Think-Dash

How To: Store a Car for the Winter:

For most of us, the snowy arrival of  winter marks an end to fun-car season. Storing your vehicle the right way will ensure that it wakes up in the spring no worse for wear. Herewith, nine steps to effective automotive hibernation.

Step One: Drive the car and bring all fluids up to temperature to burn off any water condensation from the engine and gearbox. Also, this is an ideal time to change the engine’s oil and filter.	Step Two: Fuel conditioners such as Sta-Bil and Pri-G keep gasoline fresh longer. These products probably aren’t critical for three- or four-month storage periods, but it doesn’t hurt to add them.	Step Three: Stop at a gas station and fill the fuel tank. Any empty space in the tank contains air, which contains water vapor, which will condense to liquid. Over time, the water can contaminate the gasoline and corrode the fuel system.

Step Four: If the car is carbureted, run the engine until the gas in the carb is consumed (usually accomplished by disconnecting the fuel line or the power to the fuel pump). A dry carburetor will prevent fuel deposits from gumming up or clogging it.	Step Five: Spray a light mist of  WD-40, or other penetrating oil, into the intake while cranking the engine. Doing so gives the cylinders and intake valves some corrosion protection.	Step Six: If your garage isn’t heated, remove the car’s battery and keep it in a warm, dry place. Use a trickle charger to keep it topped off, as a discharged battery  will be destroyed by exposure to freezing temperatures. One popular myth holds that a battery left on a concrete floor will discharge. It won’t.

Step Seven: Flush the coolant. Old coolant can corrode your engine, cooling system, and heater core.	Step Eight: Toss a few mothballs inside the car and tape closed the exhaust pipe to discourage rodents from nesting.	Step Nine: Jack up the car and support it with jack stands to avoid flat-spotting the tires (some people increase their car’s tire pressures in lieu of this step). Top it all off with a good car cover. It’ll keep your ride clean and ready  for the rites of spring.

Illustration by Pete Sucheski