How to Prepare Your Car, Boat, or RV for Winter Storage in Sarnia

Storage4usarnia
Oct 5
3 min read

As the vibrant Sarnia summer on Lake Huron and the St. Clair River winds down, it's time to think about protecting your valuable vehicles from the coming winter. Whether it's a classic car, a beloved boat, or your home-on-wheels RV, proper winterization is critical to prevent costly damage from cold, humidity, and inactivity.

This step-by-step guide will walk you through the essential tasks to prepare your vehicle for hibernation, ensuring it starts up perfectly when the warm weather returns.

The Golden Rule of Winter Storage

The single most important thing you can do is find a clean, dry, and secure storage unit before you start the process. A 10x20 drive-up storage unit is the perfect garage alternative, protecting your investment from the elements and theft.

The Universal Winterization Checklist

These steps apply to all vehicles you're storing for an extended period.

Give It a Full Clean: Thoroughly wash and dry the exterior and interior. Remove all dirt, grime, and salt to prevent paint corrosion and stains. For boats, this includes a freshwater flush of the engine and a hull cleaning.
Change the Fluids & Filters: Old oil contains contaminants that can damage your engine. Change the oil and filter before storage. For boats, this is also the time to stabilize the fuel.
Battery Care: A dead battery is the most common post-storage issue. For long-term storage, the best practice is to disconnect the battery and remove it entirely. Store it in a cool, dry place and put it on a battery tender to maintain its charge.
Protect Against Pests: Mice and other rodents look for warm places to nest. Plug the exhaust pipe and air intake (with a rag or tape) and place rodent repellents around the vehicle.
Use a Breathable Cover: A soft, breathable, indoor cover is ideal. Avoid plastic tarps, as they trap moisture and can scratch the paint.

Vehicle-Specific Winterization Tips

🚗 For Cars & Motorcycles:

Inflate Tires: Inflate tires to the recommended pressure to prevent flat spots. For very long storage, consider putting the vehicle on jack stands to take the weight off the tires.
Fill the Fuel Tank: A full tank prevents moisture from accumulating inside and causing rust. Add a fuel stabilizer to prevent the gas from degrading.

🛥️ For Boats:

Winterize the Engine: This is a complex but critical task. It involves fogging the engine with oil to protect internal components and draining all water from the engine and plumbing systems to prevent freezing and cracking. We strongly recommend having a marine professional handle this.
Drain and Dry: Remove all drain plugs. Open all compartments and lockers to air them out. Remove any cushions, life jackets, or other fabric items to prevent mold.

🚐 For RVs & Campers:

Sanitize & Drain the Water System: Completely drain the fresh water tank and water heater. Drain all water lines and pour non-toxic plumbing antifreeze into the pipes and traps.
Propane Safety: Turn off the propane tanks at the valve.
Protect Appliances: Leave the refrigerator and freezer doors slightly ajar to prevent mold.

Your Sarnia Winter Storage Solution

You've invested in your vehicle. Now, invest in its protection. Our secure, drive-up 10x20 storage units provide the perfect sheltered environment for your car, boat, or RV during the Sarnia winter.

Ready to tuck your vehicle in for the winter?