When the cold season begins, many summer vehicles have to be parked and mothballed. How beloved cars survive the winter undamaged and what is really important when winterizing.
Preparation before mothballing
Before the vehicle goes into winter break, thorough cleaning and technical preparation are crucial. According to Autozeitung, it is advisable to clean the car not only on the outside but also on the interior. Dirt, leaves or salt residue can cause damage to the paintwork or lead to mold formation over a period of months. The subfloor in particular should be freed from road salt.
Changing the oil before storage protects the engine from deposits and corrosion. The ADAC also recommends filling the tank completely to prevent condensation from forming inside. In addition, antifreeze should be checked in the cooling water and in the windshield washer system – this does not only apply to classic cars, as DEKRA also emphasizes. Both organizations also recommend choosing a parking space that is as dry and well ventilated as possible.
Safe location: garage, carport or shell?
The right storage space plays a central role when overwintering. Ideally, the vehicle should be kept in a dry, well-ventilated garage – this reduces condensation, which can otherwise lead to rust damage. If a heated garage is not available, rubber mats or wooden plates under the tires can help keep moisture away from the surface.
A tarpaulin can be useful – but only if it is breathable. Both ADAC and DEKRA recommend against airtight tarpaulins as moisture can build up underneath. The result: rust or mold in the interior. It is also important that the vehicle is completely dry before covering – especially in the area of the door seals, wheel arches and under the rubber mats.
If the car is parked outdoors, a carport is still a better solution than an open parking space – especially if the roof protects against snow and ice. In any case, the fewer temperature fluctuations and humidity, the better for the preservation of technology and bodywork.
Treat the battery and technology correctly
The battery in particular suffers during the idle time. Specialist portals recommend either disconnecting them or leaving them connected to a trickle charger. This prevents deep discharge – a common problem with older batteries.
The tire pressure should also be adjusted: increasing the pressure by 0.5 bar prevents flat tires. Alternatively, the vehicle can be jacked up. DEKRA also advises against applying the handbrake – it is better to put it in gear and use wedges to prevent it from rusting.
Insurance, registration and seasonal license plates
In addition to the technical preparation, legal aspects must also be taken into account. Vehicles with seasonal license plates may not be driven outside of their registration period – and parking in public spaces is also not permitted during this time. The ADAC, among others, points this out. If you want to park your car safely out of season, you should plan a suitable private parking space.
For vehicles with regular registration, it may make sense to switch the vehicle insurance to so-called rest insurance – this saves premiums as long as the car is not used. The prerequisite is that the vehicle is always parked in a garage or on private property.
Spring: Safely back on the road
After the winter break, the vehicle should be thoroughly checked before it goes back on the road. First you have to connect the battery and check all fluid levels – i.e. oil, coolant and windshield washer fluid. The tire pressure should also be checked and adjusted if necessary.
DEKRA also recommends carefully testing the brakes before your first ride, as rust may have formed on the brake discs over time. A visual inspection for possible leaks, animal nests or rust spots is also part of the mandatory program. If you want to be absolutely sure, plan a short test drive – ideally in daylight and on a dry road.
With the right preparation, the vehicle will survive the cold season without any problems – and will be ready for use again in the spring.
Editorial team finanzen.net