Your show car is more than just a vehicle; it’s an investment and a source of pride. But when winter rolls around, road salt, snow, and freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on its paint and engine. Proper storage is the key to keeping it in pristine condition until spring.
Here are some tips on how to store your show car for the winter.
Prep Your Vehicle
Before your car goes into hibernation, it needs to be thoroughly cleaned and prepped to avoid damage during storage.
Clean Your Car Inside and Out
Leaving any dirt or debris on your vehicle to sit over winter can cause irreparable damage not only to your show car’s paint job but also to its undercarriage. A quick car wash won’t cut it—your show car needs a meticulous, top-to-bottom clean before it’s parked for the season.
A professional full detail protects your show car’s finish and interior. This should include a thorough hand wash using a high-quality automotive shampoo, careful cleaning of the wheels and undercarriage, and a clay bar treatment to remove embedded contaminants. Finish with a premium coating to create a barrier perfect to protect your vehicle against dust and moisture that may accumulate while it sits.
Likewise, it’s crucial to ensure your vehicle’s interior is deep cleaned. With an interior detail, professionals vacuum every surface, wipe down panels, and treat leather or fabric to prevent cracking, fading, and odors. Maintaining a clean interior will reduce the risk of your surfaces breaking down from buildups or pests.
Apply Paint Protection
Even when your show car is tucked safely away for the winter, its paint is still vulnerable. Moisture, dust, and even small temperature fluctuations in your storage space can cause damage over time. Paint protection like PPF and ceramic coating can help prevent this damage.
Paint protection film (PPF) is a durable film applied directly to your car’s paint. It acts as a physical barrier against scratches, chips, and stains that can happen while your car is in storage and during transport.
Unlike PPF, ceramic coatings form a chemical bond with your paint to create a long-lasting hydrophobic layer. This coating repels water, dust, and grime, making it easier to clean your car once it’s out of storage. It also enhances your paint’s depth and gloss, ensuring your show car looks just as stunning when spring arrives.
Fill Up the Gas Tank
There is often a debate as to whether you should have a full or empty gas tank when storing your car for the winter. In theory, an empty tank can reduce buildup. However, the draining process often leaves some moisture behind, which can lead to oxidation and rust. A full gas tank helps prevent this condensation in the fuel tank. Plus, adding a fuel stabilizer can keep the gas fresh and less likely to create varnish buildup.
Change and Top Off Fluids
Even if your vehicle isn’t scheduled for maintenance, it’s important to manage your fluids before storing it for the winter. Changing your oil and oil filter, for example, can help protect your show car from corrosion—a common issue with idle cars. Be sure to top off your coolant, brake fluid, and power steering fluid to keep things running smoothly when you take the car out of storage next season.
Maintain Your Tires
It’s no secret that cold temperatures can make your tire pressure go down. When it comes time to store your vehicle, inflate your tires to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. This helps prevent flat spots. You can also place your car on jack stands to take the weight off the tires.
Disconnect Battery
If you’re not planning on driving or occasionally starting the vehicle, it’s smart to disconnect the battery. This can prevent your battery from draining and potentially freezing. Please note that if you have a newer car, it’s not recommended to completely disconnect the battery. Instead, use a trickle charger that has an auto shut-off feature.
Prep Your Storage Space
When it comes to how to store your show car for winter, prepping your storage area is just as important as prepping the car itself.
Manage Pests
Rodents like mice and rats are always looking for warm and undisturbed places to nest during the colder months. Unfortunately, your vehicle’s interior is often a target for these pests. Seal cracks, set traps, and avoid storing food in the garage or space you plan on storing your show car.
Control the Temperature
If possible, store your car in a temperature-controlled garage. Consistent temperatures reduce the risk of condensation, which can lead to rust and paint damage.
Cover Your Vehicle
After cleaning your vehicle, you’ll want to protect it from gathering dust or other debris by using a cover. Use a breathable, high-quality car cover designed for indoor storage. Avoid plastic covers, as they trap moisture and can cause paint to bubble or peel.
Winter car storage doesn’t have to be stressful. By understanding exactly how to store your show car for winter, you’ll ensure it emerges in spring just as stunning as you left it. Whether you do the prep work yourself or trust a professional detailing service, your paint will stay glossy, your engine will stay healthy, and your pride and joy will be ready to turn heads when the warm weather returns.
Premier’s mission is to create happiness through professional detailing, and our purpose is to exhibit a philosophy of servanthood! If you have any questions, feel free to contact us or visit our website. Don’t forget to check us out on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as well!
