9732 15.2638C13.5557 15.0225 14.086 14.6777 14.5398 14.2493C14.5699 14.2108 14.6028 14.1737 14.6382 14.1382C14.6737 14.1028 14.7108 14.0699 14.7493 14.0398Z\" fill=\"#EFF5F8\"><\/path>\r\n\t\t        <\/svg>\r\n\t\t      <\/button>\r\n\t\t    <\/footer>\r\n\t\t  <\/div>\r\n\t\t<\/a>\r\n\t<\/div>\n  <\/div><\/body><\/html><h2 id=\"fluids-and-fuel-management\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Fluids and Fuel Management<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img  decoding=\"async\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"\"  class=\" pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/lh4.googleusercontent.com\/joLwnrFt5dE85pxQTBUAJDI09DreBWH0WQPpSiPrPcUMkHb0mhNuVyN_qh28V6k7GjsJJA0uHY0CZKUQbuYfPWuXOnwcVDKV0q0GVzplD-PMqepII2l8cLMga0lS-RyRTA5X0uqIeMlZx5-2kYAyqT8\" ><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/pixabay.com\/\/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=3979023\" target=\"_blank\">Photo Source<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Typical maintenance tasks of adding fresh fluids to your car should be done before storage. Change the oil, check coolant levels, and add a fuel stabilizer to prevent corrosion and fuel deterioration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"oil-change\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Oil Change<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Idle cars are susceptible to engine corrosion due to exposure to the elements and an accumulation of rust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Changing your car&rsquo;s oil and oil filters is vital for preventing engine damage during storage, especially if your vehicle will be stored for a long period of more than 30 days. After changing your car engine oil, remember to keep it running to get the oil to circulate for maximum protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"coolant-levels\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Coolant Levels<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before placing your car in storage for winter, check and top off its coolant levels to avoid engine damage from water concentration levels being too high. Use a coolant tester to verify the freezing point of the radiator fluid, ensuring your car is prepared for the harshest winter conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"fuel-stabilizer\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Fuel Stabilizer<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Before storing your car, add fuel stabilizer to the gas tank to prevent fuel oxidation that will damage the fuel lines, fuel system, or engine. Add stabilizer to your car tank, then make your car run for some minutes to ensure fuel circulates properly through its system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"battery-care-and-maintenance\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Battery Care and Maintenance<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img  decoding=\"async\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"\"  class=\" pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/S5NuvGjLIoAmHiqLtw7Ajc3lSWODrgvhJTIakbyCTGyK1254SEiKMBQroCaQv80LPSAfMxaK7rWiBjNfAapkByk4U2AQQwoItS74Min1yGaNitQUOASTbu-cO82aYu76018dGp1dYGGeTOVh8Wm4mLI\" ><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/a-person-holding-red-and-black-hand-tool-8556051\/\" target=\"_blank\">Photo source<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you plan to store your car for an extended period, disconnecting the battery can prevent it from draining during storage. Remove the negative terminal first, then the positive terminal. Afterward, store the battery in a dry and warm place, such as a basement or garage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another option to protect your battery is to use a trickle charger with an auto shut-off feature is another option. This charger supplies a steady, low-level current to the battery, ensuring it remains charged and preventing damage. It is beneficial if your storage location or parking space has a power source and you want to keep your battery connected to the vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"tire-preservation-and-inflation\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Tire Preservation and Inflation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img  decoding=\"async\"  src=\"data:image\/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAAAEAAAABAQMAAAAl21bKAAAAA1BMVEUAAP+KeNJXAAAAAXRSTlMAQObYZgAAAAlwSFlzAAAOxAAADsQBlSsOGwAAAApJREFUCNdjYAAAAAIAAeIhvDMAAAAASUVORK5CYII=\"  alt=\"\"  class=\" pk-lazyload\"  data-pk-sizes=\"auto\"  data-pk-src=\"https:\/\/lh5.googleusercontent.com\/oocUDsrtIYA8274qm_lkVpAfnsFbCep7UCcbD2i9oaDWdRnGqKU-9wX6fKBQKCjaeAhimKSr4J_8vRQtnKJURijcx0W9UetGK4rf1tjjImM342uBl5UMWar7BG0TPht3meWYT4X79d_p5m90xiXc5eQ\" ><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/man-in-black-jacket-and-black-pants-sitting-near-silver-vehicle-3807386\/\" target=\"_blank\">Photo source<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tire preservation and inflation are essential aspects of winter car storage to prevent a tire flat spot and ensure your tires remain in good condition. Whether you inflate your tires to the recommended PSI or use wood planks and jack stands, tire care is crucial when storing cars for extended periods.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Inflate your car&rsquo;s tires to the recommended PSI before storing them for winter to prevent deflation and flat spots. Check the driver&rsquo;s side door jamb or the owner&rsquo;s manual in the glove box by the passenger compartment for the correct PSI for your vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can also consider placing wood planks under your tires or placing your car on jack stands if you&rsquo;re still concerned your tires will develop flat spots. Doing this takes the pressure off the tires and prevents flat spots from forming due to the weight of the vehicle pressing on them for an extended period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<html><body><div id=\"2_in_post\">\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neighbor.com\/search?can_store_vehicle=true&amp;overrideTitle=Car%20Storage&amp;storing=Vehicle\" onclick=\"rudderanalytics.track('press editorial cta button', {location: 'second in post', version: '2.0'}, () =&gt; { console.log('track call'); });\">\r\n  <div class=\"second-in-post-cta\">\r\n    <section>\r\n      <div class=\"service-option\">\r\n        <h2 id=\"save-up-to-1200-year-on-car-storage\">Save up to $1,200\/year on car storage<\/h2>\r\n        <button>Search in your area\r\n          <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"25\" height=\"24\" viewbox=\"0 0 25 24\" fill=\"none\">\r\n            <path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M11 2.90625C9.4981 2.90625 8.02993 3.35162 6.78114 4.18603C5.53236 5.02044 4.55905 6.20642 3.98429 7.594C3.40954 8.98157 3.25916 10.5084 3.55217 11.9815C3.84517 13.4545 4.56841 14.8076 5.63041 15.8696C6.69242 16.9316 8.04549 17.6548 9.51854 17.9478C10.9916 18.2408 12.5184 18.0905 13.906 17.5157C14.4508 17.29 14.9646 17.0029 15.4382 16.6618L19.5132 20.7368C19.9892 21.2127 20.7608 21.2127 21.2368 20.7368C21.7127 20.2608 21.7127 19.4892 21.2368 19.0132L17.1618 14.9382C17.2137 14.8661 17.2645 14.793 17.314 14.7189C18.1484 13.4701 18.5938 12.0019 18.5938 10.5C18.5938 8.48601 17.7937 6.55451 16.3696 5.13041C14.9455 3.7063 13.014 2.90625 11 2.90625ZM14.7493 14.0398C14.9463 13.8311 15.1264 13.6054 15.2873 13.3647C15.8538 12.5167 16.1562 11.5198 16.1562 10.5C16.1562 9.13248 15.613 7.82096 14.646 6.85398C13.679 5.887 12.3675 5.34375 11 5.34375C9.98019 5.34375 8.98328 5.64616 8.13534 6.21273C7.2874 6.77931 6.62651 7.58461 6.23625 8.52679C5.84599 9.46897 5.74387 10.5057 5.94283 11.5059C6.14178 12.5061 6.63287 13.4249 7.35398 14.146C8.0751 14.8671 8.99385 15.3582 9.99407 15.5572C10.9943 15.7561 12.031 15.654 12.9732 15.2638C13.5557 15.0225 14.086 14.6777 14.5398 14.2493C14.5699 14.2108 14.6028 14.1737 14.6382 14.1382C14.6737 14.1028 14.7108 14.0699 14.7493 14.0398Z\" fill=\"#EFF5F8\"><\/path>\r\n          <\/svg>\r\n        <\/button>\r\n      <\/div>\r\n    <\/section>\r\n  <\/div>\r\n<\/a>\n  <\/div><\/body><\/html><h2 id=\"sealing-entrance-points-and-repelling-rodents\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Sealing Entrance Points and Repelling Rodents<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During winter car storage, it&rsquo;s essential to protect your vehicle from damage caused by pests. Sealing entry points and repelling rodents will save you from expensive repairs caused by damages created by rodents come spring time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Seal off potential rodent entrances, such as the exhaust pipe and air intake ducts, with steel wool or foil. This is your best bet for closing off easy access to small animals that may chew on wires, hoses, and other vehicle components.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You can also use rodent repellents such as peppermint oil or devices like mouse traps to stop pests from nesting in your vehicle and causing significant damage. Another option is to place scented dryer sheets or Irish Spring soap shavings inside the car and moth balls around the perimeter to deter rodents from entering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"choosing-the-right-car-cover\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Choosing the Right Car Cover<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Of course, don&rsquo;t forget to invest in car covers for extra protection. Covers keep dust, moisture, and potential damage at bay, ensuring your vehicle remains in top condition. When choosing covers, remember to opt for a breathable and waterproof option that can withstand rain, snow, and wind. Look for a classic car cover with a fleece liner to protect your vehicle&rsquo;s finish during winter storage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"selecting-a-safe-storage-location\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Selecting a Safe Storage Location<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When choosing a space to store your car inside, secure storage locations like a storage facility are a great option. It would be best if you chose the right environment to ensure your car remains safe and in optimal condition throughout the winter months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A garage with a garage door or parking lot with an asphalt or concrete floor is usually the best option for winter car storage (but isn&rsquo;t necessary for those cities with mild winters, like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neighbor.com\/storage-blog\/top-10-monthly-parking-options-in-metairie\/\">Metairie, LA<\/a>).&nbsp;. These locations offer protection from the elements and restricted access, reducing the risk of theft or damage. Although a parking brake will keep your car in place, you can provide additional security using wheel chocks. Place the chocks in front of and behind the tires to ensure your vehicle remains stationary during storage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"insurance-considerations\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Insurance Considerations<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Maintaining comprehensive coverage during winter protects you against disasters like theft or fire. This insurance coverage protects your car from unexpected events while it&rsquo;s stored for winter. Before choosing, consult your insurance provider to ensure you have the appropriate coverage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Also, since your car won&rsquo;t be driven during winter storage, consider reducing or canceling liability and collision coverage to save on insurance costs. Contact your insurance provider to adjust your coverage for the winter months, ensuring your car remains protected while saving you money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"final-thoughts\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finding an ideal storage solution for your vehicle is vital for keeping it in tip-top shape and ready for spring. However, sometimes finding storage areas may be difficult, especially if you prioritize safety and easy accessibility.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thankfully, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.neighbor.com\/car-storage-near-me\">peer-to-peer self-storage marketplaces<\/a> offer secure and budget-friendly storage options, located in residential areas (for those car owners without a garage to store their vintage vehicles). By opting for private storage solutions in your own neighborhood, you can be within walking distance of your investment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"frequently-asked-questions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"when-storing-a-car-for-the-winter-should-the-tank-be-full\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>When storing a car for the winter, should the tank be full?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Filling your car&rsquo;s tank before storing it in a climate-controlled facility is recommended, as an empty or low gas tank can lead to internal rust caused by moisture buildup. Full gas tanks prevent moisture buildup and rust since the fuel is a barrier between the air and the tank&rsquo;s metal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"how-often-should-you-start-a-stored-car-in-the-winter\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How often should you start a stored car in the winter?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is recommended to start your stored car every 3-4 weeks in the winter to ensure its good condition. If it is a newer car, starting it often isn&rsquo;t necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"is-it-ok-to-store-a-car-in-an-unheated-garage\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Is it OK to store a car in an unheated garage?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Yes, it is not a bad idea to store your car in an unheated garage as long as it is completely dry and free of pests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><\/h3>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"As winter approaches, the thought of getting your vehicle through the cold months unharmed can be worrying. After&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":30,"featured_media":10118,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"csco_singular_sidebar":"","csco_page_header_type":"","csco_appearance_grid":"","csco_page_load_nextpost":"","csco_post_video_location":[],"csco_post_video_location_hash":"","csco_post_video_url":"","csco_post_video_bg_start_time":0,"csco_post_video_bg_end_time":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[196],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-10112","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-personal-cars","cs-entry","cs-video-wrap"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v21.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>9 Tips on How to Store a Car for Winter - Neighbor Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Winter storage is more than just covering your vehicle with a plastic tarp. It&#039;s the effort you put in so your car looks great come spring.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.neighbor.com\/storage-blog\/how-to-store-a-car-for-winter\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"9 Tips on How to Store a Car for Winter - Neighbor Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Winter storage is more than just covering your vehicle with a plastic tarp. 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