For many residents of North Idaho, winter means putting away the convertible, classic car, or 2WD “good weather” vehicle until spring. Other residents, even ones with more winter-ready vehicles, head south to warmer climes over the winter, leaving their car behind. Whatever the case, properly storing your vehicle is key to making sure it’s ready to go when warm weather (or you) return to North Idaho in spring.
At Mike White Ford, it’s hard not to notice that the types of cars you see on the road change over the winter, and for good reason; it’s much safer to drive heavier 4WD or AWD vehicles when snow and ice hit the ground. However, if you’re not going to drive a car for a while, it’s not enough to just drive it into your garage and put it in Park. You need to prepare your vehicles for seasonal downtime. Here are our best tips for storing your Ford safely and effectively over the winter.
1. Give It a Fresh Oil Change
Before putting your Ford into storage, schedule an oil change. Old oil can contain contaminants that, over time, may cause corrosion or sludge buildup. Starting the storage period with clean oil helps protect your engine during inactivity.
2. Fill the Gas Tank and Add Stabilizer
Moisture will form in a partially empty gas tank, which can cause rust to form or degrade the fuel. To prevent this, top off the tank with ethanol-free gas, which contains fewer volatile compounds and degrades less during time in storage. For extended storage (more than a month), add a fuel stabilizer, then run the engine for a short while to let the stabilizer circulate through the system.
3. Protect the Car’s Battery
Vehicle batteries discharge over time, and winter temperatures will speed up that process. To avoid returning to a dead battery, disconnect it or use a trickle charger to keep it at a healthy charge. This step is especially important if you’re storing your Ford in an unheated space.
4. Clean Your Car Inside and Out
Dirt, road grime, and crumbs left inside your Ford can cause problems if left unchecked. Wash and wax the exterior to protect the paint, vacuum the interior, and remove food or trash to prevent unwanted odors or inquisitive pests. Even if your car is stored in a garage, putting a breathable car cover on is also smart to keep dust and moisture at bay.
5. Take Care of the Tires
Vehicles are heavy, and tires can develop flat spots when a car sits too long without moving. To prevent this, inflate the tire to the proper PSI before storage. (The recommended tire pressure will be found in your manual, or often on the sticker inside the front door jamb.) Consider using tire cradles or jacking the vehicle up slightly to relieve pressure on the tires. Alternatively, roll the car a few inches every couple of weeks.
6. Don’t Forget the Brakes and Parking Brake
While engaging the parking brake before storing your car may seem natural, leaving it set for months at a time can cause the brake pads to stick to the rotors. Instead, put the vehicle in Park and use wheel chocks to keep the car from moving. This prevents potential brake problems when it’s time to drive again.
7. Guard Against Critters
Winter storage sometimes invites unwanted guests like rodents looking for warmth. Seal off access points to your garage, and consider placing deterrents around your Ford. Keeping the interior clean and free of any food particles is another simple but effective precaution against pests. Keep the doors and windows closed to prevent direct access.
8. Plan a Gentle Reawakening
As eager as you may be to pull the car out of the proverbial mothballs when good weather returns to North Idaho, don’t just jump in your car, start it up, rev up the engine, and hit the road. Take a few minutes to inspect the vehicle first. Check fluids, tire pressure, and the battery. Let the engine idle for a few minutes to circulate fluids before driving, and drive normally. Your Ford will appreciate the gentle awakening from winter slumber.
Store Smart with Mike White Ford’s Help
Whether you’re tucking away a Mustang convertible, a vintage truck, or your daily commuter before gearing up for winter, taking these steps before you store your Ford will help ensure that your car weathers the winter successfully. Mike White Ford’s service teams in Coeur d’Alene and Sandpoint can help with pre-storage oil changes, battery care, tire care, and inspections, giving you peace of mind all winter.
Proper storage will protect your Ford’s performance, appearance, and value, and help you enjoy a smooth, worry-free return to driving when North Idaho’s warm weather returns. Contact Mike White Ford today to schedule pre-storage service or get advice from our factory-trained technicians. While you’re here, check out our showroom and see what Ford’s been up to!