How to prepare storing your car for winter
When preparing your vehicle for winter storage, it is essential to take the necessary precautions to prevent damage and costly repairs. Simply locking your car in the garage may not be sufficient, especially if your vehicle is not equipped to handle low temperatures. Here are a few things to keep in mind when getting your car ready for winter storage:
Winter Car Insurance
It's important to ensure that your car is properly insured with a policy specifically tailored to this type of vehicle. Even if your car is in storage, many states require you to maintain minimum coverage to avoid a lapse in insurance. Not having coverage in place can result in higher premiums when you do decide to insure it again. Additionally, it's important to keep in mind that your stored vehicle can still be damaged, such as from a falling tree, and without insurance, you will be responsible for covering the repair costs yourself.
Any way to save?
To lower your auto insurance premium on a stored vehicle, you can consider dropping collision coverage and keeping only comprehensive coverage. However, if you have an auto loan, you should check with your lienholder to see if they require both types of coverage to be maintained. Utilizing a service like Luna can help you find more cost-effective options and save money on unnecessary coverage for a car that is not in use.
Maintenance and storing your car
- Perform fluid maintenance, such as changing the oil and filter and swapping out coolant for an antifreeze type.
- Fill up the gas tank and add a fuel stabilizer to prevent corrosion in the fuel lines and engine.
- Clean the car thoroughly, including a coat of wax and checking for rust spots.
- Inflate the tires to the recommended pressure to prevent gradual loss while in storage.
- Take a last spin to circulate new fluids before storing the vehicle.
- Make sure your battery charger has a float mode or automatic off switch to prevent overcharging
- Take proper care of your car battery, whether by removing it and storing it elsewhere or using a trickle charger to keep it charged over time
- Release the parking brake and use a tire stopper instead to prevent it from sticking
- Cover air vents and block the exhaust pipe with steel wool to prevent access by small animals and insects
- Remove wiper blades to prevent deformations or wrap them in a cloth
- Protect your vehicle with a high-quality car cover, opting for a weatherproof option if your vehicle will be stored outside, and securing it against strong winds.
If you're planning to store your car during the winter and are wondering how it will affect your insurance premium, or if you want to lower your rate but don't know where to start, Luna can help. Contact one of our licensed advisors to find the best deal and make sure you're properly covered. Preparing your car for winter may not be the most exciting task, but with extreme weather becoming more common, it's important to take all necessary precautions. Sign up here to learn more.
