Preparing Car for Winter Storage:
A Detailer’s Guide to Long-Term Protection
As the driving season winds down and temperatures start to drop, proper winter storage becomes essential — especially for vehicles you’ve invested time, money, and passion into.
From a detailing standpoint, how you prepare your vehicle before it’s parked makes all the difference in how it looks when spring returns.
We highly recommend storing in a climate controlled space that has good rodent control and no overhead storage items that could fall on the vehicle.
Ideally, this work should be completed after the vehicle has been moved to its final storage location to ensure no new contaminants are introduced during transport. If that’s not possible, perform all of the recommended steps below before storage, and then follow up with a quick detail once the vehicle is parked in its storage space.
1. Start by Cleaning and Condition the Interior
A dirty interior can cause materials to breakdown while in storage. Start with a thorough vacuuming and cleaning of all interior surfaces including all hard surfaces, glass, floor mats and carpets. Be sure all mats are sitting nicely in the vehicle so that they do not become misshapen during storage.
For leather, we recommend a deep clean to remove any oils from the body followed by a conditioner that replenishes natural oils.
Detailer’s Tip: Crack the windows slightly during storage to reduce trapped moisture and odor buildup — but only if the storage space is dry and secure.
2. Next do a Thorough Exterior Cleaning
Even if your vehicle looks clean, environmental contaminants and brake dust can continue to damage surfaces while it’s stored. An exterior decontamination wash with an iron remover ensures embedded particles are removed from the vehicle. Finish the process with a sealant for added protection.
Detailer’s Tip: Apply a dedicated trim and rubber protectant to exterior plastics and weather seals. This keeps them hydrated and prevents cracking.
4. Protect Wheels and Tires
Wheels collect contaminants that can etch and stain finishes over time. Brake dust, in particular, is highly caustic and can cause significant surface breakdown if left on the wheels during storage. For the best results, remove the wheels if possible to allow full access for cleaning the barrels, backs, and calipers. Clean them thoroughly and apply a quality sealant to protect the finish and make spring cleanup effortless.
Clean and dress tires with a water-based tire conditioner (not silicone-based shine products). This prevents sidewall drying and cracking during storage.
Detailer’s Tip: After cleaning, move the car slightly before storage to ensure no water remains trapped behind rotors or wheel barrels.
6. The Final Touch: A Breathable Car Cover
While there are pros and cons to covering your vehicle in storage , if you plan to cover we recommend a breathable, fitted car cover designed for indoor use. This prevents dust accumulation and minor abrasions while allowing moisture to escape.
The Detailer’s Advantage
A properly detailed and protected car doesn’t just look better after winter — it ages better. Paint remains glossy, trim stays supple, leather resists cracking, and cleanup in the spring becomes simple.
Ready to preserve your investment this winter?
Schedule your pre-winter storage detail with Revive Auto Detailing today and start spring with a car that’s ready to shine.