If you’re planning on storing your vehicle during the winter months, a little preparation goes a long way. Whether it’s a classic car you only drive in perfect weather, a convertible you tuck away for the season, or a family vehicle you won’t be using for a while, how you store it will affect how it runs when you take it back out.
At DADS Auto Repair in Madera, CA, we help customers prepare their vehicles for short- and long-term storage every year. Many drivers think it’s as simple as parking the car and tossing a cover over it — but there’s a lot more to keeping your vehicle healthy while it sits.
From preventing dead batteries to stopping mold and corrosion, here’s what every Madera driver should know about winter vehicle storage.
Start with a Clean Slate
Before you put your car away for the season, give it a thorough cleaning inside and out. Dirt, bird droppings, and road grime can damage your paint over time, especially if the vehicle is stored in a garage or shed without climate control. A clean, waxed surface helps protect the paint from moisture and oxidation.
Inside the cabin, vacuum out crumbs and food debris — even small bits can attract pests or cause musty smells later. Use an interior protectant on vinyl and leather surfaces to prevent cracking or fading.
If your car will be covered, make sure it’s completely dry first. Covering a damp car traps moisture, which can lead to mildew, mold, or corrosion on metal parts.
Battery Maintenance: The Power Behind the Problem
One of the most common issues people run into after storing their vehicle is a dead battery. Modern vehicles have small electrical draws even when turned off, and over time, that can completely drain your battery.
The best solution is a Battery Tender, also called a battery maintainer. It keeps your battery charged without overcharging it, automatically cycling on and off as needed. Unlike traditional chargers, Battery Tenders are designed for long-term connection — perfect for vehicles in storage.
If you don’t have access to power in your storage area, disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent drain. Just be aware that this may reset your car’s electronics and radio presets.
At DADS Auto Repair, we often check the battery’s condition and charge before storage, and again before the vehicle goes back into service. It’s a small step that prevents a lot of frustration later.
Fluid Levels and Engine Protection
Your car’s fluids protect it even when it’s sitting still. Oil, coolant, and brake fluid can all degrade or absorb moisture over time. Before you store your car, have the oil changed — old oil contains contaminants that can cause internal corrosion.
Top off the coolant to prevent rust buildup in the radiator and engine. Make sure the coolant mixture is correct for the expected temperature range — even in Madera, winter nights can get cold enough to cause problems if levels are low.
Filling your fuel tank before storage also helps prevent condensation from forming inside. Add a fuel stabilizer to prevent varnish and gum from clogging injectors when you start the car again.
If you’re storing a vehicle for several months, consider a quick maintenance check at DADS Auto Repair. We can inspect for leaks, check fluid quality, and make sure your engine will be ready to fire up when you are.
Protecting Tires and Suspension
Tires naturally lose air over time. When a vehicle sits for long periods, they can develop flat spots where the rubber meets the ground. To prevent this, inflate the tires to the upper limit listed on the sidewall before storage.
If your car will be parked for several months, it’s smart to move it slightly once or twice a month to shift the tire contact patch. For long-term storage, you can also use jack stands to take pressure off the suspension and tires completely.
Make sure the parking brake isn’t engaged during extended storage — the brake pads can stick to the rotors. Instead, use wheel chocks to keep the car from moving.
Mold and Moisture Prevention
Moisture is one of the biggest enemies of stored vehicles. Even in relatively dry Madera, humidity can build up inside enclosed garages or under car covers, leading to musty smells, mildew, or mold.
To avoid this, make sure your vehicle’s interior is completely dry before storage. Use moisture-absorbing packs or desiccants inside the cabin and trunk to keep humidity in check. You can also crack the windows slightly to allow for ventilation — just enough to release trapped air without letting dust or critters inside.
For longer storage, it’s worth investing in a breathable car cover made of material that repels moisture while allowing air circulation. Avoid plastic tarps — they trap humidity and can damage the paint.
If you notice mold or moisture buildup after storage, DADS Auto Repair can help. We have safe cleaning processes for interior fabrics, vents, and air conditioning systems to eliminate odors and prevent recurrence.
Rodent and Pest Protection
One of the less pleasant surprises after storing a car is discovering that mice or other critters have moved in. They love quiet, warm places — and vehicle wiring or insulation makes a perfect nesting material.
To prevent this, close off entry points by plugging the exhaust tip and intake openings with steel wool or mesh. Avoid using food-based deterrents or traps that attract more pests.
You can also place peppermint oil sachets or rodent-repelling pouches under the hood and around the tires. These natural deterrents are safe and surprisingly effective.
If you store vehicles regularly, DADS Auto Repair can inspect for signs of rodent damage — especially chewed wiring or nests in the air filter box, which are more common than you’d think.
Location and Storage Environment
Where you keep your car matters. Outdoor storage exposes it to the elements, which can accelerate rust, paint fading, and rubber degradation.
Whenever possible, choose a heated storage or climate-controlled garage. Maintaining a consistent temperature helps preserve seals, hoses, and the battery.
If heated storage isn’t available, a well-ventilated garage or carport is still better than leaving your vehicle outside. Use a high-quality cover and consider placing a tarp or vapor barrier under the car to prevent ground moisture from reaching the undercarriage.
Start It Occasionally — But Carefully
There’s some debate about whether you should start your car during storage. At DADS Auto Repair, we recommend starting it about once a month — but only if you can let it run long enough to reach full operating temperature. That allows the oil to circulate, prevents seals from drying out, and keeps the battery charged.
If you only start it for a few minutes and shut it off again, you risk condensation building up in the exhaust and engine — which does more harm than good.
While the engine is running, move the car slightly to rotate the tires, pump the brakes a few times, and make sure everything still feels smooth.
Don’t Forget Insurance and Registration
If your car will be stored for several months, you may want to adjust your insurance coverage to reflect that it’s not being driven. Many insurers offer “storage” or “comprehensive-only” plans that still protect against theft, fire, and weather damage.
Keep your registration current, too. Letting it lapse can create headaches when you bring the vehicle back on the road.
Getting Your Vehicle Ready to Drive Again
When winter ends and it’s time to bring your car out of storage, resist the urge to just turn the key and go. A few simple checks can prevent problems down the road.
Inspect for leaks under the car, check fluid levels, and make sure your tires are properly inflated. Look for signs of rodents, like chewed wiring or nesting material. If the battery was disconnected, reconnect it and make sure all your electronics work.
At DADS Auto Repair in Madera, we recommend scheduling a quick post-storage inspection. We’ll check your fluids, battery, brakes, and tire condition to make sure everything is safe and road-ready before you head out for spring drives.
Trust DADS Auto Repair to Help You Store with Confidence
Storing your vehicle the right way can make all the difference when it comes time to start it again. Whether it’s protecting your battery, preventing mold, or ensuring your fluids and tires stay healthy, small steps now save big repairs later.
At DADS Auto Repair, we take the same diagnostic, no-guess approach to vehicle storage that we do to repairs. We can help you prepare your car for storage, check it during the off-season, or get it ready to hit the road again.
If you’re planning to park your vehicle this winter — or bring one out of storage — give us a call. We’ll make sure it’s ready for whatever comes next.
