When temperatures drop and rain turns to ice, some vehicles are better off spending the season parked safely indoors. Whether you’re preserving a classic car, storing a convertible, or keeping a second vehicle off the road until spring, storing your vehicle correctly makes all the difference between pulling out a car that’s ready to drive and one that needs costly repairs.
At Federal Way Automotive, we regularly help drivers prepare their vehicles for winter storage — and more importantly, bring them safely back to life when spring arrives. If you’re planning to tuck your car away this season, here’s what you need to know to protect your investment and prevent common issues like dead batteries, flat tires, mold, or fuel problems.
Why Proper Winter Storage Matters
Cold weather, humidity, and inactivity can do real damage to your car. Fluids settle, seals dry out, moisture accumulates, and corrosion starts in hidden places. Even a few months of neglect can create electrical issues, brake problems, or mold inside the cabin.
The good news? With just a little planning, you can protect your car from the worst winter has to offer — and ensure it starts right up when you’re ready to hit the road again.
1. Choose the Right Storage Location
The best place to store your vehicle depends on your budget and how long you plan to keep it off the road.
Heated Storage
A heated garage or storage facility is the gold standard. It keeps temperature and humidity consistent, protecting your car’s fluids, seals, and interior materials. If you have access to heated storage, it’s well worth the investment — especially for high-value or collector cars.
Standard Garage
If a heated option isn’t available, a clean, dry garage works just fine. Sweep out debris, seal any gaps that could let in rodents or moisture, and use a vapor barrier (like a plastic sheet) under the car to reduce condensation from the cold floor.
Outdoor Storage
If you have to park outside, make sure to use a high-quality, weatherproof car cover. Avoid cheap plastic covers — they trap moisture and can damage the paint. Instead, look for breathable, water-resistant fabrics designed for long-term outdoor storage.
Also, try to park on pavement or concrete rather than dirt or grass, which can hold moisture and promote rust.
2. Clean Your Car Inside and Out
It might seem unnecessary to wash a car that’s just going into storage, but cleaning is one of the most important steps. Dirt, salt, and bird droppings can damage paint over time. A fresh coat of wax adds a layer of protection.
Exterior
- Wash thoroughly, including undercarriage and wheel wells.
- Dry completely before covering to prevent trapped moisture.
- Apply wax or ceramic coating for long-term protection.
Interior
- Vacuum and wipe down all surfaces.
- Remove trash and food wrappers — even small crumbs can attract rodents.
- Use a moisture-absorbing product (like silica gel or DampRid) to prevent mold.
Mold Prevention Tip
If your car will sit for more than a few months, consider leaving the windows slightly cracked (just enough to allow airflow, but not water). Combine this with a moisture absorber, and you’ll dramatically reduce the risk of mildew odors.
3. Protect the Battery
Your car’s battery slowly loses charge when it’s not in use — especially in cold weather. After a few months, it can become completely drained, shortening its life.
To prevent this, use a battery tender (also called a trickle charger). This small device keeps your battery charged without overloading it. Simply connect the tender to the battery terminals and plug it into a wall outlet.
If your vehicle will be stored where power isn’t available, disconnect the negative battery terminal to minimize parasitic drain. Just remember you may need to reset radio presets and clocks later.
4. Keep the Fuel System Healthy
Gasoline can break down over time, forming deposits and varnish that clog injectors and fuel lines. To avoid this, fill the tank completely — a full tank reduces condensation — and add a fuel stabilizer.
After adding the stabilizer, run the engine for 5–10 minutes to circulate the treated fuel through the entire system. This simple step prevents corrosion and keeps your fuel system clean through the winter.
5. Check and Top Off Fluids
Fluids are your car’s lifeblood, and they can degrade or attract moisture during storage. Before parking your vehicle, inspect and top off the following:
- Engine oil – Fresh oil prevents acidic buildup that can corrode metal components.
- Coolant – Check antifreeze protection levels to prevent freezing.
- Brake fluid – Moisture can enter over time; topping it up helps prevent internal rust.
- Transmission fluid – Ensures lubrication of internal components during inactivity.
- Windshield washer fluid – Replace summer fluid with a winter formula that won’t freeze.
If you’re unsure when these were last serviced, it’s a good time to schedule a quick auto repair checkup at Federal Way Automotive before storing your vehicle.
6. Protect the Tires
Tires naturally lose air over time, and prolonged sitting can cause flat spots — especially in cold weather.
Before storage:
- Inflate your tires to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure (or slightly higher).
- Move the vehicle a few inches every couple of weeks if possible.
- For long-term storage, consider placing the car on jack stands to remove pressure entirely.
If you’ll be storing your car outdoors, protect tires from UV damage with covers or by parking out of direct sunlight.
7. Keep Critters Out
Rodents love warm, quiet vehicles. They’ll chew on wiring, insulation, and upholstery if given the chance.
To keep them out:
- Seal openings in your garage with steel wool or metal mesh.
- Place dryer sheets or peppermint oil near entry points (rodents dislike the scent).
- Use rodent deterrent pouches under the hood and near the tires.
- Avoid leaving pet food or trash anywhere nearby.
Regularly check for droppings or nesting materials, especially if the vehicle is in long-term storage.
8. Maintain Airflow
Air circulation prevents moisture buildup and helps keep mold at bay. If you’re storing indoors, you can leave the car slightly uncovered or use a breathable car cover that allows ventilation.
For long-term storage, crack the windows slightly and avoid sealing the vehicle airtight. A small airflow goes a long way toward keeping your interior fresh.
9. Don’t Forget About Insurance and Registration
Even if your car is off the road, it still needs basic coverage to protect against theft, vandalism, or damage. Contact your insurance provider to see if they offer storage or comprehensive-only policies for parked vehicles.
Also, check local DMV requirements for registration — in many areas, stored vehicles can maintain non-operational status, saving you money while remaining legally compliant.
10. Plan for the Spring
Before driving again, take a few minutes to reverse your prep steps:
- Reconnect the battery or unplug the tender.
- Check fluid levels.
- Inspect tires for proper pressure.
- Remove covers and check under the hood for rodent damage.
- Wash and wax again to remove dust buildup.
Start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes to warm up all systems. Listen for any unusual sounds and check for leaks.
If your brakes feel soft or your battery hesitates to start, stop by Federal Way Automotive for a quick safety check before hitting the road.
Why Federal Way Automotive Recommends Proper Storage
Proper winter storage is about prevention — not repair. Our technicians have seen what months of inactivity can do: dead batteries, rusted brakes, seized engines, and even moldy interiors. These are avoidable with a little foresight and the right tools, like battery tenders and moisture control products.
We offer pre-storage inspections to help you make sure every system — electrical, mechanical, and fluid — is ready for hibernation. We also provide spring startup services to get your car running smoothly again when it’s time to drive.
Whether you’re storing a daily driver or a classic car, we’ll make sure it stays protected from the Pacific Northwest’s damp winter conditions.
Come By Federal Way Automotive If You Need Help This Winter
Storing your vehicle for winter doesn’t have to be complicated — but skipping key steps can lead to frustration and expensive repairs down the line.
By investing a little time now to prep your battery, fluids, tires, and interior, you’ll save yourself headaches come spring. Combine that with smart choices like heated storage, rodent prevention, and mold control, and your car will be just as pristine as when you parked it.
When you’re ready for help preparing or inspecting your vehicle, Federal Way Automotive is here to make the process simple, safe, and stress-free.
Drive smart, store smart, and protect your investment this winter.
