How to properly store your Mustang or Classic Car for Winter

For those of us on the East Coast or areas where you experience winter conditions. The first breath of cold air is a sad day, we know what that drop in temperature means. The hairs on the back of our necks stand up as we realize the inevitable, it’s time to put away our favorite toy. I know it’s only for a few months but it’s still depressing. No more cruising or shows for a little while. So, how do we ensure our chariots will be in the same condition we last saw them in on the first day of Spring? 

There are a lot of theories out there on how get your Classic Car ready for storage. The worst thing you could do is just park it, obviously. If we don’t properly prepare our classics for Winter, the list of potential issues is long. Bad gas, dead batteries, damaged paint and interiors, tire issues, rodent and insect infestation, rust and mechanical problems from accumulated moisture are just a few of them. Here are a few things that I do and some tips that I have acquired over the years of owning my 1966 Mustang. 

1. The first step I take when getting the car ready for storage is clean it. I give it a good detail including wax and polish the chrome. Don’t forget the importance of the interior too. Make sure you vacuum and polish the interior as well. I will also buy a few packs of desiccant as they will help with moisture. Moisture is the enemy here folks. You can find them on Amazon or any hardware store.
2. The second order of business is changing the oil. Always store a vehicle with fresh oil. You can read my previous article on which oil I recommend, but it’s Brad Penn. It will start you off in the Spring on the right foot. Check the rest of the fluids as well and top them off if needed. 
3. Get yourself a good Battery Tender. Make sure the device has an automatic shut off to avoid overcharging. If you have the ability to do so you might want to consider taking the battery out of the vehicle completely. 
4. Gas is another important step. Make sure your fuel tank is completely full and add a fuel-stabilization product. Filling the tank will eliminate room for moist air to collect. 
5. If you live in an area where you might be susceptible, I would go as far as to stuff the exhaust pipes and any other openings with wads of steel wool. Just to keep out the little unwanted friends. 
6. Get the vehicle off the ground, raising it off its tires keeps them from flat-spotting. So, if you can get some sturdy jack stands and jack up your vehicle. This may not be necessary if you have newer tires but use you best judgment.
7. Finally, cover your prized possession. Get a high-quality cover that is soft on the inside so you won’t damage your paint. 

These are just some of the things I do for storage and they work for me. I’m sure everyone has their own regimen, but If you are new to this, trial and error is what will work. It really depends on where you live that will determine the severity of the steps you take. Some regions are easier on these cars than others, so it depends on how extreme the conditions are near you. If you go below freezing these are good steps, if it doesn’t get that cold but you get a lot of salt on the ground you’ll want to avoid the streets too. All of these suggestions will give you a good starting point. If you have another process or additional suggestions please leave a comment below. Otherwise, I look forward to hearing those engines roar on the first day of Spring!