How to Store Your Car During Winter

How to Store Your Car Outdoors During the Winter

It's easy to lose yourself in the cozy, warm vibes of being indoors on cold, snowy winter days (and nights). In fact, for many, winter is a favorite month- especially with the holiday season and festivities it brings.

But some things do need a bit of extra TLC during the winter- especially your vehicles. The cold spells can sometimes wreak havoc on your car if it’s not stored correctly

Most would prefer a garage to keep the car safe, away from the snow, ice, and blizzards. But what if garages are not one of your options?

Fret not! We have all the tips you need to keep your car in tip-top shape outside- even in winter. Read on!

TLC For Your Car- Top Tips

Seasonal winter storage for a vehicle is vital because it can protect your car from the cold and prolong your car’s life span. It can prevent winter damage to the engines and ensure that your vehicle is ready to be driven in the spring.

If you have no option other than to store your car outside in your driveway, you must do the following things to protect it from the elements, corrosion, and even animal infestation.

Clean your car’s interiors and exteriors. Wash the underside and the tires, and make sure to wax the exterior and buff it to give it a good shine. When cleaning the interiors, ensure you remove all food debris and garbage that may create foul odors and attract pests.

Change your oil. This ensures no contaminants can damage your vehicle when it's not in use for extended periods.



Fill up your gas tank and add a stabilizer.

Remove the car battery. You can place it in a safe area in your home and connect it to a small charger. This will keep it in peak condition throughout the long winter season.

Add more coolant if needed.

Raise the wheels. If you can, it’s better to remove the wheels and place the car on jack stands. But if you can’t do this, you can deflate the tires and place a chock block to stop the vehicle from moving.

Grease and lubricate all moving components. Grease all fittings and bearings before you put the car in storage.

Secure the vehicle’s entail and exhaust. This prevents animals from going in your car. Use a steel screen, clamp, or tape to secure these areas.

Cover your vehicle with a tarp and secure it. Use the right car cover for your car type and model. This adds another layer of protection for your vehicle when storing it outside.



Proper winter car storage is essential if you want your car to remain in top form even after a long winter rest. You can protect your vehicle and prevent the snow and colder temperature from damaging it if you know how to store it properly.

Contact CarCovers.com Today

Cleaning your car is a crucial part of your preventative maintenance routine and can prolong your car’s life and maintain its resale value. For more information on protecting your vehicle, explore our educational blog series. To protect your car, browse our full selection of custom vehicle covers online.