D.T. • Maryville, TN
Q: Can you provide any insights on storing my car for the winter? How do I protect it from the elements and prevent rust while it is parked? Also, does putting the car on jacks protect it from rusting?
A: We’ll dive into this topic with a more in-depth post later, but here is a basic overview of things you can do to get your car bundled up for the winter. First, give your car a thorough cleaning inside and out. Any debris left behind can hold moisture and cause rust and corrosion. After a good cleaning, you have several options depending on where your vehicle is stored.
For indoor storage, we suggest laying a plastic sheet or tarp on your parking area. This provides a moisture barrier between your undercarriage and the ground. If the car is going to be stored for several months, I also suggest removing your wheels and tires and placing the vehicle on a set of sturdy jack stands. This will prevent your tires from cracking and developing flat spots. However, only put your car on stands if you have an even concrete floor. Dirt and gravel are too unstable for your pride and joy.
For outdoor storage, I suggest using a breathable car cover that’s suitable for outdoor use. The breathable material prevents moisture build up between the cover and your paint. You may also consider spraying a light coating of oil on the undercarriage to help prevent rust. Just make sure when spring rolls around that you give your car another thorough cleaning to remove the coating of oil.
I usually throw a couple of fabric softener sheets inside, to make it smell nice after a long winter, (and they ‘supposedly’ keep mice away..so far so good for me)…fill your gas tank, and add some fuel stabilizer, to make it easier to start in the spring, also one of those trickle chargers for you battery, is a good idea…specially if you live where it may drop below subfreezing for extended periods.
In addition I also put dryer fabric softener sheets on the outside perimeter on the floor, as well as on the wiring in the engine compartment.
a few years back I used to take for granted storage…. just parking the car in my fathers barn, sometimes I go so far as to cover it with a tarp. But I learned the hard way as corrosion got the underbelly pretty bad and had a mouse problem in the interior…all in the same winter! found this to help also… http://www.thinkinsure.ca/car-auto-insurance-tips/Insurance-and-Winter-Storage-Tips-for-your-Classic-Car-in-Ontario.html
Jon D.