Bringing your car out of winter storage is exciting but requires some preparation to ensure it’s road-ready. Neglecting proper checks can lead to unexpected issues, so addressing a few areas is vital before you hit the road. Here’s exactly what to do when you take your car out of winter storage.
Check the Battery
Start by inspecting your car’s battery. Look carefully for signs of corrosion on the terminals, affecting the vehicle’s performance. If you disconnected the battery during storage, reconnect and test it to confirm it holds a charge. The battery might need charging or replacement if it doesn’t pass the test.
Top Off or Replace Fluids
Fluids are the lifeblood of your car, and sitting idle for months can make some stagnant or less effective. Check the engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, and transmission fluid levels. Replace any fluids that appear dirty or cloudy, and top off anything that’s running low. Don’t forget the windshield washer fluid—especially if you’re driving through dusty spring roads.
Inspect the Tires
Tires are another crucial area of focus after storage. Look for any visible flat spots that may have developed while the car was stationary. Use a tire pressure gauge to make sure you have them inflated properly, as underinflated or overinflated tires can affect handling and fuel efficiency. Inspect the tread for signs of excessive wear or damage, and replace the tires if necessary.
Examine the Brakes
Brakes can deteriorate while the car is in storage, so they need a thorough check before driving. Inspect the brake pads for wear and check the brake lines for any signs of cracking or damage. Take the car for a slow test drive and listen for squealing or grinding noises, which could indicate the need for brake replacement or servicing.
Inspect the Undercarriage
Take time to check your car’s undercarriage for leaks or damage. Look for signs of fluid dripping under the engine bay, which could indicate issues with oil or coolant lines. Rodent damage is another concern, as small critters may have chewed through wires or hoses during storage.
Start Slowly
When the car is ready to start, don’t rush. Start the engine and allow it to idle for a few minutes before driving. Use this time to listen for unusual sounds and check for warning lights on the dashboard. Take your first few miles slowly to identify any potential performance issues that might not be immediately apparent. Take your vehicle to the car wash or wash your car at home to freshen up the exterior. Determine if you need to use a pre-wash when washing it to remove grime that might have built up during storage.
Consider a Professional Tune-Up
Schedule a tune-up with a trusted mechanic if you want complete peace of mind. A professional can check areas like the ignition system, suspension, and other components you might not be able to access easily. Use the visit to discuss whether you’ll need additional maintenance.
Preparing your car for the road after winter storage doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. You can enjoy a smooth and worry-free drive by ticking off these essential tasks. Make the time to do it right, and your car will reward you with peak performance and reliability. If you’re ready to extend the lifespan of your vehicle and keep it at its best, why not book an inspection today?
Bio: Casey is a passionate copyeditor highly motivated to provide compelling SEO content in the digital marketing space. Her expertise includes a vast range of industries from highly technical, consumer, and lifestyle-based, with an emphasis on attention to detail and readability.
Super Bowl LX | Seattle Seahawks vs. New England Patriots | Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara | February 8th 2026 3:30 PM PST
Why this matchup matters
Super Bowl 60 isn’t just another championship game; it’s a collision between a reborn contender from the Pacific Northwest
and the most decorated dynasty of the modern NFL era. The Seattle Seahawks return to the Super Bowl for the first time
in 11 years, carrying a new identity on defense and a quarterback on a redemption arc.
Across the field, the New England Patriots arrive in their 12th Super Bowl, already holding the record
for most appearances and chasing a historic seventh Lombardi Trophy.
For Seahawks fans, this is about rewriting the memory of Super Bowl XLIX. For Patriots fans, it’s proof that their legacy
didn’t end with Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. The stakes are emotional, historical, and deeply personal on both sides.
Let's have a little chat. Does your morning routine ever feel like a game of "What's going to hurt today?" One day it's a knee that clicks with every step; the next it’s a shoulder that complains when you reach for a coffee mug. As we navigate our 30s, 40s, and beyond, our bodies have a funny way of reminding us of every high-impact workout, every long day spent chasing kids, and every night we slept in a weird position. Juggling a career, family, and personal life is demanding enough without constant aches and pains joining the party.
Flipping houses is an increasingly popular way to generate substantial profits in real estate. It’s a practice that combines strategy, creativity, and financial insight to turn undervalued properties into desirable homes while maximizing returns. However, successfully flipping a house requires more than just a keen eye for potential.
Voices That Shaped the Festival’s Last Utah Chapter: An Emotional Farewell to Sundance in Utah
For forty-five winters, the Sundance Film Festival transformed Utah’s mountains into a global crossroads of creativity.
Filmmakers, dreamers, locals, and visitors walked the snowy streets of Park City with the same shared hope;
that stories bold, strange, intimate, and revolutionary could change the world.
In 2026, that tradition reaches its final chapter before the festival relocates to Colorado.
Building a new home represents one of life's most significant milestones. It offers the unique chance to design a space that perfectly fits your lifestyle and needs. However, construction costs can quickly spiral out of control without careful oversight.
Related Bing News Results Top 10 Highest-Paid Tech Jobs in 2026 Wed, 21 Jan 2026 10:24:00 GMT From enterprise architects to data scientists, these are the highest-paid tech jobs in 2026 based on salary and hiring trends. Industry Roundup: The Top 10 Most-Read Stories of November 2025 Thu, 18 Dec 2025 15:59:00 GMT Awards and new openings were among the month's top headlines. 4) Honoring the Best New Products of 2025 The 29th year of the Convenience Store News Best New Products Awards program recognized 52 ...
