How to Prepare Your Summer Vehicle for Winter Storage

Before you tuck your vehicle away, start with a thorough cleaning inside and out. 

Exterior: Wash and wax your car, RV, or boat to remove dirt, road salt, and grime. The protective layer of wax prevents rust, fading, and corrosion.  

Interior: Vacuum carpets, wipe down surfaces, and remove food or trash that could attract pests. In RVs, be sure to include the fridge and cupboards in your deep clean. 

Pro tip: Place moisture absorbing packets or baking soda inside to help prevent mold and odours during storage. 

Older contaminated fluids can corrode internal parts if left sitting for months. Topping off or replacing fluids ensures everything stays in good shape. 

Oil and filter: Always store a vehicle with fresh oil. Used oil contains acids that can damage the engine. 

Coolant: Make sure the coolant mixture is correct to prevent freezing and cracking. 

Fuel: Add a quality fuel stabilizer to a full tank. This prevents condensation and keeps fuel from degrading. 

Boats/RV water systems: Drain fresh water and waste tanks, then add non-toxic RV antifreeze to prevent frozen lines. 

Batteries naturally lose charge over time, especially in cold conditions. Avoid the springtime disappointment of a dead battery: 

• Disconnect the battery and store it indoors in a cool, dry place. 
• For convenience, use a battery maintainer or trickle charger to keep it topped up. 
• If leaving the battery installed, make sure it’s fully charged and disconnect the negative cable. 

Flat spots form when the tires bear the weight of a vehicle for months without movement. Protect your tires with these steps: 

1. Inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
2. Park on tire cradles or move the vehicle slightly every few weeks if accessible. 
3. For RVs or trailers, consider lifting the weight off the tires with jack stands. 

Cold weather drives rodents and insects to seek shelter, and your stored vehicle can look like the perfect home to them. Close vents, windows, and exhaust pipes with breathable covers or steel. Remove all food, including dry goods from RVs and boats. Place mothballs or natural repellents nearby, but avoid direct contact with fabrics or finishes. 

A breathable, weather resistant cover is your first line of defense against dust, dirt, and moisture. 

Cars: Use a fitted car cover rather than a tarp, which can trap condensation. 

RVs and boats: Invest in a heavy-duty storage cover designed for your model. 

If you’re storing outdoors, make sure the cover is secured against the wind. If storing indoors, lighter, breathable covers will do the trick. 

Where you store your vehicle makes a big difference. 

Garage or indoor facility: This is your best option for consistent temperatures and maximum protection. 

Outdoor storage: Choose a level, paved surface when possible. Grass or dirt can hold moisture and accelerate rust. 

Shared facilities: For boats and RV’s, consider storage yards that offer shrink wrapping, heated spaces, or climate-controlled units. 

Before walking away until spring, do a final check. 

Engage the parking brake sparingly. For long storage, wheel chocks are better at preventing sticking, lubricate hinges, locks, and moving parts to reduce corrosion. Finally, take photos or make notes of your vehicle’s condition for peace of mind. 

While cars and trucks follow many of the same principles, RVs and boats have a few unique requirements: 

RVs: Shut down propane systems, clean appliances, and ensure all vents are sealed. 

Boats: Remove electronics, drain the bilge, and add antifreeze where necessary. If storing outdoors, tilt the boat slightly so water drains away. 

Good storage prep makes spring start up that much easier. Create a list now of tasks for when you bring your vehicle out of storage — such as reinstalling the battery, checking fluids, and giving everything another quick inspection. 

Whether it’s a convertible that shines on sunny days, an RV that carries you across the country, or a boat that makes summers unforgettable, your summer vehicle deserves proper care before its winter nap. Investing in storage preparation prevents costly repairs, extends the life of your vehicle, and guarantees you’ll be ready to hit the road—or the water—the moment the warm weather returns. 

Winter storage is not the end of the season. At the first step in getting next summer off to a perfect start. For more winter storage tips, visit your local NAPA store and chat with one of our trained technicians.