For those that have classic, luxury and sports cars, the winter season is the time of the year that marks the end of their driving season. To keep your car in pristine and high-quality condition, it’s important that you properly store your car. Here are some helpful storage tips when preparing for winter car storage:

Storing Location: Be sure that you choose a safe, and dry building where you car can stay during the winter. A garage works great, but if you don’t have one, a facility with a concrete floor is a must. Bare earth such as an old barn is not optimal.

Engine Oil: Check the engine oil with a dipstick. If it’s dirty, your car has reached its mileage limit and you should change it before storage.

Wash and Clean: Before storing your car, you should also complete one final wash. This way, you can ensure there is no dirt or any debris left on the surfaces for an extended period.

Tires: Before storage, also inflate your tires to the maximum PSI rating. This will prevent any chances of flat spots from developing. You should also leave the car in neutral without the parking brake turned on. Automatic transmission vehicles can be left in park but otherwise, be sure to block the tires to prevent any moving.

Ventilation: Roll down your cars windows to allow proper circulation. This way, moisture won’t build up inside the cabin.

Pest Prevention: Rodents often seem to find their way into garages and make it their home for the winter. If these rodents make it into parts of the car, they can run havoc on the wires. To be safe, take a ball of steel wool and place it in the exhaust pipe opening and air inlet. You can also place laundry fabric sheets in the cabin and trunk and place moth balls around the perimeter of the vehicle.

Car Cover: As a finishing touch, use a quality and tight cover which also allows the car to get some air.