How to Keep your Vehicles Safe and Secure this Winter

A key element of winter preparedness is having a sound storage plan with safe and convenient storage options. This is important for anything from the clutter that builds up over the years, to those things you have to store seasonally (like presents!) and of course those larger, pricier items like vehicles.

So here is a helpful guide to storing your vehicle that ensures it stays in tip-top shape throughout the winter months. But if you are more of a motorcycle fan, we provided a list of storage tips just for you on this blog post!

One of the key items when storing those high cost, heavy items is having the right storage location!

So choose a safe, dry and level building (like Cook) to house your vehicle during the winter. Having one right in your backyard also saves you time and money compared with an off-site storage unit.

It’s important to have a sturdy, well-built floor to hold heavy things like vehicles. Cook floors are constructed of 5/8” LP ProStruct Flooring with an available 3/4″ heavy-duty option bridge which prevents the floor system from sagging under the weight of heavy items like vehicles and lawn mowers. To learn more about our unique, durable flooring system, watch this video!

Here are 7 more things to do to safely store your car, truck or other vehicle during the winter season:

1) Wash and clean

Before parking your vehicle in your Cook shed, wash and fully detail it. This ensures that no contaminants are left on the surface while in storage.

2) Check engine oil

First, pull the dipstick out to document the engine oil. If the engine is extremely dirty or the millage limit has been reached, change the oil before storing the vehicle.

Because most oil including synthetic remains stable for up to one year, fogging the engine isn’t necessary. You can wait until spring to change the oil if it’s clean when tested.

3) Top-off fluids

Go for one last drive, then fill the gas tank and add a fuel stabilizer. Let the vehicle run for 5 minutes to allow the stabilizer to flow through the fuel system. Remember to also check other fluid levels such as anti-freeze and fill if necessary.

4) Inflate the tires

Inflate your tires to the maximum PSI rating with a portable air compressor. Inflating your tires before storing them will prevent them from developing flat spots.

Leave the vehicle in neutral with the parking brake disengaged. Vehicles with an automatic transmission can be left in park but it’s a good idea to also block the tires to prevent any accidental movement.

5) Proper ventilation

Roll down the windows about 1 inch to allow air circulation and prevent moisture from building up inside the vehicle.

6) Don’t forget the battery

Depending on the age of your vehicle and the battery, you can either take it out and connect it to a battery maintainer or for newer batteries, they can stay in the vehicle. Check your vehicle’s service manual to ensure the correct course of action.

7) Pest prevention

Pests and rodents would love to make your vehicle their home during the winter. To prevent extra expenses from chewed wires, put a ball of steel wool in the exhaust pipe, laundry fabric softener sheets inside the vehicle/trunk and moth balls around the outer perimeter of the vehicle. Also, use a high quality tight fitting cover that allows the vehicle to breath.

One bonus tip – Try not to take your vehicle out of storage unless you plan to take a long drive. Letting your vehicle idle can allow condensation to build up and then not properly burn-off.

Still looking for the right garage for your vehicle? Let’s start building yours today!