How to Store a Car for Winter

Whether you are taking a long term assignment out of town or just putting your precious convertible away for the winter, proper storage of an automobile requires thorough maintenance to preserve mechanical components, paint, and interior.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Siphon
• Oil
• Oil Filter
• Wrench set
• Pan or tub
• Can of Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2)
• Absorent cloth
• Transmission fluid
• Rear axle fluid
• Blocks or jack stands
• Car wax
• Silicone perservative
• Vinyl protectant
• Cover if storing outdoors

1. 
   Change Motor Oil Before Self-Storing a Car (Alvimann)

   Change the oil and oil filter before storing to reduce corrosion from contaminants. Add a can of molybdenum disulfide to protect the engine from moisture. Run the car a few hours after oil change before storing.

2. Remove the spark plugs and add a small amount of motor oil into each cylinder. Replace the spark plugs.

3. Use cotton towels or other absorbent cloths to stuff all engine openings including the air cleaner and oil breather cap while the engine is warm. Stuff the exhaust pipe only after the car has cooled.

4. Release the tension from all engine drive belts.

5. 
   Check All Fluid Levels Before Automobile Storage (Alvimann)

   Check transmission fluid and rear-axle fluids. Top off if necessary. Change transmission fluid if more than 30,000 miles old.

6. Do not drain coolant unless any part of the engine is aluminum, but change it if more than two years old.

7. Change old brake fluid before storing a vehicle; dirty fluid will corrode metal.

8. Treat all gaskets and other rubber parts with silicone preservative. Clean interior surfaces and coat with vinyl protectant.

9. Wash and wax the car to protect paint.

10. 
    Store Car on Jacks With Wheels Removed (Rosseel)

    Put the car on blocks or jacks if it will be parked for more than a year. Remove the wheels and tires if possible, leaving tires mounted at a lower air pressure.

11. 
    Use a Cover to Protect a Car from the Elements When Storing Outdoors (Jetovski)

    Leave the car uncovered if stored indoors; climate controlled storage is best. Cover if stored outdoors to prevent fading and discoloration of paint and interior. In both cases, leave one window open just a crack to maintain air flow and minimize musty odors.

12. Drain the fuel system, using a siphon if necessary. Let the car run until out of gas to drain the carburetor, fuel lines, and injection system.

13. 
    Disconnect Car Battery for Long Term Storage to Prevent Corrosion at Terminals (Alvimann)

    Disconnect the battery. If the car will not be driven for a few years, it will be dead when you return and need replacement. Give it to someone who can use it now instead.
    
    This eHow is based on advice given in Bob Sikorsky's book Drive it Forever [ISBN 0-9657577-0-6].

Tips & Warnings

• If the car can't be put on blocks, leave tires mounted and increase pressure by 10 pounds.
• If you don't have a car cover and the car will be exposed to sunlight, place sheets over the dash, seats, and rear window ledge.
• Having someone periodically run your car to keep the battery charged requires gasoline, adding moisture and contaminants to the system. Replacing a dead battery after long term auto storage is preferable to corroding a car engine!

Resources

• A review of Sikorsky's book Drive It Forever