The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk Re: Preparing your truck for winter

Get Your Classic Ready For The Cold

- Store Your Classic in a Garage: The most basic protection against the elements for your classic is to store it in a warm dry place. If your indoor storage is prone to varmints, make sure to take precautions against them damaging your vehicle.
- Check Antifreeze Levels: If you’re having to store outside, or in an unheated garage, you’ll want to make sure your engine block isn’t in danger of cracking.
- Protect Your Tires: Temperature changes can change your tire pressure. Make sure your tires are full of air. If you have a jack stand, consider putting the truck up on it to avoid flat spots on the tires.
- Wash, Wax, Cover: Even when storing in a warm, dry place, make sure to wash and wax your vehicle before putting a cover on. Dust and dirt can scratch your paint job if not cleaned before putting on the cover.
- Fill Your Gas Tank: Air in your gas tank could lead to moisture, which means rust. Make sure your gas is full before storing your Classic for the winter.
- Mind the Battery: A trickle charger can help maintain your battery life through the cold months. If you don’t have one on hand, disconnecting your battery is an alternative.

Did you know that every week your battery will lose 4% of its charge just by sitting (with no load)? If your vehicle has a clock, computer, or another device that continuously draws power from your battery, this percentage is even higher.