As the colder months approach, many drivers will begin thinking about storing their cars away from harsher weather and more demanding driving conditions.
If you’re thinking about taking your car off the road as we head into autumn, we’ve put together some key tips to help keep your car safe until warmer weather returns.
Tyres – slightly over‑inflating tyres before storage helps to prevent flat spots developing during long periods of inactivity. Remember to return them to the correct pressure before you use the vehicle again. You can also use tyre saver ramps as an alternative.
Cleaning and covering – wash the vehicle thoroughly, making sure it’s completely dry before parking it in the garage. If you’re particular about your paintwork or chrome, a soft indoor cover will help protect against dust and debris, especially if the garage is in regular use.
Moisture control – place dehumidifying crystals inside the car to reduce the risk of mould. Avoid heating the garage, as this can encourage moisture build‑up, and remember that most vehicles won’t be harmed by freezing temperatures. You may want to consider using a dehumidifier, but ensure that the garage is as sealed as possible to maximise efficiency.
Battery and fuel – use a good quality battery charger or conditioner to keep the battery in working order; the best units cut off automatically when fully charged. Keep at least a quarter of a tank of fuel in the car, as draining the tank is hazardous and leaves flammable vapour behind. Unless using ethanol-free fuel, use E5 and a quality fuel stabiliser to prevent damage to carburettors and fuel tanks, as well as degradation of incompatible fuel lines and seals.
Engine and fluids – check that coolant is at the correct level; many garages offer a winter check if you would prefer professional reassurance. Placing a drip tray beneath the car will make sure any fluid leaks are contained and easily identified.
Garage checks – inspect the garage regularly to spot potential hazards. Wildlife may seek warmth and vermin can cause catastrophic damage to vehicles, with wiring in particular a likely target.
SORN – if you plan to not drive your car, you can opt to declare it SORN, meaning you will not have to pay vehicle excise duty. This is explained in more detail here (opens a new window).
Most of our policies are based around an anticipated annual mileage, which should include the winter months. If you don’t intend to drive your car during the winter, you can amend this to a ‘Laid Up’ cover. However, doing so will remove any cover to drive your vehicle anywhere that the Road Traffic Act applies. This includes certain areas of private land where traffic laws still apply, so you must exercise caution before using your car. If you keep your full cover in force, this will not present an issue.
Prefer to leave it to the professionals?
Opting for a professional storage company can be an excellent option in the winter months. High-quality storage facilities provide a dry, secure environment to store your pride and joy away from the elements, and give you complete peace of mind that your car is safe from harm.
Most reputable storage firms will provide at a minimum, the following levels of protection:
24-hour monitored CCTV
Intruder and fire-detection systems
Physical barriers to entry (including security gates and ram-proof bollards)
Other services can include the use of high-quality car covers, battery management services, warm engine cycles, tyre protectors, and axle stands. Collection and delivery services are also worth considering, to keep your car away from wintry conditions.
If you do place your car in professional storage, all you need to do is advise us of the storage company's name and address. We have existing relationships with most of the UK’s leading car storage firms, and their security measures are known to insurers. For other firms, we may request some additional information about the protection measures they have in place.
If you plan to keep driving through the winter, read our article on staying safe here (opens a new window).
For more information, reach out to a member of our team.
