To the Doctor:
We are going south for the winter, but one of our vehicles will remain in the garage in a very cold climate from December through April. Any helpful hints to ensure a nice return in the spring?

The Doc Says:
You're storing your car in the garage, which is one of the best things you can do for it, according to experts. The concrete floor warms and cools slowly, which does not promote condensation as much as other surfaces. In addition to that, there are several other things you can do to prepare your car for its long winter's sleep.

1. Change the oil. Putting fresh oil in the engine will remove much of the condensation from inside the engine, preventing corrosion.

2. Check the antifreeze concentration. Since you're in a cold climate, you want to make sure the antifreeze in your car is strong enough to prevent the water/coolant mixture from freezing, which can damage your radiator or other components.

3. Pour in fuel stabilizer, and drive around for a few miles. This will allow the stabilizer to work its way through all the fuel lines and injectors, in addition to the fuel tank, keeping the fuel from gumming up over the winter.

4. Remove the battery. Store it in a cool, dry place and it should hold its charge throughout the winter, though you might want to trickle charge it upon your return before you reinstall it.

5. Wash the car thoroughly, inside and out. Cleaning the outside removes contaminants that can mar the paint over time, and giving the inside a thorough cleaning will remove any crumbs or leftovers that might attract animals. (Most experts say the biggest danger to stored vehicles comes from mice, rats and other animals that might use the vehicle as shelter, which is why some experts recommend sprinkling mouse poison beneath the car, while others insist it's better to simply use an ample supply of mousetraps set under the vehicle.)

6. Raise the tires. Jacking the car up and storing it on jack stands or concrete blocks (letting the suspension sag) will keep the tires from cracking or developing "flat spots" that will make for a rough ride on your return.

7. Cover the vehicle. Use a waterproof but permeable cover that will allow condensation to pass through (vinyl tarps tend to trap condensation, which can promote corrosion). Covering the vehicle will keep dust and sunlight from marring the finish.

If you follow these steps, your car should be good as new when you return home!

The advice described above is for informational purposes only. It cannot and should not be used in lieu of an actual, physical inspection and diagnosis by a trained mechanic or automotive technician. The opinions and advice offered herein are not intended to diagnose automotive problems or component failures; they are simply intended to provide information on what could be transpiring. VehicleMD accepts no liability resulting from actions taken as a result of this advice.