Change the Oil and Filter
Dirty engine oil collects acids, water and other corrosives that damage the inside of an engine as it sits for a long period of time. Change the oil and filter just before tucking your baby in.
Fill the Tank and Use Fuel Stabilizer
Stored fuel can start to deteriorate over the winter causing gum, varnish and corrosion to build up. So, fill up the tank with fresh fuel and add a fuel stabilizer like STA-BIL.
Check the Coolant/Antifreeze
Make sure the coolant is up to the full level and test the degree of the antifreeze protection - to be sure it won't freeze. This can be done with an antifreeze hydrometer. Keep in mind that regardless of the type of antifreeze used, the corrosion protection additive package will eventually break down and cease to provide adequate protection. The antifreeze will also pick up contaminants from the engine cooling system. In other words, antifreeze wears out and gets dirty. The service life for conventional green antifreeze is 2 years or 24,000 miles. So, this might be a good time to replace it.
Top Off Fluids
Check and top off power steering and brake fluids. Once again, this might be a good time to replace them. Brake fluid absorbs water from the atmosphere causing corrosion to the brake lines, calipers, etc. The rule of thumb is to replace it every two years or 24,000 miles. Power steering fluid should typically be replaced every three years or 50,000 miles. Consult your service manual for change interval recommendations.
Fogging Oil in the Cylinders
Rust on the cylinder walls of your engine can do really nasty things to the piston rings when you start it. To prevent rust people often spray fogging oil into the cylinders. Some prefer a teaspoon of motor oil in each cylinder. Spin the engine over a few times by hand to make sure the oil gets everywhere.
Wheels and Tires
Inflate the tires to the recommended pressure. Remove corrosive brake dust, dirt and grime by cleaning the tires with soap and water, and cleaning the wheels with a wheel brush and an approved cleaner.
Wash and Wax
Washing the car will remove contaminants that could otherwise cause damage to the paint. Waxing the vehicle is also recommended to protect against any corrosive fall out during storage. Of course if you are using the CarCapsule or ShowCase, which circulate filtered air, corrosive fall out isn't an issue.
Vacuum
Vacuum out dirt and crumbs. So, when you hop in the car in the spring it will be neat and tidy. As well, leaving crumbs in the vehicle can attract rodents. Once again, this isn't an issue if a CarCapsule or ShowCase are being used as critters don't have a point of entry into the bubble.
Stuff Rags into Intake and Exhaust Outlet(s)
Rodents like to crawl into small spaces to build nests. So, it's a good idea to stuff rags into the exhaust outlets and the beginning of the intake tract. Just don't forget to remove them before the car is driven. If you are using a CarCapsule or ShowCase don't concern yourself as for some reason rodents don’t seem to try to chew their way in. Maybe it’s the sound of the fan that warns them off. Maybe it’s that PVC tastes horrible?
Dryer Sheets
To repel rodents from making a nest in your interior put some fabric softener dryer sheets on the floor. Rodents hate them. They'll probably just poop and leave. Mothballs will do the same thing, but dryer sheets smell a heck of a lot better. As mentioned above - rodents don't seem to try to get into a CarCapsule or ShowCase. So, this is something you probably can avoid doing if you have a CarCapsule or ShowCase. You might be starting to notice a pattern here...
Maintain Battery Charge
Batteries will discharge as they are left sitting and often won't have enough power to start the car in the spring. A "smart" battery charger will allow you to avoid this by providing just enough charge to maintain proper power levels without overcharging. Basically plug it in and forget it for the winter. Check out the CTEK battery chargers we have for sale in the accessories section of our website.
Release Parking Brake
When the parking brake is set during storage the brake pads can rust/bond to the brake rotor. So, be sure the brake is released and use wheel chucks or wood blocks to keep the car from rolling.
Exercise Brakes and Clutch
Once a month while in storage, hop in the car and give the clutch and brake pedals several pumps. This will help these components from freezing up.
Periodically Roll the Vehicle Forward and Backward
When a vehicle sits for long periods of time without being moved flat spots can develop on the tires. This is usually a problem with bias belted tires, while radials are not nearly as susceptible. Every few weeks roll the car a little bit to change the spot where the tire makes contact with the ground.
Keep it Covered
We may be a little biased here. OK, we are totally biased. Your vehicle should be stored in a CarCapsule to completely seal and protect it from dings, dirt, dust, corrosion, mildew, musty odors, rust and rodents. If the vehicle is stored outdoors be sure to use our Outdoor CarCapsule which is designed for weatherability and blockage of vehicle damaging UV rays. If the vehicle can't be placed in a CarCapsule or ShowCase, it needs to at least have a good breathable car cover. Never use a tarp. Tarps can trap condensation causing damage to the paint, and often creating problems with mildew and musty interior odors. If the vehicle is stored outdoors be sure the car cover is designed for outdoor use and fits properly so it will stay on in the wind, and not abrade the paint. Better yet, avoid problems and put it in an Outdoor CarCapsule.
Write a Note
Write yourself a note and leave it inside the vehicle where you'll see it in the spring. Remind yourself what will need to be undone before driving the car. Like pulling the rags out of the intake and exhaust. You'll thank yourself later.
Say Goodnight Gracie
After you have prepared your vehicle for its long winter's nap give yourself a big round of applause for being so diligent. Then hang loose until spring.
For more information on the CarCapsule and ShowCase go to http://carcapsule.com