Getting your Summer Car Ready for Winter Storage

So as sad it sounds, it might be time to start getting your summer car ready for storage in the winter. The first thing that needs to happen is a good cleaning, inside and out. If you don’t clear your car inside, little rodents might find their way inside your car and make an even bigger mess, not to mention eat a part of your car. Cleaning your car on the outside is just as important because it gives us a chance to find any rust that might be starting, or you might find some exposed metal. In both of these cases you will want to treat accordingly. Both can lead to more rust and give you an unpleasant surprise come the spring. A good tip is to also stuff a sock in your exhaust pipe (just be sure to remove it in the spring), this prevents rodents from setting up home in it. Next is your tires, if you won’t be lifting the car up in the air on jacks for the winter (which is ideal) you may want to increase the pressure in your tires to make up for any loss of pressure over the winter months. This can help prevent your tires getting uneven patches in them. Just be sure to not exceed the max PSI and be sure to check it again in the spring. Now let’s talk about the fluids, you should add fuel stabilizer into a full tank of fuel for the winter to stop the fuel lines from getting gummed up. An oil change and a new oil filter is also recommended, and finally be sure the check the freezing point of the coolant so that your engine doesn’t crack over the winter. Your battery will need to be connected to a trickle charger (you can get one for $50) over the winter whether you leave in the car or out of it. If you do take the battery out, either put it in a warm area of the house, or somewhere where it won’t freeze. And be sure to never put it on bare floor, so use a piece of wood under it. Last but not least, invest in a good car cover to keep the car safe and protected. If you care enough about it to not drive it in the winter, a car cover should be the least of your worries. If you have followed these steps correctly, then you won’t need to start it over the winter. If you really want to, that’s okay (not necessary) just remember all the things that you need to do i.e. those socks ;)

If you need help, don't hesitate to ask us! Just remember that we are an excellent alternative to the dealer for any VW, Audi, or BMW, or really any car, we love all cars! Drive safe everyone!