Parking a car for months is more than just tossing on a cover and turning the key off. A little prep now protects paint, electronics, tires, and seals from the kind of slow damage that shows up in March. With Seattle’s cool, wet winter, moisture control matters, and so does the way you handle fuel, battery, and tires.
Here is a straightforward plan that keeps your vehicle happy while it hibernates.
Why Proper Storage Saves You Money
Sitting still can be hard on a car. Fuel starts to oxidize, batteries discharge, tires pick up flat spots, and humidity creeps into places it doesn’t belong. The result is rough running, warning lights, and new noises when you finally fire it up.
A short checklist before you park prevents most of that. Think of storage prep as a mini service visit you do once, so spring driving feels normal and trouble-free.
Choose the Right Spot and Prep the Exterior
If you have a garage, you already have a head start. Concrete floors keep moisture down, and a roof shields the paint. Before you park, wash the car thoroughly, clean wheel arches, and remove road film from the lower doors. Contaminants left on the surface can etch paint over time. Follow the wash with a quick spray sealant so water beads and dirt release easily later.
For outdoor storage, use a breathable, fitted cover that resists rain while allowing moisture to escape. Avoid plastic tarps because they trap condensation against the paint and trim.
Fuel, Fluids, and Filters Before You Park
Top the tank and add a quality fuel stabilizer, then idle the engine for a few minutes so treated fuel reaches the injectors and rail. A full tank reduces air space and slows oxidation, which keeps the fuel system cleaner. An oil change right before storage removes acids and fuel dilution that would otherwise sit against bearings and cam surfaces.
Make sure coolant strength is correct for freezing protection, and fill the windshield washer with a low-temperature blend so lines do not gel. If the air filter is heavily loaded, replace it now to discourage rodents from nesting in a dusty air box.
Battery Care Without Headaches
Batteries dislike sitting. Modern vehicles draw a small standby current for security and modules, and that can drain a healthy battery flat in a few weeks. The best approach is a smart maintainer connected to the underhood posts or directly to the battery, depending on access. A maintainer cycles on and off to hold charge without overcooking the battery. If power is not available, you can disconnect the negative cable, but be ready to reset the clock and presets in the spring.
For hybrids and EVs, follow the owner’s manual guidance. Most of them recommend storing at a mid-range state of charge and waking the vehicle periodically to prevent the high-voltage pack from drifting too low.
Tires, Brakes, and Suspension During Storage
Inflate tires to the upper end of the door jamb specification to reduce flat spotting. On heavier vehicles or performance tires, bump a couple of psi above the normal setting and recheck in spring. If possible, move the car a few inches monthly to change the contact patch. Parking brakes can stick when left on for long periods, especially in damp weather.
Leave the brake released and use wheel chocks to secure the car. If brakes are freshly washed, take a short drive to dry the rotors before parking so rust film does not bond to the pads.
Keep Moisture, Pests, and Odors Away
Seattle’s winter humidity makes mold prevention important. Dry the interior thoroughly after the last wash, then vacuum and wipe down surfaces so crumbs and dust do not invite pests. A small desiccant pack on the floor can help keep windows clear and fabrics fresh. Close the windows fully, but leave the climate control in fresh air mode, not recirculate, so the system can breathe when you first start it.
Seal food and pet products outside the garage, and consider mild deterrents around wiring if your parking spot is known for rodent activity. Check that the sunroof and cowl drains are clear so rainwater cannot sneak into the cabin.
Your First Start in Spring: A Simple Checklist
Remove the cover, check tire pressures, and look for any signs of leaks on the floor. Reconnect the battery or unplug the maintainer, and cycle the ignition to let the modules wake up. On the first crank, let the engine idle quietly for a minute while oil circulates. Listen for belt squeaks and watch for warning lights that stay on.
Take a gentle drive and use the brakes a few times to clean the rotors. After the first trip, recheck pressures and fluid levels, and consider a quick wash to remove winter dust from the cover.
Prepare for Spring with West Seattle Autoworks in Seattle, WA
If you want a smooth spring start, we can handle the storage prep for you. Our team performs pre-storage oil service, fuel stabilizer treatment, battery maintainer setup, tire inflation, and moisture control checks, then sets you up with a simple spring wake-up plan.
Schedule a visit with West Seattle Autoworks in Seattle, WA, and we will make sure your vehicle rests well through winter and drives like itself when the sun returns.