As the seasons change and the temperatures drop, car enthusiasts face a familiar challenge: winter car storage. Whether you’re parking your classic car, weekend cruiser, or project build, proper winterization is key to keeping your vehicle in peak condition. AutoMeter gauges and monitoring tools can help you protect every critical system while your car rests for the season.
Battery Maintenance is Crucial
Cold winter months can drain your battery and damage its lifespan. Before storing your car:
- Fully charge your battery: A fully charged battery is less likely to freeze and is better equipped to handle long periods of inactivity.
- Use an AutoMeter Battery Extender (BEX-1500, BEX-3000, or a BEX-5000) to maintain batteries without overcharging. AutoMeter’s BEX series chargers are designed specifically for long-term maintenance, keeping your battery at an optimal state without the risk of overcharging.
BEX-1500:
Designed for 12-volt batteries, delivering a 1.5-amp charging current. Ideal for steady long-term maintenance without risk of overcharging.
BEX-3000:
Designed for 12-volt batteries, delivering 3.0 amps and able to charge Standard, AGM, and Gel Cell types. Features intuitive indicator lights that clearly display the charger’s progress as it automatically cycles through charging, conditioning, and maintaining modes.
BEX-5000:
A versatile, heavy-duty charger, delivering up to a 5 amp charge, compatible with 6, 8, 12, and 16-volt battery systems. Supports Standard, AGM, and Gel Cell batteries, allowing you to select the correct battery type for precise charging and optimized long-term performance.
Each model is ideal for your motorcycle, boat, snowmobile, car, truck, RV, and smaller automotive batteries.
Protect Tires and Suspension
Cars left stationary for long periods risk flat-spotted tires and sagging suspension.
- Inflate tires to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure (or slightly above).
- Use jack stands or blocks to take the weight off tires if possible. This will help prevent flat spots from forming and to relieve pressure on the suspension.
- Tires sitting for long periods can lose pressure, especially in the cold weather. AutoMeter tire pressure gauges help monitor the tire’s integrity. Leaks or pressure loss while parked can harm ride height and suspension components.
AutoMeter Tire Pressure Gauges make it easy to monitor your vehicle’s tire pressure during storage, keeping your ride supported all winter long.
Monitor Fluids and Engine Health
Stale fuel, old oil, and deteriorating coolant can damage your engine over months of inactivity.
- Top off all fluids and add a fuel stabilizer, or use a non-ethanol fuel.
- Keep your fuel tank above half full to help prevent internal condensation. Condensation forms when warm, moist air inside the tank cools and releases water, which settles on interior tank surfaces and eventually collects at the bottom since water is heavier than gasoline. Over extended storage periods, this moisture can lead to oxidation, especially in steel fuel tanks above the fuel line.
With AutoMeter Fuel Level Gauges, you can easily and accurately monitor your fuel level year-round, helping ensure proper storage conditions and peace of mind while your vehicle is parked. AutoMeter’s oil pressure gauges allow you to safely monitor vital readings during these checks after a long winter, preventing hidden damage.
Store in a Safe, Climate-Controlled Environment
- Park in a dry, clean garage with minimal moisture.
- Use a breathable car cover to protect the finish.
- Consider a small dehumidifier if your garage is prone to humidity.
AutoMeter gauges can help you track environmental impacts indirectly such as the battery voltage, oil pressure, & water temperature while your vehicle is at idle in the Spring.
Check Your Car Regularly
Even with proper winterization, regular inspection is key.
- Check for leaks, rodents, or fluid issues.
- Verify tire pressure and battery health throughout the winter months.
- If you don’t have an AutoMeter BEX Battery Extender, another option is to disconnect the battery while in storage to minimize battery drain, or fire due to old or rodent damaged wiring.
Doing these helpful steps will give you confidence whenever you fire up the car after a long winter. You’ll know immediately whether fluids are flowing, electrical is stable, and tire pressure is good before your vehicle even before it rolls out of storage.
