The Ultimate Guide to Winterizing Your Vehicles for Storage
Winter is coming and bringing the harsh weather with it — time to get your vehicles safely stowed away in storage. Whether you own a car, motorcycle, boat, or RV, preparing your ride for storage can extend its lifespan and save you money on costly repairs come spring. Have no idea what we’re talking about? Don’t worry! Mini Mall Storage has all the tips and tricks you need to keep your vehicle in tip-top shape while it’s not in use this winter.
Where to store your vehicle
Consider factors such as location, security, climate control, and cost. If you have enough room in your garage or driveway, keeping your vehicle close to home is typically the best option. But you’ll need to look for alternatives if you don’t have the space. You might find room at a friend’s house or in an empty lot — but you’ll need to choose wisely and consider long-term security if you go that route. For specialized vehicles you don’t want exposed to the elements, climate-controlled options will be your best bet.
For a detailed breakdown of the pros and cons of different storage options, check out our blog post, “Rev Up Your Space: Choosing the Right Vehicle Storage.”
Preparing Your Vehicle for Storage
If you think vehicle storage means just rolling up to a parking spot and turning the engine off, you might want to read this next section carefully. You’ll need to take a few steps first to ensure your vehicle is ready to be stored because, believe it or not, serious damage can occur if you don’t.
Cars
To get a car ready for storage, follow these steps:
- Clean the interior to prevent odours and unwanted pests, and the exterior to remove any dirt or residue that could erode the paint.
- Change the oil and filter to stop the acid-forming contaminants found in used oil from damaging the engine.
- Add a fuel stabilizer to prevent any surprise chemical reactions inside the tank and prevent moisture from building up.
- Inflate the tires and use a jack to avoid dry rot and flat spots from developing over time.
- Disconnect the battery to help preserve its lifespan and prevent corrosion.
For a more detailed guide, refer to our blog posts, “How to Prep Your Vehicle for Self-Storage: A Step-by-Step Guide” and “Avoid Flat Spots & Dry Rotting with Vehicle Storage Tips that Go the Extra Mile.”
Boats
To prepare your boat for storage, follow these steps:
- Thoroughly clean your boat with soap and water inside and out, then add a coat of wax to protect the finish.
- Take care of the engine fluids by changing the oil, draining the coolant, topping up the gas tank, and disconnecting the battery.
- Cover it up if you’re storing it outside to protect it from weather damage from snow and ice. Some people shrink wrap the whole thing, but a tarp will also do the trick.
To learn more about the specific steps involved, check out our blog posts, “How to Store Your Boat During Off-Season” and “How to Store Your Boat for the Winter.”
Motorcycles
Just like the preparation for cars, you’ll want to tend to the following before putting your bike in storage:
- Clean it thoroughly to remove any dirt, grime, dead bugs, or road salt that could damage the finish in the long term.
- Change the oil to reduce acidity and remove impurities and sediment that can damage the engine.
- Fill up the fuel and add a stabilizer to prevent exposed areas of the empty tank from corroding and moisture from building up.
- Inflate the tires and use a centre or jack stand to alleviate pressure on the tires.
- Disconnect the battery to prevent corrosion and deterioration.
For a more detailed guide, refer to our blog post, “The Best Way to Store a Motorcycle.”
RVs
In addition to the same treatment you would give to a car or motorcycle going into storage, RVs require a little extra care to get them ready for storage. The following steps can help you prepare for winter:
- Unload anything that might spoil and thoroughly clean the interior to prevent odours, mould, and unwanted pests from wreaking havoc.
- Clean the exterior of your RV and then seal any holes, cracks, or openings that could allow pests or moisture to enter.
- Thoroughly drain all your water systems and add antifreeze to prevent the pipes from bursting.
For more tips and tricks, check out our blog post, “Easy RV Storage Ideas & Hacks for Winter.”
When it comes to vehicle storage, a little bit of preventative care really can go a long way. And because proper storage can help maintain your vehicle’s value and performance over time, it’s well worth the effort. If you have any questions or need assistance with vehicle storage, Mini Mall Storage is here to help. Visit us today to find the location nearest you, or chat with one of our friendly and knowledgeable Customer Service Specialists.