How To Safely Park Your Car During Winter

The Canadian winter season is unpredictable. It challenges your ability to drive, maintain your vehicle, as well as store it safely throughout. Many car owners may have prepared their car for the winter season by switching to winter tires, getting the battery inspected, topping up their fluids and opting for other winter essential services, but have you thought about how you will store your car safely to keep it away from snow and moisture buildup? If not, then below are the effective winter car storage tips recommended by our expert automotive professionals you must keep at the top of your mind this winter. 

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Why Proper Winter Car Storage is Important

Before reading these tips, you should know the common reasons that led to the greater importance of storing your car properly in winter. These reasons include:

• Having difficulty starting your engine, especially when the vehicle is parked outside throughout the night or for extended periods. 
• Winter salt or snow buildup may block the vehicle’s exhaust pipe, causing severe engine problems. 
• When parked in the open, the car becomes prone to moisture buildup due to freezing rain and melted snow, which, consequently, can block the cabin air filters, as well as corrode the fuel tank and the exterior of the vehicle. 

Top Tips for Winter Car Storage

The best possible way to store your car properly in the winter and retain its top performance is by keeping in mind the following expert-recommended winter car storage tips: 

• If possible, park your vehicle under a roof or hood. A covered parking space protects your car against extreme temperature drops, which consequently cause heavy snowfalls or freezing rains that are harmful to your car. 
• Difficulty in finding a covered parking spot? Use a car cover or a tarp to protect your vehicle from moisture/ winter salt buildup, which can damage its exterior, as well as rust important parts. 
• If you’re planning not to move your car that often in winter, always add a little more air to the tires or keep a wooden plank underneath to protect the tires from puncturing. 
• Another important thing to remember when storing your vehicle for a prolonged period is to take out the battery and store it in a dry place. This is because car batteries tend to lose up to 35% of their strength, which can affect their lifespan. 
• To protect your car’s engine and fuel pipe against corrosion, make sure to top up your anti-freeze, as it regulates the engine when the temperature drops. 

For more such expert tips, visit Terra Nova GMC Buick, where our industry-trained technicians use their years of experience to help car owners take care of their vehicles.