How to Take Your Car Out of Winter Storage

If you own a special car that you don’t want to be exposed to the winter weather, it’s best to store it until the spring. Although you may miss it, you’ll be glad you kept it safe, tucked away under a car cover or in a heated garage where the snow and salt can’t damage it.

Even though it’s not being used, your car’s parts can still wear and age in winter storage. That’s why it’s important to give it a thorough examination before putting it back into gear. Once the weather warms up, follow this checklist on how to take your car out of winter storage and get it ready for the road again.

Picture of How-to-Take-Your-Car-Out-of-Winter-Storage-Comment déremiser un véhicule après l’hiver

Visual Inspection

Before focusing on individual parts, start by giving your car an overall visual inspection. Remove the car cover and wheel chocks, if applicable. Check the ground below the car for any signs of leaks or parts that may have fallen off.

Depending on where you kept it, it’s possible that bugs or small animals have made the stationary car their new home. Keep this in mind while you assess the vehicle, and call animal control if needed.

Battery Check

Before putting your vehicle in winter car storage, you should have attached your car battery to a maintainer or trickle charger or removed it from the vehicle. If you removed the battery, reinstall it now. Check the cables and terminals for any corrosion or oxidization and clean them if necessary.

Now you need to check the battery level with a multimeter. If it’s below 12 volts, allow it to power up with a charger. Don’t attempt to start your car or boost it if the battery is half drained. This can harm the car.

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Fluid Tests & Oil Change

Next, make sure all your car’s fluids are in good condition. This includes engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, and brake fluid. Follow this step-by-step guide on how to check your car’s fluids.

Ideally, you would have given your car an oil change before putting it away for winter storage. If you did, and the oil looks clear now, you shouldn’t need another oil change. If you didn’t change the oil before winter, do so now for the spring. We explain how to do a DIY oil change here.

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Tire Assessment

Inspect each tire for any oxidation, cracks, or bulges in the rubber. If any of them look in poor condition, change them. If the tires look a bit worn but still usable, consider giving them an alignment.

Use a gauge to check the air pressure of each tire. If the pressure is too high or low, adjust the tires to the manufacturer’s recommended level.

 

 

Pressure Gauge

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Brake Service

Spring is a great time to service your brakes, especially if your car’s been stationary all winter. Run through a couple system and operational checks to see how much work your brakes need. This guide explains how to do a brake service from your own garage. However, if you’re unsure about doing this yourself, don’t hesitate to have your car taken to a certified mechanic.

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Cleaning & Detailing

Make your car shine this spring by clearing away any dust and debris it collected during winter storage. Not only will this help your car look its best, but you can maximize the comfort of you and your passengers in a freshly cleaned car that’s ready for the new season.

Check out these tips on how to give your car a thorough clean and detail.

Starting the Car

When you start your car for the first time since winter car storage, you can expect it to sound a bit rough. It’ll take several minutes for the engine to fully warm up once the fuel has circulated through it. Let the engine reach a normal operating temperature before you start driving.

As the car is warming up, check for any black or white smoke, fluid leaks, or anything else out of the ordinary. Take this time to press the brake pedal and clutch pedal and make sure the gear stick shifts properly.

Getting Back on the Road

If everything looks good while the car is idling, you can go for an easy 30-minute drive. Avoid revving the engine and keep off the highway and dirt roads. Since your car has been out of commission all winter, don’t push it too hard on this first drive. Pay attention to any abnormal noises or vibrations as you drive that may indicate that you need to do further maintenance.

If you have any concerns about your car’s condition or performance after being in winter storage, visit a NAPA AUTOPRO Service Centre to have it assessed by a professional.

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