Storing Vehicles Over the Winter

If you are storing a car, motorbike, camper van or any other vehicle with an engine over the winter period then now is the time to think about protecting your vehicle in the coming months. Prepare now before the winter really sets in and your vehicle will survive the winter without being damaged.

Many people store vehicles in self storage units for the winter because they can only be comfortably used in the warmer months. Open-topped sports cars, classic cars, motorbikes (if you have particularly severe winter weather conditions in your part of the world). Maybe you are a fan of music festivals (without the mud), camping or glamping and have a motorhome or camper van that you cannot, or don't want to, park on your drive or in your garage over the winter but need somewhere secure to store it.

Then take a look at the following checklist and make sure your precious vehicle is well-protected – even inside a solid, secure storage container, moisture can penetrate into every nook and cranny and start the process of corrosion. Liquids within the engine and elsewhere can freeze, expand and do serious damage so take the time to prepare now and avoid the inconvenience and cost of repairs come the springtime. The last thing you want to find when the sun comes out on the first fine day of the new year is damage to your car or motorbike, just when you were going to take it for a spin.

Make these tips part of your checklist at the beginning of every winter:

• Empty the windscreen washer containers if they do not contain a mix of water and anti-freeze. Depending on the winter temperatures in your area, you may need to add extra anti-freeze to the mix.
• Leave the handbrake off but place bricks in front and behind the wheels just in case there is any movement of the container.
• Leave all the windows open a small amount so that air can circulate to avoid condensation forming inside the vehicle.
• Cover all leather seats, and other leather items, such as the steering wheel etc, with cotton dust sheets, old blankets or old towels. Do not use plastic sheeting as moisture will be trapped underneath.
• For particularly precious leather upholstery consider treating it with a nourishing, water-repellent conditioner before covering it up.
• Cover the carpets and any other fabrics or upholstery (if you have a campervan or motor home) with thick old blankets or towels, or flattened cardboard boxes. Again don't be tempted to use plastic sheeting – it will just trap the moisture present in the air underneath where it can start to penetrate your fabric.
• Spray WD40, or similar water and oil-repelling spray product, on all accessible metal parts to protect them from corrosion.
• Oil the door locks to prevent them freezing up if you expect extremely cold weather.

Moisture that is naturally present in the air can damage a wide range of materials such asmetal and leather so reducing the amount of moisture in the air can help to keep your vehicle in better condition. Storing.com'sself storage in Bedfordprovides climate controlled containers, as do most self storage units in London and other major towns and cities but you may want to consider investing in your own dehumidifier for extra protection of your vehicle whilst in storageduring the winter months.

The author has written and published articles on a wide range of topics including Small Business Advice, Tax and Accounting, Interior Design, House Renovation and Project Management.