Winter has arrived in the Midwest, and most of the Northwest Indiana and Michigan area is covered in snow. If you were holding out on winter storage for your sports car or convertible, the reality is the snow is here to stay. Storing your car in your pole barn is easy, but here are some tips to make sure your car will be ready to hit the road when the snow melts.
- Add fuel stabilizer
Gasoline can last on average three to six months. A fuel stabilizer is the solution if you are storing for a long period of time. Its best to add stabilizer to a fresh tank of gasoline.
- Change the oil
Fresh oil is the best for your engine after long-term storage. You can change the oil filter and top off other fluids.
- Look at the battery
During winter storage, a battery can stay connected, but it is recommended to disconnect it. Be sure to sure to store it in a warm place. Freezing temperatures can cause the battery to crack or freeze. Another option is to use a trickle charger of a battery tender. With a trickle charger, run the cables under the car so you can still close the car hood. The battery tender/charger should have an automatic shut-off to keep the battery from over-charging.
Putting the battery on a charger over the winter ensures your car will start on its return to the road.
- Cover the floor
Park the car on a tarp in case there is a leak. You don’t want an oil stain on the floor of your pole barn.
- Wash the car
Yes, Inside and out! Wash to remove all the dirt, dust, bird bombs, or tree sap off the paint. Acidic materials could damage the paint.
Clean the inside by picking up wrappers, bottles, or other garbage that could be under the seats or in the console. Check for any lingering food, because rodents are especially hungry during winter months. Desiccant packs will soak up any moisture to prevent a stale or musty smell.
– NOTE – Milmar pole barns are protected from rodents by using rodent guard trim around the base and making sure areas of access are closed off to the elements and pesky squirrels and mice.
- Cover and say goodbye for now
A regular car cover will do the job, but a thicker cover would add extra padding in case you bump the car or if something would fall on the car. Be sure all the hood, trunk, and doors are closed before covering. A helping hand will also make this job easier! Never use a plastic tarp, because it will scratch the paint.
This beauty is in one of our recent pole barn projects and will be protected from the elements all winter!
If you want to see another car themed pole barn we completed, check out the YouTube video here: Porter County Pole Barn