After a long summer of socially distant cruising, it is time to start to thinking of storing classic and luxury cars for the winter. Winter’s weather and temperatures can damage a car’s interior and exterior so you may want to consider storing the car for the winter. Whether you want to store the car in your own garage or in a storage facility, there are certain things you should do to ensure the vehicle stays in good shape while in winter storage. Most car enthusiasts choose to begin to the process of long term storage of their cars in late September. Utilizing the tips below will ensure that your car will emerge from storage in top condition.

Always wash your car before putting it into storage.

Washing the car before placing a cover on it will prevent scratches from debris and from rubbing the paint when the cover is put on. You’ll also want to examine the car closely to check for dried on insects and tree sap. If you find any of those, you’ll want to remove them immediately. After the car is thoroughly clean, you’ll want to apply a coat of wax. This will ensure the car looks great when it comes out of storage next summer. Don’t forget to carefully place a well-fitting cover on the car.

Clean the cars interior before winter storage.

Give the car’s interior a thorough inspection before closing it up for storage. Remove any garbage from summer driving and throw it away. You should also vacuum the seats and cover them. If you’re worried about moisture, you can place a small amount of desiccant in the car to absorb it. Don’t forget about cleaning the car’s dashboard, door panels, and console as well.

Don’t forget to prepare the car’s engine and tires for storage as well.

Check the oil before putting the car in storage. If the oil is dirty, you should change it before putting it away. Clean oil will make the drive more pleasant in the spring and ensure you don’t have to rush out and get the oil changed. All of the vehicle’s fluids should also be topped off. A fuel stabilizer will keep the gas in your tank from evaporating over the long winter. Tires should also be filled so that they do not develop flat spots. You may not want to leave the parking brake engaged because there have been cases of them becoming locked while in storage. It also a good idea to take out the battery because it may drain because the car isn’t running.