The first cool breeze is rolling through O’Fallon, the leaves are starting to turn, and that means one thing for car enthusiasts and fair-weather drivers alike: it’s almost time to put the summer ride away. Whether it’s a classic convertible, a weekend sports car, or a motorcycle, simply parking it in the garage and throwing a cover over it is a recipe for springtime heartbreak.
A vehicle is a significant investment, and proper storage is the key to protecting it. At Hillside Auto Repair, we’ve seen the consequences of neglect, from seized brakes to engines that won’t crank. Let’s walk through the essential steps to ensure your pride and joy wakes up next spring in better shape than when you tucked it in.
The O’Fallon Factor: Why Our Climate Demands Attention
Missouri winters aren't just about snow; they're about humidity, temperature swings, and moisture. These elements are the arch-nemeses of a stored vehicle, leading to:
- Corrosion on brakes, exhaust systems, and even engine internals.
- Flat-spotted tires from sitting under weight for months.
- A dead, and potentially permanently damaged, battery.
- Degraded fuel that can clog injectors and fuel lines.
A proper storage routine fights these issues head-on.
The Golden Trio: Fuel, Battery, and Oil
These three systems are the most vulnerable during long-term storage.
1. Fuel System Preservation:
You have two good options. The best practice is to fill the tank completely with fresh, high-quality gasoline and add a fuel stabilizer (like STA-BIL). A full tank leaves no room for air, which prevents moisture condensation that leads to rust and fuel contamination. The stabilizer prevents the fuel from breaking down and forming gummy varnish that clogs your expensive fuel injectors and carburetors.
2. Battery TLC:
A battery left connected will slowly discharge and can sulfate, rendering it useless and unrecoverable. The simple solution? A battery maintainer (tender). This clever device plugs into a wall outlet and connects to your battery, providing a tiny trickle of charge to keep it at 100% without overcharging. It’s the difference between a car that starts instantly in spring and one that needs a jump—and a new battery.
3. A Fresh Oil Change:
This is one many people forget. Used engine oil contains contaminants and acids that are corrosive. Letting that sit in your engine for months is like marinating your internals in a harmful sludge. Get an oil change right before storage. Fresh, clean oil will protect all the critical components until it’s time to run again.
Beyond the Basics: The Supporting Cast
- Tire Care: Inflate tires to the recommended pressure to help prevent flat spotting. For truly long-term storage, consider putting the car on jack stands to take the weight completely off the tires and suspension.
- Moisture & Critter Control: Place moisture absorbers (like DampRid) inside the cabin and trunk to prevent mold and mildew. Plug the exhaust pipe and air intake to deter mice from turning your airbox into a cozy winter condo.
- The Final Touch: Give the car a good wash and wax to protect the paint. A breathable cover is a must if you’re storing it in a garage where it might get dusty.
Why Trust Hillside Auto Repair with Your Pre-Storage Prep?
This might sound like a lot of work, and it is. But you don’t have to do it alone. Our technicians at Hillside Auto Repair can handle your complete pre-storage service, ensuring it’s done right. We use:
- The same professional tools and equipment that dealerships use.
- High-quality fuel stabilizers and parts.
- Expert knowledge to spot potential issues before they become winter-long problems.
And every service we provide is protected by our 3-year/36,000-mile warranty, because we believe in doing the job right.
A little effort this fall saves you a fortune in repairs next spring. Think of it as tucking your car in for a long, well-deserved nap.