4 Safety Tips for Parking Car in the Garage in Winter
Jan 14, 2022
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The million-dollar question every auto enthusiast gets asked is, “Should I park my car in the garage in winter?” The cold season is a very tough time for our beloved cars that we want to stay as new and as pristine for as long as possible. So if you are debating whether to let your vehicles stay in the garage or on the streets, just a mere steps away from the house, read on to make up your mind that it is always better to store them in a warm, well-insulated garage. Plus, you do not need to scrape off the ice in the morning.Protecting them from the brutal winter is of course part of the TLC that we give to our partner four-wheeled rides. So, how exactly do we achieve that? Follow these simple steps, and we assure you the long winter months will pass by smoothly hassle-free, without having to spend a fortune on repairs come springtime.
1. First off: Clean up
A neat and organized space is always a must whichever season we may be in. And winter is definitely not an exception. In fact, we must take more cautious steps in maintaining the garage during the harsh, cold season. Maintaining a clean garage also means keeping the critters like mice away. The rodents will always look for a warmer place to stay in this unforgiving climate. And unfortunately for you, that place could be your car. So it is better to resolve the mice issues, if you have any, as a way to protect your vehicle.Second, always keep the area dry. Moisture build-up will be bad for your cars. One of the things that top the to-do list is to keep away liquids stored in the garage. Why? Simply because water, or any liquids of that matter, will freeze no matter where it is. Find a warmer place in the house for the time being. And make sure that it is out of reach of your children or pets.Third, keep your stored items off the floor. You want to make sure that the ground is free of clutter. And the smart solution for that is installing overhead storage or wall-mounted storage.
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2. Insulate garage walls
Most garage spaces are usually not weatherproofed. So, depending on the temperature levels of the environment, say during winter, the garages can dip to an extremely low level. This could mean that it can reach freezing temperature, which will cause water pipes and other equipment to go bonkers. And your cars are not exempted, naturally.Insulating your garage will be a great help to achieve a normal temperature. It is effective in slowing down the cool transfer through the ceiling, walls, and floors. And if you want to protect your cars from rust and humidity, then you can count on it. Plus, it also lowers your electrical bills as the insulation minimizes energy loss.
3. Fill up your tank and change the oil and filter
You may have read or heard of two conflicting opinions to this: Do you empty or fill up your fuel? The former is a little bit tricky. Draining a gas tank may leave behind moisture. And moisture is the root cause of rust. While in the latter, it prevents moisture buildup. However, you may be wary of deterioration in the fuel, which may result in oxidation and deposits to form. The advice of the experts is to add a fuel stabilizer. Drive the car for around 10-15 minutes to let it mix with the fuel thoroughly.It isn’t due for an oil change, you say? Remember that an idle car is more prone to engine corrosion. And an oil change helps in protecting your car from the corrosion.
4. Wash, wax, and cover the car
Common sense tells you that before storing your car in the garage, it must be thoroughly washed. And once it has dried completely, give it a good waxing to keep the finish well and polished. Lastly, cover the car with a custom-fit breathable material. Stay away from the plastic ones as they trap moisture that can cause rust.