For those of us who drive fair-weather vehicles and live in northern climates, winter is a dark season indeed. Putting our classic vehicles away for several months may be a ritual, but one that requires careful preparation regardless. To ensure it stays in top condition while it’s hibernating requires more than just rolling into the garage and walking away until the piles of snow melt away.

Here are 10 tips to help you store your classic vehicle properly, from folks who know a thing or two about the subject.

Put it Away Clean

This first tip seems like it should be obvious, but sometimes the first winter event sneaks up on us unexpectedly. Before you put it away, give your car a thorough cleaning including a coat of high-quality wax or ceramic finish. Washing ensures you get all the road debris off the paint and underside. The wax or ceramic, meanwhile, protects the paint from contaminants and moisture during storage.

Check and Change Fluids

Top up all your fluids before you throw the cover on, and perhaps give the vehicle an oil change so it’s ready to roll when spring finally pops. Filling the fluid reservoirs helps prevent condensation that can lead to corrosion in the brake, fuel and cooling systems. This is also a great time to put a telltale cardboard panel under the car to see what leaks while it’s parked.

Stabilization the Fuel

Before you top up the fuel tank (see above) add a fuel stabilizer to prevent the fuel from deteriorating and making a gummy mess of the fuel system. Run the engine for a few minutes after adding the stabilizer to ensure it circulates through the system.

Fill Up the Tires

Inflate the tires to their maximum recommended air pressure to prevent flat spots. This will be different than the car vehicle manufacturer’s recommended operating pressure. If you have high-performance tires that are even more prone to flat-spotting or plan a prolonged storage period, consider placing the vehicle on jack stands to relieve the pressure on the tires. Whatever you do, make sure to reset all air pressures before your first drive of the new season.

Battery Maintenance

Depending on how old your classic is, there are a couple ways to handle battery maintenance. Start with a fully charged battery. This is less likely to freeze and will be ready for use when you retrieve the vehicle. On older vehicles with no electronics, your best bet for storage may be to simply disconnect the battery entirely. On more modern cars or trucks with computers, use an automatic trickle charger to maintain its charge. We prefer the battery maintainers that bolt directly to the battery terminals and have a plug-in pigtail. There’s less risk of a clip-on terminal coming loose this way, and it’s easier to reset if you should ever have to move the vehicle.

Defend Against Pests

Mice, rates, squirrels, cats, racoons. You name it, they can all wreck a car, from wiring to carpets to HVAC systems. Block any openings that small rodents could use to access the vehicle. Place mothballs or rodent repellent near the tires (but not inside the vehicle) and other areas where rodents may nest.

You can also find natural repellants that use unpleasant but non-toxic essential oils to keep mice and other pests away. Traps, glue strips, and poisons are a bad idea; no one wants the smell of a decaying animal in their car.

Consider Climate-Controlled Storage

Whenever possible, store your classic vehicle in a climate-controlled environment. This helps to maintain a stable temperature and humidity level, preventing rust and other issues. Dry is more important than warm, but warm and dry is ideal. If you plan to use a dehumidifier to help with a damp space, make sure it has appropriate capacity and a self-draining reservoir with a hose emptying into a drain.

Invest in a Good Cover

Assuming you’re storing your vehicle indoors, use a soft, breathable car cover to protect the vehicle from dust and scratches. Make sure the paint is clean and dry before installation to prevent damaging or contaminating the cover. If the storage space is an active garage, consider a thicker cover to prevent damage from other users.

Crack a Window

If you’re storing the vehicle indoors, open a window or two slightly to ensure proper air circulation. This helps prevent the buildup of mold and mildew in the interior.

Don’t You Forget About Me

Winter can be long for you and your classic. Visit the storage location periodically to check on its condition. Every month or so, start the engine and let it come up to operating temperature. If you can, move it enough to operate the steering, brakes, clutch, and transmission. Give it a thorough inspection for any signs of issues. It’s better to be proactive to identify and address problems early on so you can take care of them before spring breaks for good.