7 Tips to Prepare Your Car for Winter Storage

1. Check and Change Fluids

Before winter storage, it’s best to have your car fully serviced with an oil change as well as a fluid flush and replacement.

2. Leave Gas in the Tank

Leave about a quarter to a half tank of gas to prevent air and excess moisture from entering the gas tank. You may also want to add fuel stabilizer.

3. Clean and Polish the Car

Wash and wax your car thoroughly, inside and out. This is especially important if you plan to cover your car in storage; a clean, polished car is less likely to sustain scratches when putting on or removing a cover. As part of this step, make sure that any items that can freeze or rupture from the cold are removed from the car—as even most garage-style storage units are not climate-controlled.

4. Disconnect and Remove the Battery

Disconnect your car’s battery, then keep it in a warm place to prevent the fluids from freezing and to help it start easier once you take it out of storage. In addition, never store a car battery on a concrete floor because concrete will drain the battery.

5. Close off Entry Points

To keep dust, pests, and other unwanted intrusions out of your car, check for and seal off any potential points of entry, like vents and windows. Put a plastic bag over the air intake and exhaust pipes. Secure them with rubber bands. (You could also use aluminum foil and tape securely—just be mindful of the vehicle’s finish). Keep a list of all the spots you cover so you won’t miss anything when you remove your car from storage. To take it a step further, you can even place scented dryer sheets in the trunk, on top of the tires, and in the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Most vermin do not like the scent—not to mention, your car will be smelling fresh when you’re done storing it!

6. Place the Car on Jack Stands

If it’s possible and allowed at your local storage facility, putting your car up on jacks will help with the longevity of its suspension, which would otherwise be bearing the weight of the car throughout its stay in storage. It will also help keep undue weight off the tires that could cause them to become deflated or misshapen.

7. Ensure Insurance and Documentation

If you’re storing your car at an Access Self Storage location that offers car storage, it is required that your vehicle is insured. Many auto insurance companies also require that you notify them of the address where the car will be stored. Contact your car insurance provider to determine their requirements.

Winter Car Storage Solutions in Little Ferry, NJ

Access Self Storage wants to help preserve your pride and joy. With a vehicle storage unit or parking space—and the proper winter storage preparation—you can rest assured that your car will be offsite, out of your way at home, and ready to roll again come the spring or summer. When you need car storage in New Jersey, contact our self storage facility in Little Ferry, NJ, or your local office for specific availability.