As the weather begins to warm up, it’s quickly approaching time to get those sports cars and convertibles out of winter storage. But there are certain things to remember before this first trip. Knowing when and how to prepare your car after winter storage is the key to keeping it in top condition for years to come.
What to check when taking your car out of winter storage
The first things you’ll want to check when preparing your car after winter storage are your tires and fluids. Tires should have adequate air pressure without cracks. A simple tire pressure gauge is enough to tell you if your tires are holding pressure. And with a quick visual inspection in good light, you should be able to find any cracks.
Before starting the engine, check the engine oil and transmission fluid levels, if applicable. It’s hard to have your engine sitting for months without running; Low engine oil will only make things worse. Since your car has probably been sitting for several months, an oil change should be the first order of business once your car is back on the road. Even so, your engine should have the proper amount of oil as it sits before the car comes out of winter storage.
Once you start the engine, check under the car for any leaks that may have formed while the car was sitting. Sometimes seals and hoses can dry out and crack if a vehicle hasn’t been driven. These problems will only reveal themselves when the fluid starts moving through the system, and now is a good time to check for problems.
Finally, make sure your brakes are in good working order before you hit the road for some real driving. Seized clamps can occur if a vehicle is stored in a non-climate controlled environment, so it’s important to make sure everything is working properly for safety.
Check for signs of mice and mold
Mold can form inside the cabin if the car is subjected to changing conditions during winter storage. If you open the door and detect a musty or damp smell, check the vehicle thoroughly for signs of mold. If caught early, mold is fairly easy to treat. However, it is almost impossible to eradicate if it takes over large swathes of inner tissue.
Finally, open the hood and check all storage areas for evidence of mice. Common areas include the air filters, passenger glove box and spare tire well, but any hidden alcove can be a haven for rodents. Also, you can check all visible areas of wiring and insulation for signs of chewing and look for droppings on top of the motor and around the frame.
When it is safe to take the car out of winter storage
The excitement of the upcoming summer driving season can make anyone impatient, but taking the car out too soon can be a problem. If you live in a northern or mountainous climate, know when it’s safe beyond the snow season to avoid salt contamination on your vehicle. For most of North America, that’s early May, although some may be safer waiting until Memorial Day.
Have fun with your car this summer
Now that you’ve serviced your car and taken it out of winter storage, it’s time to hit the road. Going through this Les Schwab checklist will give you a little extra peace of mind so you can focus on the fun of driving your sports car.
