Car preservation for winter: a complete guide to car preservation in the cold season

Proper preservation of the car for the winter period allows you to maintain its technical condition and avoid serious breakdowns in the spring. All the details are in the Izvestia article.

Preparation of the body and chassis

Thorough washing and drying of the body is the first stage of car preservation. It is necessary to remove all dirt, especially from the lower part of the body and wheel arches, where reagents and moisture can accumulate.

Experts recommend applying a wax coating to protect the paintwork. Anti-corrosion treatment of hidden body cavities will prevent the formation of rust during the winter season.

Tire and suspension preparation

When parked for a long time, the tire pressure should be increased by 0.5 bar from the recommended value. This compensates for the natural air leakage and prevents the tires from deforming.

To preserve the suspension, it is better to install the car on special stands. This will take the load off the shock absorbers and springs, as well as prevent the appearance of flat spots on the tires.

Preservation of the engine and vehicle systems

Before long-term storage, the engine oil and filters must be replaced. Fresh oil does not contain acids and wear products that can damage engine parts.

Important stages of engine conservation:

• cylinder treatment with a special preservative compound;

• refueling a full tank of fuel with the addition of a stabilizer;

• disconnecting the battery terminals;

• treatment of rubber seals with silicone grease.

Protection from moisture and pests

The interior of the car requires special attention during conservation. The interior must be thoroughly vacuumed and dried to prevent the appearance of mold and unpleasant odors.

To protect against rodents, it is recommended:

• spread the repellents in the engine compartment and cabin;

• install the grids on the ventilation openings;

• periodically check the condition of the car;

• use UV repellents.

Choosing a storage location

The ideal place for winter car preservation is a heated garage. If this is not possible, choose a dry parking lot with a canopy that protects from direct precipitation.

If the car remains in an open parking lot, you must:

• Use a thick cover made of breathable material;

• install protection on the glass;

• apply anti-freezing locks;

• regularly clean snow from the surface of the car.

Preparation for spring operation

Before the start of spring operation, the car requires gradual commissioning. You should start by checking the tire pressure and connecting the battery.

Step-by-step engine start-up includes:

• checking the level of technical fluids;

• visual inspection of the engine compartment;

• warming up the engine at idle;

• checking the operation of all vehicle systems.

Common mistakes during conservation

Many car owners neglect important conservation steps, which leads to problems during the spring launch. The most common mistake is to leave old oil in the engine.

Critical storage errors:

• the use of polyethylene covers;

• leaving the handbrake on;

• storage with an empty fuel tank;

• ignoring protection from rodents.

Proper preservation of a car for the winter period requires careful preparation and compliance with all stages of the procedure. A properly mothballed car will retain its performance characteristics and will be ready for use with the onset of spring.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.