How to Prepare Your Car for Storage

Before storing your car, it’s important to deep-clean both the interior and exterior.

Dirt, grime and road salt can damage the car’s paint over time, especially when it’s exposed to moisture in storage. For the exterior, give your car a wash and wax to create a protective barrier against rust and corrosion. Pay extra attention to the undercarriage, where salt and dirt tend to build up. 

For the interior, wipe all the upholstery and surfaces and vacuum them to remove dust, crumbs and other debris. Be sure to take any perishable items, like food, out of all the compartments, including the glove box and console. Now’s also a great time to store, toss or donate any items that have been lingering in your trunk!

Winterizing your car is a fancy way of getting it ready for cold weather. It’s an important step to take because leaving your car idle in cold weather without winterizing can cause the engine fluid to thicken or freeze, leading to engine wear or failure when you try to start the car again. It can also let moisture seep into the car’s interior,  corroding the metal parts. All of these scenarios can rack up costly repairs.

Change the Oil and Other Fluids

Old oil can contain contaminants that damage your engine when it sits unused for long periods. Changing the oil before storage helps protect your engine’s internal components from corrosion.

• Drain the old oil and replace it with fresh oil and a new filter.
• Check and top off other essential fluids, such as coolant, brake fluid, and windshield washer fluid. In extreme cold, make sure the coolant has the proper antifreeze mix to prevent freezing.

Fill the Gas Tank and Use a Fuel Stabilizer (for Long-Term Storage)

Fuel can degrade over time, especially during long storage periods. Fill the gas tank before storing the car and add a fuel stabilizer to prevent this.

• Keep the gas tank full to minimize the amount of air in the tank and reduce condensation and the risk of rusting.
• Add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank to prevent gasoline from breaking down and forming gum or varnish, which can clog the fuel system.

Disconnect the Battery

If you plan to store your car for several months, it’s a good idea to disconnect the battery to avoid it draining. A fully charged battery will lose power over time if left connected, especially in cold weather.

• Remove the negative cable from the battery to prevent it from draining.
• If you prefer to leave the battery connected, consider using a battery maintainer (also known as a trickle charger) to keep the battery charged without overcharging it.

Inflate the Tires

Tires can develop flat spots if they stay in one position for too long, especially in cold weather. To prevent this, ensure that your tires are properly inflated before storage.

• Inflate the tires to the recommended pressure level, as tires tend to lose air over time.
• For extended storage, consider using tire cradles or placing the car on jack stands to relieve pressure on the tires and prevent flat spots from forming.

Pests and moisture are a big concern if you plan to store your car for an extended period. Mice and rats are notorious for chewing through the wiring and nesting in small spaces in your car. Moisture buildup can also lead to mold, mildew and corrosion. Here’s how to protect your vehicle:

Preventing Pests (Especially Mice)

The most important thing you can do to ward off mice is to make sure your car is free from any food, crumbs and perishables that might attract them. After that, it’s about plugging up any tiny openings that mice can squeeze through — i.e., the exhaust pipe, air vents and engine bay. Use steel wool or wire mesh to block these areas or place deterrents like peppermint oil-soaked cotton balls, cedar wood blocks or mothballs around the car, all of which are scents known to repel rodents. You can also place traps around the vehicle to catch any mice that may be lingering nearby.

Moisture Control

Moisture buildup inside the car can cause mold and mildew. Use moisture absorbers like silica gel packs or products like DampRid inside the car to soak up any excess humidity. You can also crack the windows slightly to allow for proper ventilation, but make sure you don’t open them too much or else mice may be able to get inside your car.

If you’re storing your car outside, use a breathable, waterproof car cover to protect the vehicle from rain and snow while allowing any trapped moisture to escape.

Where you store your car plays a huge role in determining the level of protection it needs. Depending on your budget and car type, you can choose between the following options:

At Home (Garage, Driveway, Curb, etc.)

Storing your car at home is often the most convenient and cost-effective option. If you have access to a garage, it provides protection from the weather, including snow, ice and UV damage. A home garage also lets you control the temperature better, reducing the risks associated with extreme cold. Garages offer the added benefit of shielding your car from moisture and pests, especially if you take steps like sealing entry points and using moisture absorbers. 

Garages aren’t the best place to keep your car if you plan on storing it for more than a few months since your car may be taking up valuable space in your garage that could be put to better use. Garages also don’t offer the best protection against cold temperatures and moisture.

If you’re parking in your driveway, on the street or under a carport, you’ll need to take extra precautions. Using a high-quality, waterproof car cover can protect your car from harsh weather, and a sunshade can block UV rays if your car is in an uncovered spot.

Outdoor Covered/Uncovered Parking Spot

If you don’t have a garage or want to clear space at home, renting an outdoor parking spot at a nearby self-storage facility can be a great option. Unlike parking your car in your driveway or on the curb, self-storage facilities are gated and have 24/7 surveillance, providing more security. They also minimize the risk of accidents such as other drivers nicking or denting your car.

If you plan on renting an uncovered parking spot, you’ll need to get a high-quality car cover to keep your car’s exterior in good condition and a sunshade to protect the dashboard and seats from sun exposure. 

A covered parking spot offers better protection, shielding the car from sun, rain and snow. However, moisture, dirt and cold air can still cause damage, so it’s not a bad idea to use a car cover and sunshade here as well.

Indoor Storage Unit

If you want maximum protection for your car (especially if you’re storing a classic car), renting an indoor storage unit is the best way to go. Indoor storage units will shield your car from all outdoor elements, including extreme heat, cold, snow, rain and UV rays. Climate-controlled units, which maintain stable temperature and humidity levels, are especially important for high-value or classic cars. 

An indoor storage unit also offers enhanced security. Although this option tends to be more expensive than home storage or outdoor parking, you’ll have much greater peace of mind knowing that your car is safe, secure and protected from the climate. When using an indoor unit, you can skip using a car cover, but you should still follow all the winterization and pest control steps we’ve discussed above.

Storing Classic Cars

Classic cars are often more prone to damage from inactivity due to their older materials and components. If you’re storing a classic car, you should plan on regularly starting and driving it, even in storage, to keep the seals and gaskets from drying out. If your classic car has a convertible soft top, we recommend ensuring that it’s properly cleaned and conditioned before storage to prevent any cracks or shrinkage.

Ready to store your car? Find a parking spot or indoor storage unit near you with our Storage Locator. For more storage tips from our experts, head to the SmartStop blog.