What to Do When You Take Your Car Out of Winter Storage
It’s springtime, and you feel the itch to take your car out of winter storage. But before you go on a joyride, there are some important things to consider.
Your first step is to check your tires. If they need air, it’s not too hard to do it yourself with an air compressor or by visiting a gas station. You should also take a look at the tread and see if they need to be replaced.
If your car was in storage for an extended period of time, it’s important to give it a good wash. This will remove any dirt or salt that may have accumulated on the surface. Once it’s clean, you should wax it to protect the paint.
Finally, take a look at your car’s fluids. The oil will need to be changed and the coolant should be flushed and replaced. These are easy tasks that you can do yourself or have them done at a service station.
Once you’ve checked all of these things, you’re ready to hit the open road! Just be sure to take it easy at first and make sure everything is working properly.
For those that want to dive into the details, we made a simple checklist and a how-to guide on how to check your car more thoroughly before giving it an after-winter ride. Read on and follow the steps.
Empty the Fuel Tank of Your Car
It’s important to empty the fuel tank of your car once you take it out of winter storage. This will help to prevent any corrosion or damage that may occur.
The best way to do this is to siphon the fuel out of the tank. You can buy a siphon pump at most hardware stores or online. Once you have the pump, simply insert it into the fuel tank and start pumping. The fuel will flow out of the tank and into a container.
If you don’t have a siphon pump, you can also drain the fuel tank by disconnecting the fuel line. First, locate the fuel line and then use a wrench to loosen the connection. Once it’s loose, gravity will do the rest and the fuel will flow out of the tank.
Once the fuel tank is empty, be sure to reconnect the fuel line and tighten it with a wrench. You should also add a fuel stabilizer to the tank before refilling it with fresh fuel.
Follow these steps and you’ll be sure to keep your car in top condition!
Change the Oil and Filter Once You Take Your Car Out of Winter Storage
Here are some simple steps to follow:
1. Park your car on a level surface and set the parking brake.
2. Open the hood and locate the oil filler cap on the engine.
3. Twist off the cap and remove it from the engine.
4. Place a drain pan under the engine and locate the oil drain plug.
5. Unscrew the oil drain plug with an adjustable wrench or socket wrench and let the oil drain out of the engine into the pan.
6. Screw the oil drain plug back into place when the flow of oil has slowed to a trickle.
7. Locate the oil filter on the engine.
8. Unscrew the oil filter with an adjustable wrench or socket wrench and let the oil drain out into the pan.
9. Wipe off the surface of the engine where the oil filter was located with a clean rag.
10. Screw on a new oil filter, hand-tightening it until it is snug.
11. Pour new oil into the engine, filling it to the level indicated on the dipstick.
12. Replace the oil filler cap and screw it back on tightly.
13. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes, then check the oil level again and add more if necessary.
14. Shut off the engine and dispose of the used oil and filter properly.
15. Check under the car for any leaks and repair them as needed before taking your car out on the road again.
Inspect the Brakes, Tires, and Steering Once You Take Your Car Out of Winter Storage
It's important to inspect the brakes, tires, and steering once you take your car out of winter storage. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to inspecting each of these components on your car.
First, let's start with the brakes.
Brake Inspection
Inspect the brake pads for wear and tear. If they're worn down, you'll need to replace them. Next, check the brake fluid level. If it's low, top it off. Finally, inspect the brake rotors for any damage. If they're damaged, you'll need to have them replaced.
Next, let's move on to the tires.
Tire Inspection
Inspect the tread depth of the tires. If they're worn down, you'll need to replace them. Also, check the tires for any damage. If you see any cracks or splits in the tread, the tire will need to be replaced.
Finally, let's inspect the steering.
Steering Inspection
Check the steering fluid level. If it's low, top it off. Next, check the power steering pump for any leaks. If you see any fluid leaking from the pump, it will need to be replaced. Finally, inspect the steering wheel for any damage. If it's damaged, you'll need to have it replaced.
That's it!
Wash and Wax the Car
Now that your car is inspected and ready to go, it's time to give it a good wash and wax. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to washing and waxing your car.
First, start by washing the car. Use a good quality car wash soap and a soft brush to clean the car. Rinse the car thoroughly with clean water.
Next, apply a thin layer of wax to the car. Use a circular motion to spread the wax evenly. Let the wax dry for a few minutes before buffing it off with a clean cloth.
Finally, enjoy your freshly washed and waxed car!
Check the Battery and Fluids
In addition to washing and waxing your car, it's also important to check the battery and fluids.
The battery should be checked to make sure it is still in good condition. If the battery is weak, it may need to be replaced.
The fluids should also be checked and topped off if necessary. Coolant, oil, and brake fluid are the most important fluids to check.
Test the Lights and Horn
It's also important to test the lights and horn after taking your car out of winter storage.
The lights should be tested to make sure they are all working properly. The horn should also be tested to make sure it is still in good working order. This test is fairly simple to conduct.
If any of these components are not working properly, it's important to have them repaired or replaced before driving your car.
Review your car insurance coverage
It's a good idea to review your car insurance coverage after taking your car out of winter storage.
You may need to increase your coverage if you're going to be driving your car more often in the spring and summer. You may also need to update your car insurance policy if you've made any changes to your vehicle, such as adding aftermarket parts or accessories. Here’s a simple guide on how to understand your policy so that you know what you’re expected to update, if anything.
Plan your route and map out your trips
Now that your car is ready for the spring and summer driving season, it's important to plan your route and map out your trips. The best way to do this is to use a GPS or map app on your smartphone.
By planning your route in advance, you can avoid any potential problems and make sure you get where you're going safely.
Thanks for reading! Enjoy the open road!
