When temperatures start to drop, some drivers have to start planning when and where they’re going to store their vehicle for the winter. Considering we specialize in luxury vehicles, we figured it would be the perfect topic to explore with our drivers. We’re going to provide some suggestions on the best way to properly prepare and store your vehicle for the winter.

First and foremost, you’ll want to spend a significant amount of time cleaning the vehicle – both inside and out. Start with the inside and focus on getting rid of any and all garbage and food remnants. This will ensure that no rodents will be tempting to try and get inside the vehicle. If you’re going to store it in a heated indoor garage, be sure to remove any carpet you can to avoid a musty smell.

Turning our attention to the exterior, your main focus here will be to remove all dirt from the vehicle. It’s easy to do on the visible parts, but be sure to focus on the wheel wells and the underbody to ensure it’s as clean as possible. This will help to avoid rust and corrosion.

What should I keep in my car this winter?

Following on the winter theme, we’re going to share a list of things we suggest drivers should keep in their car during the winter months. Ideas range from a first aid kit and help-seeking devices for safety as well as winter essentials such as a shovel, ice scraper and warm blanket. Be sure to check this out before you head out on the road this winter.

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Top 3 Tips For Storing Vehicles During Winter

1. Change Oil – It’s important to get a proper oil change as well as change the filter before you store your vehicle for the winter. Although we don’t offer any services here, we can direct you to a nearby mechanic for assistance.
2. Fill Tank – Before you put your vehicle in storage, be sure to fill up with a full tank of premium, fresh oil. Condensation is one of the biggest issues for drivers who store their vehicles, but filling the tank can eliminate the chance of condensation happening.
3. Inflate Tires – Be sure to check the vehicle’s owner manual to determine the proper tire pressure. Flat spots can occur from long periods of storage, but some tires can avoid this if they’re slightly over inflated.

Before you put it away for good, be sure to also check all your fluid levels and top them off if necessary. It’s a good idea to put a rag or some sort of cover over the exhaust to ensure no small animals make it their home. However, be sure to remove it before you start driving it again.

There are plenty of other suggestions as well on how to properly store your vehicle for the winter, but we wanted to be sure to hit the basics. If you have any questions about these suggestions, please don’t hesitate to contact us here at Certified Autoplex. Drivers in the Dallas area are encouraged to check out our wide selection of pre-owned vehicles as well!