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However long summer may feel, autumn has come by leaps and bounds. There are only a few days left of the season, and it's starting to be time for our enthusiast cars to hibernate. Before stowing the car away, it's a good idea to go through a number of things to ensure proper and secure storage.
Bidders HighwayOctober 17, 2023 14:15
Washing, Vacuuming, and Indoor Environment Make sure to thoroughly clean and vacuum the interior of the car. Rats and other pests don't need to find a buffet of crumbs from summer ice cream trips if they get inside the cabin. If you have leather seats, this is an excellent opportunity to clean them with specialized products. Finish the interior work with a conditioning treatment. This will make the seats last longer, and you'll avoid the risk of developing cracks in the upholstery over time
Ensure that the car's exterior is hand washed properly and that grease and asphalt stains are removed. Wipe the car down thoroughly, including doors and other areas where water can accumulate. If you have a compressor, it may be a good idea to blow air into tight spaces to remove any trapped water.
Despite indoor storage, many choose to cover their cars. It protects against drafts if the indoor environment is windy or prevents scratches if you share winter storage with other enthusiasts. Make sure to choose a cover with the right thickness for your situation, and ensure the fabric breathes properly. Also, protect the interior of the car from moisture by placing a couple of "dry balls" inside. This makes the cabin environment less appealing to mold, rust, and other moisture-related issues.
Washing by hand is the best option.
Engine, Fluids, and Battery If you've had a chance to drive the car during the summer, it's a good idea to change both the oil and the filters if possible. Fresh oil preserves the engine, and new and clean is always preferable during storage. It's also convenient when spring arrives, as the work is already done! Ensure that you have a full tank of fresh fuel. A full tank prevents condensation from forming and is therefore preferable during storage. Also, make sure to replace your car's antifreeze if it's stored in a cold environment. If the power goes out for an extended period, it's a good idea to have this done even if you store the car in a warm and indoor location.
If you have the opportunity on a dry day, it's always a good idea to take the car for a drive. Make sure you drive long enough for everything to be properly heated up to avoid condensation. Conditioning during the winter is good for hoses and other components that can dry up. Regarding the battery, there are several methods. If you have a healthy and fresh battery, simply disconnecting the negative terminal for the winter is sufficient. This way, there's no risk of the car draining any power, and it may be enough to start on its own when spring arrives. If you have a lead-acid battery, it's a good idea to use a maintenance charger during the winter. Deep discharges can harm the battery and lead to an unnecessarily short lifespan. There are several affordable maintenance chargers on the market, and it can be a wise investment.
Regarding tire pressure, it should be properly inflated before storage. Ideally, if possible, store the car on jack stands. If you increase the tire pressure to around 3 bar (be sure to check the maximum tire pressure before determining how much to inflate), there is less risk of the tires feeling uneven and bumpy when you take your first spring drive. If the tires have become slightly uneven, this usually resolves itself over time. Make sure to go on a longer trip at higher speeds, as the heat in the tires usually solves the problem on its own.
Do not forget to look over the mechanical parts.
Insurance and Damage Protection Ensure that you have a fire extinguisher nearby where you store your enthusiast car. Accidents can happen despite risk assessments and the feeling that "it won't happen to me." Having a proper fire extinguisher or two is important to have available. Be sure to check the pressure in your fire extinguishers annually. It's okay to turn them upside down a couple of times a year to keep the pressure up.
Make sure you understand what applies to winter storage with your specific insurance company. If you share space with other enthusiasts, ensure that you know what would be in effect in the event of a break-in or theft, especially if someone else owns the space. There may be insurance company requirements regarding alarms and other details, so it's good to have a dialogue to avoid an unfortunate situation if something were to occur. If you're particularly concerned about your car, you can purchase a simple GPS tracker and hide it in the car. GPS trackers today are easy to use and no longer cost a fortune. The above-mentioned tips are a few simple tricks to help you, as the owner of an enthusiast car, sleep a little better during the long winter nights.
